When the time comes for parents to witness the graduation ceremony of their children after years of toiling to provide funds for their education^ their joy certainly linows no bound. In some cases, particularly amidst harsh economic realities of our time as such, it is these parents’, responsibility to pay all the necessary bills and provide books for this same children of theirs. BULUS GAMBO writes.
THEREFORE, appreciating God in the aftermath of overcoming some of these huge challenges comes from the bottom of the parents’ hearts. Thus, such parents become more appreciative if their children graduate with flying colors.
It is in this same spirit of thanksgiving and appreciating their children for successes recorded that the parents, well- wishers, staff and management of the famous St. Luke’s Cathedral Anglican Primary School adjacent West of Mines in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State gathered to celebrate God’s mercy on the lives of these children.
Therefore, the school’s annual Speech and Thanksgiving/Graduation ceremony for 2022 was held by the proprietor and the management of the school to thank God for seeing them through another rigorous academic session and also granted the pupils of the school wisdom to overcome inevitable educational hiccups to achieve this feat.
Speaking at the event, the Head Teacher of the school, Oyelana Felix explained that “Today marks a very special day for us as a school and our graduating class of 2022. Our graduands are all radiant, happy and looking forward to their next challenge in life. Coming thus far is a testimony to the glory and mercies of God coupled with a great deal of work and dedication from you our graduands. A kind reminder is for you to remember that completing primary school is the first step in your journey of educational pursuit. As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Now you have taken the first step and have succeeded. Now, we send you out as our ambassadors in the midst of sheep and wolves.”
He encouraged them noting that, “Remember all that you have gained from this institution and apply them positively in handling the challenges that lie ahead of you. Remember the word of the Lord in Mathew 10:16 which says, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Strive to acquire greatness, strive to acquire knowledge, strive to acquire excellence and most of all strive to love and obey the Lord your God more as you grow. I have no doubt in my mind that if you choose to walk this path, there lies a brighter future ahead of you.”
Interestingly, as a Christian faith based school, St Luke’s Cathedral (Ang), School Jos, has over the decades continue to impact the fear of God, good leadership qualities and educational excellence on its pupils. The hard work and dedication to duty by both the management and teachers of the school is reflecting on the distinguished performance of the pupils in their various fields of educational engagements and assignments. The pupils who have represented the school in various educational competitions and championships have remained tops.
Some of these testimonies to the glory of God can be seen in the last Mathematics Olympiad organized by the Nigeria Turkish International Colleges where the school came 57’*’ out of over 2400 schools in the northern zone which participated in the competition. The pupils also performed excellently during a competition organized by the Children Leadership and Transformation Project Nigeria for a seat in Jos South Local Government Area’s Children Parliament where one of the pupils clinched the post of Director of Agriculture. The pupils also participated in a PRTVC children’s programme called Children’s Panorama where it was adjudged as one of the best.
In consideration of the adage, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, the school also participated in many outings including a visit to Fresh Bakery, Lawal Farm, NASCO Household and Jos Wild Life Park. They had a wonderful and enriching experience.
Also contributing. Guest Speaker at the occasion, Rev Dr. Paul Cookey who spoke on the topic, ” The Influence of Social Media on Academic and Spiritual Learning on Pupils and Student noted that many parents are always happy seeing their children adding that these pupils ought to be celebrated after the achievements recorded.
He mentioned that parents must always monitor the usage of phones by their children to avoid negative influence on their lives and urged the school authorities to establish a strong curricular which would guide pupils on how to use their phones and communication gadgets for the betterment of their lives.
Contributing, chairperson of the occasion and Councilor Vanderpuye Ward, Evangelist Grace Vanderpuye expressed appreciation over the school management and staff’s effort towards sustaining the feat which is continuously achieved.
For the outgoing Head Boy of the school, Joseph Jacob, their stay in the school significantly affected their lives for the better adding that “our school gave us precious memories that are truly priceless. The day I first walked into this school is still fresh and new in my mind, at that time life felt so difficult and hard.
“Furthermore, I know that for many of us, thinking about the future is an unsettling experience. Moreover, this is something which we all like to avoid. Some of us even undertake procrastination whenever the talk of the future comes up. This is certainly not a good attitude on our part. The future is not something that we should fear but a challenge that we should all gladly embrace.” He added.
Though the 2022 edition of annual speech and prize giving/Graduation ceremony has come and gone, the sweet memories of this event will continue to linger on the minds of the pupils for years to come.
