On 4th February 2016 St. Paul’s English School bid a fond farewell to its X, XII and PUC students. The theme for the Valedictory function was ‘Inspire’. This year’s graduating Paulites were resplendent with their aspirations and hopes for their future. The occasion was graced by the presence of Mr. G Thangadurai, Director –Presidency Group of Institutions and Mrs. Vijaya Thangadurai, Mr. Satyanarayana, senior member of the management, Ms. Bhuvaneshwari, Principal (Presidency School, Bangalore South); the Principal of Presidency School RT Nagar, Ms Pushpi Dutt and Principal of Presidency School Nandini Layout, Ms. Fathima. A mellifluous rendition of the invocation song by the school choir seeking the blessings of God set a solemn tone to the occasion. The ceremonial lighting of the lamps signalled the start of the evening’s programme. Vice Principal Deepa Gopal delivered the Welcome Address which was enlivened by inspiring quotes and aphorisms. The Principal Susan Roy and the audience gathered witnessed the tradition of handover of responsibilities by the outgoing members school leaders – replete with moments of euphoria and sadness intermingled! The rendition of the song “What Faith Can Do” by the school choir and the words “…even if you fall sometimes, you will have the strength to rise’’ brought a lump to the throats of all those listening. The valedictory ceremony was full of some of the most poignant moments as Paulites and Presidentians passed on the ‘Flame of Knowledge’ to each other sheltered in the arms of their alma-mater. The choir’s rendition of “Feel the light” brought forth tears of parting mixed with the anticipation of new beginnings. As our valedictorians took the Oath – their voices were full of the of yearning to fly ahead and away towards newer heights of excellence and yet finding it heart wrenching to leave behind their alma mater. Principal Susan Roy, in her address to the graduating students, advised them to leave behind an indelible legacy of academic achievements as well as develop into stellar torch bearers of their generation. She gave her message through an entrancing power point presentation on the “Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya. Her words” Bridges are not built, they are grown, no one can build a bridge alone …..’ were very evocative. Susan Ma’am highlighted and emphasized the important role a teacher plays in a student’s life. A touching rendition of the song” Yeh Math Kaho Khuda Se” by the 10th Grade teachers echoed the joys and sorrows reminding us all of the fifteen years that have flown by as if it were yesterday once more. What a showstopper indeed! ‘Inspire’ a speech delivered by primary school students Mathew and Sumaya in cherubic lisping tones and replete with tongue-in-cheek humour had the audience and our valedictorians laughing joyously. Truly, ‘Child is the father of man” as these little prodigies bid goodbye to their seniors in a most befitting and enchanting manner. They deserved every bit of the applause from the audience. Mr Dwarik Rao, parent of Ashwin Rao (Std 10) took the audience on a trip down yesteryears with his account of how the school years of his children at St Paul’s were a harmonious blend of studies and extracurricular activities that had shaped their personalities exceedingly well. He lauded the salubrious atmosphere at the school and the tireless efforts and support of the Principal Susan Roy and all the teachers. He exhorted the outgoing graduates to “Dream Big, Work Hard”. He told them always remain true to the values of their alma mater and never forget their country its people and the sacrifices of its brave soldiers. Mrs Mamta G. Reddy, mother of Tanush of class 10 C praised in glowing terms the Principal, teachers and staff at St Paul’s and lauded the efforts of the entire team at St Paul’s in shaping her children into stellar students and game changers of their generation. She felt the grief of parting as deeply as if it were her graduation day and not that of her children! The school choir then rendered the song “Are they all your children after all?” leaving the audience teary eyed as parents marvelled at how time had flown by and their little toddlers had grown into admirable young men and women. The guest of honour for the evening was Major Priyanka Singh (Army Service Corps). In her address to the graduating students she reminisced about her graduation day. She exhorted the students to be very grateful to their parents and teachers who had inculcated in them the right values and made them capable of making astute decisions regarding their career and life. The Chief Guest Mrs Sandra Oberoi, a renowned Western classical vocalist, Director of Harmony School of Music and a motivational speaker shared the secrets of fulfillment in life by giving the students the benefit of her life experiences. She said that they had to always follow four principles unswervingly-
- Look ahead in life – draw strength from the future.
- Look around – seek help from others to achieve one’s goals as well as help others to achieve their goals.
- Look within – retrospect regularly to ensure that one’s life goals were being followed. Practise humility and grace.
- Look up and connect with the Almighty for strength and wisdom as one goes through one’s life and works towards one’s goals. “Live simply, love selflessly” were her parting words.
Shruti Karnam and Amrutha George of Grade XII and X respectively marvelled at how their school years had passed by so quickly from infancy to young adulthood at the salubrious atmosphere of St Paul’s and the time to say goodbye had come too quickly and hit them like a bolt out of the blue. The song “Thanksgiving” by the school choir left many in the audience with tears trembling on their eyelashes. Mrs. Geethamani Ma’am rendered the Vote of Thanks. All assembled arose to sing the National Anthem. The evening’s programme concluded with a sumptuous dinner arranged for the parents and students by the school management.