It is our pleasure to welcome Bonita Norris

as our Guest Speaker for Founder’s Day 2023

From a life-changing phone call to an indoor climbing wall to the tallest summit above sea level... Bonita’s journey translates to the highs and lows we experience in our everyday lives.

Bonita was inspired to invest in some mountaineering boots at the age of 20 following a university lecture. As she listened to two men describe their own experiences, she decided to set off on her own adventure. Decision made, there was now just the minor issue of never having climbed before. And needing exceptionally high fitness levels to survive unforgiving environmental conditions. Oh, and £50,000 to secure her place on an expedition.

Right in the midst of a Media Arts degree, the young woman from Wokingham set about to train and raise funds for her dream. Overnight, she had to become an entrepreneur and an athlete with no resources or skills. Bonita drew on the deepest reserves of her courage and willpower to persevere until, incredibly, she found a sponsor and completed her training.

On the 17th of May 2010, at the age of 22, Bonita took a record-breaking step onto the top of Everest. And she did not stop there. Since then, this humble and passionate individual has skied to the North Pole, led charity teams, and climbed a total of five Himalayan peaks—three of which are over 8000m high.

An icon for British adventurers, a youth ambassador for numerous education institutions, a motivational speaker, and previously nominated Cosmopolitan Woman of The Year, Bonita is a beacon of what it is possible to achieve with enough determination.

We are so thrilled that Bonita is with us today as part of our Founder’s Day celebrations.

Programme

Time What’s On

12.00pm Senior School Parents ArriveParking on Flying Field*

12.00 - 13.00pm Senior School Music ConcertReading Room

13.00pm Barbecue on the terraces

14.15pm Founders Day Speeches in the Griffin Theatre

• Chairman of The Governors

Nicholas Ford

• Head of School

Ruairi Elliott-Jones

• Head of School

Charllotte O’Reilly Burge

• Head of College

Mr Rob Jones

• Head of School

Bas Hossle

• Head of School

Emelia Mason

• Guest Speaker

Bonita Norris

15.30pm Drinks outside the Griffin Centre

Half Term Commences