Valedictory Ceremony-2016

Today is a day of dreams, dreams fulfilled and dreams of great things to come.
Jones Salk

The backdrop read ‘Decide, Commit, Succeed’! An air of solemnity hung in the air as the Valedictorians of the batch of 2015-2016 stood poised, ready to march through the gathering for their school leaving ceremony.

Gracing the occasion were the Chief Guest, Dr. Thimappa Hegde, Director Narayana Institute of Neurosciences, and Mrs. Chethana Hegde; the Guests of Honour, Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph, S.J; the President of the OBA, Mr. Shashi Lewis; the Secretary of the OBA, Mr. Brian D’Lima; the Vice-President of the PTA, Mr. Bernaad Chetty and the Secretary of the PTA, Mrs. Reena Pereira. They were escorted to their places by the Vice Principal of SJBHS, Mrs. Miriam Angelo and the Administrator of the Primary Section, Rev. Fr. Sunil Fernandes, S.J., after receiving the customary Josephite Guard of Honour.

The Valedictorians then moved forward slowly yet purposefully, down the red carpet, led by the Principal of SJBHS, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, S.J.

The silence of the evening air was gently broken by the strains of the invocation song, ‘Still’, sung by the students of Class XI, calling on the blessings of the Almighty. The Almighty was invoked in the lighting of the lamp and the prayers that followed. The grace of God was sought on every activity of the school, namely academics, sports and games, co-curricular activities, the imbibing of values, bringing about religious harmony as well as loyalty to the Alma Mater. With the lamp spreading its soft glow in all directions, the Valedictorians broke into the song ‘May we be a shining light to the nation’, a fitting conclusion to the prayers.

Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, S.J., then took the stage to welcome all gathered at the SJBHS grounds. Bouquets and mementoes were presented to the dignitaries.
Rebecca D’Silva of Std XII, in her message to her Juniors, warned them that her journey through Class XII was no better than the classic ‘Dante’s Inferno’, but in the end ‘Paradise’ was achieved. The Valedictorian from Std X referred to Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’. A plethora of thankyous to the management, staff, support staff and their juniors, followed.

The solemn transfer of charge took place to the tune of ‘Abide with me’, played by the school band. The school flag was lowered by the students of Stds XII & X and handed over to the students of Stds IX & XI, who then hoisted the flag symbolizing the change of guard. Hari Karthik Ramesh of Class XI and Abrar Sen Gupta of Class IX then replied to the Valedictorians’ message thanking them for their guidance and encouragement. Scrolls were exchanged, symbolizing taking charge.

The Chief Guest was invited to share his thoughts and words of advice to the gathering. Dr. Thimappa Hegde, Old Boy, parent and well-wisher, stressed to the Valedictorians what he had been told at his graduation: “You are no longer young boys or girls; but young men and women with a purpose”. He urged the Valedictorians to fulfill three things in life, namely, to bring glory to those who matter in their lives; give more than they have received; and to repay the debt to the teachers and school. In short, contribute their best to the world.

To the parents his message was: “Children do not refuse advice, they refuse how the advice is pushed down their throats”. Dr. Hegde concluded with the story ‘Dream of the three trees’ to show the uniqueness of each student who is the work of the Master Creator!

Rector Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph, then spoke to the Valedictorians asking them to look back with joy and gratitude and to look forward with hope and confidence, showing unbridled enthusiasm towards life, full of obstacles and challenges yet having limitless vistas and horizons. Reaching for the stars with competence, , confidence, character and commitment should be their aim.

The Valedictorians were called on stage to receive their mementoes and course certificates. The students of Std XI sang the farewell song ‘The Climb’ while the students of Std XII sang ‘That’s what friends are for’. The boys of Std X also presented a medley of songs followed by the Vote of Thanks by Sai Pranav of Std X.

Finally it was time for the ceremony to come to an end. Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira, Principal of SJBHS, lit the first candle from the lamp. The Valedictorians then took the light received with them as they formed a circle around the audience, symbolizing the spread of knowledge to the far recesses of the world to dispel the darkness of ignorance; The message given through the song ‘Carry Your Candle’. Parents, teachers and well-wishers circled around to wish the graduating batch of Std. X & XII, soon to pass from student to Alumni!