ANNUAL PRIZE DAY KG - 5
ANNUAL PRIZE DAY KG - 5
ANNUAL PRIZE DAY
Junior Section
"The expert in anything was once a beginner."
-Helen Hayes
What better way to celebrate the constant hard work of the students which deserves to be rewarded and recognised, than the Annual Prize Day? Always ready to motivate its students to excel, St Joseph's College, Prayagraj organised the Junior Prize Day, on the 8th July, 2024.
The event kicked off with the Chief Guest, the Director of Nazareth Hospital, Rev. Fr. Vipin D'Souza being escorted by the College Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva and the College Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melwin Pais, inside the grand College Auditorium.
The Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Aveline French welcomed the dignitaries of the event following which the Junior Choir started the proceedings on a highly positive note with the morning prayer. Mrs. Asther Bhatty then led the audience into a prayerful atmosphere with Bible reading and a special prayer followed by a melodious prayer song by the Junior Choir.
Ms. Aveline French, then extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Vipin D'Souza, introducing him to the gathering as a pillar of support to the college, serving as the Headmaster from 2002-2005. Father has been serving in the Nazareth Hospital for the past 9 years, first as the Administrator and currently as the Director, being a central figure especially during the Covid-19 period, dispensing both medical care and true compassion to one and all during the testing times. A splendid musician, Rev. Fr. Vipin D'Souza to his credit, has released an album of 5 volumes, called the "Swar Tarang" which is a collection of Christian Devotional songs. Apart from his musical prowess, Father is even a brilliant sportsperson.
A beautiful floral welcome of Rev. Fr. Vipin D'Souza by Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva led to the first set of prizes being given out to the students of LKG and UKG classes. 15 students of LKG and 6 students of class UKG were given the merit award for securing the First position. Merits for 100% attendance were distributed as well. The Junior Choir then presented the College Anthem, singing for their Alma Mater, filled with great zeal and confidence. The programme proceeded with the Prize Distribution for classes 1, 2 and 3. Prizes for securing the top scores were distributed to the young achievers, along with prizes for 100% attendance. Although all the young achievers deserve praise for their outstanding achievements yet students who secured the first rank outranking all other students, deserve special accolades. Yash Bajpai from 1-H, Aarav from 2-F and Mohd. Wali Adil from 3-C all secured the first rank.
It was time for a spectacular treat for the audience. The students of the Junior Section performed a beautiful group dance, winning everyone's hearts with their energetic and synchronised dance performance. Finally, for the seniors of the Junior Section, namely classes 4 and 5, prizes both for merit and 100% attendance were distributed. Gaurang Singh of 4-G and Chirag Tandon of 4-E shared the First place while Atharv Luthra of 5-F secured the first rank in all of class 5.
The audience was all smiles as the students of the Junior Section next performed a vibrant medley of English Nursery Rhymes and old Bollywood classics, under the able guidance of Mr. R. Solomon. Recognising the efforts of the teachers, awards for 100% attendance were given to the deserving teachers. Ms. A. Collis, Mrs. E. Masih, Ms. G. Beck, Ms. P. Michael, Mrs. P. Madan, Mr. R. Solomon, Ms. Shabbo, Ms. S. Valentine, Ms. S. Sharma, Ms. P. Kushwaha and Ms.U. Nasim were all given recognition for their relentless hard work as reflected in their perfect attendance.
Nothing prepares a parent for the untimely loss of his beloved child especially when he or she has been snatched too young. Therefore, it is even more remarkable, besides being creditable, that parents of such a child decide to go beyond their personal grief and honour the legacy of their child by instituting a generous award in memory of their child year after year. The Manas Memorial Award instituted by Dr. Manoj Singh, the seniormost Hindi faculty of St. Joseph's College, Prayagraj and his wife, Mrs. Sangeeta Singh, comprises a trophy, a citation and a ten thousand rupees fixed deposit which is given to the topper of class 5. The proud recipient of this annual award was Atharv Luthra of class 5-F.
Yet another student who was the proud recipient of a special award was Abhigyan of 5-B who received the Emerine Shanti Singh Memorial Award for being the topper in English in class 5.
As the event moved closer to the end, the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Vipin D'Souza addressed the gathering. He congratulated all the awardees for their hardwork, perseverance and dedication which was reflected in their excellent achievements. He encouraged the students to keep believing in themselves. He said, "Believe you can and you are halfway there", and that, "Self belief is the cornerstone of success". He advised us to grab all the opportunities that come one's way. He even urged the students to always remember that success is not the key to happiness but happiness is the key to success. In conclusion, he appreciated the crucial role of the teachers and the parents in the life of a student, inspiring them and igniting the flame of hope and dedication, spurring them to success.
After this, the Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva presented a memento to the honourable Chief Guest, as a token of appreciation, for sparing time from his busy schedule. Deeply appreciative of the enterprising, energetic and enthusiastic Headmaster, Rev. Fr. Melvin Pais, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva was full of praise for the power house of knowledge, that is, teachers and the indelible imprint that parents leave on their wards. Likening the minds of students to tabla rasa, he emphasised on the value of every question an inquisitive child asks as learning takes place every second. Reiterating the value he attaches to the triangular relationship of students, teachers and parents, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva dwelt on the importance of exploring and nurturing talents as mere academic grades are not enough for all round development. He had a special word for Dr. Manoj Singh, commiserating with him in his sorrow at having lost his son too early, while appreciating his magnanimous gesture of motivating every topper of class 5, perceiving him to be just like his late son.
The highly anticipated programme came to its conclusion with a Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Asther Bhatty and followed by the singing of the Nation Anthem by the whole gathering.
