It was an emotion-laden day at the 15th Valedictory Service and Prize Giving Day at Awesome College on Wednesday 17th July 2019.
Graduating students expressed great joy at leaving secondary school whilst nursing the reality of leaving behind classmates and school tutors who have become family and friends over the years.
The students, dressed in lovely graduation gowns entered the venue looking glamorous. Parents of graduands were not left out as they came in their best attire to rejoice with their children.
The theme for this year’s valedictory service was: ‘Firm Foundation’based on the book of 1 Corinthian 3:11.
The School Administrator, Mrs. Olushoto Bose in her welcome speech congratulated the students for their outstanding achievements in external examinations. She, however, urged the students not to relent in their effort to attain academic excellence. In her words, “I say well done to all our students for the hard work and effort you evidently put into your academics this past session. Let us go higher together to the next level, for the best is yet to come if you press on. Hard work is not over when you graduate. It is just a break as you enter the new battlefield of life. There are more heights to reach, so keep your focus. Good luck and congratulations.”
The School also expressed gratitude to the parents for their cooperation, team spirit and for actively partnering with the school by sharing in the school’s vision and mission to bring up their children in an awesome way.
The Executive Director of Awesome College, Pastor Babatunde Oni in his address charged the graduating students never to stop exhibiting leadership qualities they have imbibed during their stay at Awesome College. According to him: ”These leadership qualities you have acquired from here will distinguish you in a world that is craving for exceptional leaders. No matter how young you are, you can start small in your little environment to always exhibit leadership qualities. Always be the best wherever you are because at that point, you can make more impact.”
The School’s Director proudly stated that Awesome College has continuously nurtured wonderful sets of students that have represented the school within and outside Nigeria.
Pastor Oni further stated that the school is very proud to send the students into the world because they have been well-grounded academically and spiritually. In his words, “We are sending accomplished individuals into the world”, in line with the school’s vision – “To set the pace for excellent education in Nigeria, against the backdrop of Godly principle with the awesome power of God molding the lives of children, equipping them for life. Over the course of our 14 years existence, we have many of our graduates creating niches and making waves in many professions and fields of study both at home and abroad. Our old students have graduated from, and are currently in State, Federal and Private Universities and other Tertiary institutions in Nigeria and Diaspora.”
The guest speaker, Pastor Bismah Ajibola representing Pastor Ayodeji Alao-Peters, encouraged the graduating students to put all their energy, faith, talents and time into every opportunity that come their way.
Pastor Ayodele shared four principles that will guide the graduating students in their journey of life. The principles are: (1) Embrace Jesus Christ (2) Consistently pray to God (3) Let the Word of God to always be your guide and (4) Choose your friends carefully.
The Valedictorian, Miss Mofiyinfoluwa Ajayi in her valedictory speech thanked the school management especially their teachers for not only instilling in them excellence in education but also building their moral standards and training them to become confident leaders.
Reminiscing about her experience in the school, the Valedictorian said, “Five years ago, most of us ‘stumbled’ into Awesome College. Now, I say ‘stumbled’ to paint a picture of our initial uncertainty as wide-eyed young fledglings on the edge of our first flight into high school. A few of us joined in Year 8 and 9. Throughout these 3-5 years as the case may be for each of us, we persevered through it all, and experienced happiness together. From Mr. Alli’s frantic, Chidera-fuelled run to Mr. Salami’s endless lessons, we have had more than enough reasons to laugh amongst ourselves. There have undoubtedly been some tough times and definitely many happy days. Nevertheless, apart from reminiscing about the past, today is also about looking into our wide, bright future… In each of us, I no longer see a restless child but instead, a maturing young adult, ready to take all of life’s lemons and make the best lemonades yet.”
Gifts and awards were presented to outstanding students in various subjects by the Executive Director, Mrs. Tunde-Oni Olubukola and school Administrator, Mrs. Olushoto Bose.
Academic, recognition awards, gifts, and cash prizes were also presented to students at various levels for excellent academic performances.
Some of the special awards given were: Director’s cash prize for students with overall highest cumulative average, B.E. Oni & Co (Legal Practitioner) award for the best graduating students in Liberal Arts (History and Literature), Long service awards to staff (10+ years as at July 2019), Behind the scene cash award, Tee Noble House awards for the best behaved students (male and female) and Ransome-Kuti family award for the best students in Checkpoint (Sciences)
Students from different classes wowed the audience with brilliant performances including Urhobo dance steps, word recitations, orchestra and dance presentations.
A representative of Nigerian musician and Saxophonist, Adetola Olaiya, aka, Ola Sax gave the audience dancing vibes with beautiful songs from saxophone.
After the cutting of graduation cake, the vote of thanks was given by the incoming Head Boy, Ransome-Kuti Greatness to draw the curtain on this year’s Valedictory Service and Prize Giving Day.
For inquiries about Awesome College School, call: 08038003113,08182667760 or forward an email to Awesomecollege@hotmail.co.uk, Awesomecollege24@gmail.com.
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