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By Johnson Adebowale
It was a joyful and memorable day for students, parents, staff, and management of The Apostolic Grammar School, Orisigun, Ketu, Lagos, as the school held its valedictory ceremony for graduating junior and senior secondary classes of 2022.
The event, which took place at the school hall, was also an award-winning day for the categories of graduating students, junior and senior, who distinguished themselves in different subjects.
The excited students thrilled guests with some fun activities, as they showcased their talents in music, drama, and dance, among others.
The senior secondary principal, Mrs. R.A. Adebambo, in her address, urged the graduating students to keep hope alive wherever they go.
She said: “As you start another journey in your life, please, believe in yourself and you will live above all limitations. Having your own mind, being firm in your decisions, and dreaming is fulfilling your life’s purpose. Remain obedient to your parents, make the best use of all the lessons you have been taught in the assembly, during fellowship, mentoring and one-on-one counseling.
“Seek good counsel always, and you will rise above all the limitations of life. We have taught you to respect others and be of service to those around you. The light of Christ has been deposited in you to shine wherever you find yourself in your academic pursuits.”
Reeling out the school’s academic achievements in the session, she said 147 students sat for the May/June 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, while 96 for the National Examinations Council, and the results released by WAEC recently have proved to be successful for the students.
She appreciated the proprietor, the school’s governing board, the old students’ association, parents and guardians, and teaching and non-teaching staff for their efforts and support.
Meanwhile, the principal urged parents to help instill discipline in their children rather than rely solely on teachers, particularly now that the government has prohibited the use of canes in all schools, adding, “most of the students, knowing that they cannot be beaten, are now taking discipline for granted, and this in turn is making it difficult to bring them to correction. For this reason, I want to encourage our dear parents to help us allow charity to begin at home for these children. “
In his address, chairman of the school board of governors, Pastor Paul Funso Usman, appreciated the confidence the church reposed on them to serve. He acknowledged the donations, scholarships, and other support from the old students’ association and parents. He listed various accomplishments, such as a new administrative 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 completed and will be commissioned soon. The structure is modern and equipped with international standard science laboratories for agricultural science, biology, chemistry, physics, and basic science.”
In his words of exhortation titled “We can’t keep them forever,” Pastor S.E.A. Oludare pointed out that the time for the graduating students to leave the school’s care and start another phase of life has come. Therefore, the school can no longer keep them after they have completed the stipulated time.
“As you stand out in all your efforts and maintain the standard you have learnt from the college, you have been grounded morally and spiritually in faith not to move away from the hope of Christ. Don’t be afraid, persevere and have a clear vision of your tomorrow.
“Promise to be a good ambassador to your family, to the school, and promise not to bring shame to them all,” Pastor Oludare encouraged.
In her address, Mrs. E.M. Ojoye, principal of junior secondary, thanked and acknowledged her tireless teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the parents’ ongoing sacrifice.
She pointed out that 133 students were presented for the junior examination, NECO, while 148 sat for the Lagos State External Examination, expressing optimism that they would come out in flying colour by the time the result is released.
Gratifying the graduating junior students, she said: “You are yet to achieve it all, but you have just finished a step. Don’t give up, press forward, see you achieve the best in your senior secondary and the best among your equals. “
Awards were presented to students that distinguished themselves in their academics, and the graduating secondary students were inducted into The Apostolic Grammar School Old Students Association (TACGSOSA).
