Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 3: Farewell is not just the cessation of school life but simultaneously the commencement of life outside the secure refuge of its nurturing walls. It is a day that stirs celebration, reminiscence, and reflection, as the future unfurls with myriad promises, evoking a rich spectrum of emotions among students, teachers, and families alike. On this memorable occasion, the hall of St Agnes School CBSE resonated with heartfelt emotions as it hosted the farewell ceremony ‘Adieu’ for the outgoing grade 10 students on the January 30. A serene ambiance, adorned with vibrant embellishments, provided the perfect setting for this momentous event.
Preceding the ceremony, a solemn Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated in honour of the farewell and presided over by the esteemed Fr Jagadish, bestowed divine blessings upon the grade 10 students, inspiring them to uphold virtues, wisdom, and resilience as they step into their future journey. The grade 10 students reverently offered their thanksgiving prayers, expressing deep gratitude for the guidance received.
The farewell ceremony began with symbolic gestures honouring the esteemed dignitaries. Sr Maria Sarika, the principal, was bestowed with a sand timer, symbolizing her unwavering commitment and leadership, with each passing grain of sand representing her dedicated investment in shaping young minds. In a similar vein, Liston Derick D’Souza, the PTA vice president, was welcomed with an aroma diffuser, an emblem of the positivity and encouragement he consistently imparts, fostering an environment of growth and harmony within the school community. Sr Meena Fernandes, the vice principal, Sr Letitia Lobo, the coordinator of St Agnes Preparatory School, and Sr Reshma were warmly received with floral tributes. The welcome to the parents and students added a special reverence to the event. Parents received a rose from their children, symbolizing gratitude for their steadfast support. In turn, the children were welcomed with a delicately crafted coat flower brooch, lovingly pinned by their parents, representing the strong bond that propels each child toward success.
A moment of tranquillity enveloped the gathering as a solemn prayer service unfolded, invoking divine blessings for the students' future journeys. The prayer service was followed by a soulful prayer dance, further deepening the spiritual ambiance and enhancing the solemnity of the event. A moment of reflection followed as Ria Rajesh of grade 9 delivered the welcome speech, embodying warmth and sincerity, and capturing the admiration and respect felt for the graduating class. A mesmerizing welcome dance followed, where the grace and vigour of the performers symbolized the celebration of the seniors’ accomplishments. Adding depth to the ceremony was a thought-provoking skit titled At the Crossroads, which poignantly depicted the decisions and emotions that shape an individual’s life journey.
The event took a jubilant turn with a high-energy filmy dance performance that infused vibrancy into the proceedings and had the audience clapping in rhythm. The highlight of the event was a melodious farewell song, performed as a heartfelt tribute to the grade 10 students, followed by a nostalgic PowerPoint presentation showcasing the bittersweet memories of their time at the institution. The evocative visuals evoked smiles, laughter, and tears, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present. Adding a personal touch, the juniors shared their heartfelt experiences, expressing gratitude and admiration for their seniors, while the outgoing students reflected on their journey, recounting moments of growth, camaraderie, and learning. The parents also joined in, offering their reflections and insights on the journey they had witnessed alongside their children at the institution.
The principal, Sr Maria Sarika, in her erudite address to the graduating students, emphasized that the values instilled within the nurturing embrace of St Agnes would serve as their guiding light in the journey ahead. She exhorted them to uphold resilience and integrity, ensuring that their lives are distinguished by purpose and excellence. She then solemnly entrusted the students to their parents and concluded with an inspiring poem, motivating their journey ahead.
Following this, a meaningful moment unfolded as students lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the guiding light that had illuminated their academic journey. This light represented vision, vitality, and the pursuit of knowledge, inspiring them to face challenges and drive future success. In commemoration of their time at the school, the graduating students were presented with mementos symbols of the institution's pride and a heartfelt wish for their continued success.
The day culminated with a sincere vote of thanks, extending gratitude to all who contributed to the event's success. Following this, students and parents rose together for the school anthem, a tribute to the institution's enduring legacy. Guests were then invited to partake in curated refreshments, celebrating the occasion with conviviality and camaraderie. The ceremony was adeptly orchestrated by the masters of ceremony Leanne Sara Rego and Sanvi Sudakar of grade 9. The vote of thanks was eloquently rendered by Joanna, the school pupil leader.
As the gathering dispersed, the air resonated with laughter, heartfelt farewells, and vows to sustain the bonds forged, making the ceremony a treasured chapter in the school's distinguished history. This farewell transcended a mere parting; it was a celebration of the grade 10 students' extraordinary journey, a tribute to their resilience, and a beacon of hope that will illuminate their future endeavours.