By Johnson Adebowale
This was a joyous and memorable day for the students, parents, staff and management of Apostolic Grammar School, Orisigun, Ketu, Lagos as the school held its farewell ceremony for the end of classes junior and senior secondary schools in 2022.
The event, which took place in the hall of the school, was also an award-winning day for the categories of graduates, junior and senior, who distinguished themselves in different subjects.
Enthusiastic students delighted guests with fun activities as they showed off their talents in music, drama and dance, among others.
The Secondary Principal, Mrs. RA Adebambo, in her address, urged the graduates to keep hope wherever they go.
She said: “As you begin another journey in your life, please believe in yourself and you will live above all limits. It is to fulfill your life’s purpose. Remain obedient to your parents, make the best use of all the lessons you have been taught in the congregation, during fellowship, mentoring and individual counseling.
“Always seek good counsel, and you will rise above all limitations in life. We have taught you to respect others and to be of service to those around you. The light of Christ has been placed within you to shine wherever you find yourself in your academic pursuits.
Referring to the school’s academic achievements during the session, she said that 147 students sat for the West African Graduate Certificate Examination in May/June 2022, while 96 for the National Examinations Council, and the results released recently by WAEC have proven to be a success for the students.
She appreciated the owner, school governing board, alumni association, parents and guardians, teaching and non-teaching staff for their efforts and support.
Meanwhile, the headmaster urged parents to help instill discipline in their children rather than relying solely on teachers, especially now that the government has banned the use of canes in all schools, adding: “The most students, knowing that they cannot be beaten, now take discipline for granted, which makes it difficult to correct them. For this reason, I want to encourage our dear parents to help us allow charity to start at home for these children. “
In his remarks, the school board chairman, Pastor Paul Funso Usman, appreciated the trust the church has placed in them to serve. He acknowledged donations, scholarships and other support from the alumni and parents association. He listed various achievements, such as a new administration building, improved hostel facilities, and various academic awards and honors won by students in competitions.
“We are happy to announce that the new administrative blocks are almost complete and will soon be put into use. The structure is modern and equipped with scientific laboratories of international standards for agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, physics and basic sciences.
In his words of exhortation titled “We cannot keep them forever,” Pastor SEA Oludare pointed out that the time has come for graduating students to leave school and start another phase of life. Therefore, the school can no longer keep them once they have completed the allotted time.
“By setting yourself apart in all your endeavors and maintaining the standard you learned in college, you have been grounded morally and spiritually in the faith not to stray from the hope of Christ. Fear not, persevere and have a clear vision of your future.
“Promise to be a good ambassador to your family, school and promise not to shame them all,” Pastor Oludare encouraged.
In her address, Mrs. EM Ojoye, Head of Junior Secondary, thanked and acknowledged her tireless teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the continuous sacrifice of parents.
She pointed out that 133 students sat for the junior exam, NECO, while 148 sat for the Lagos State external exam, expressing optimism that they would come out with flying colors by the time the result would be published.
Congratulating the graduating junior students, she said, “You haven’t achieved everything yet, but you have just completed a milestone. Don’t give up, push forward, see yourself achieving the best of your senior high and the best among your equals. “
Awards were given to students who distinguished themselves in their studies, and graduating high school students were inducted into the Apostolic High School Alumni Association (TACGSOSA).
