ST. ANTHONY’S SCHOOL REWARDS EXCELLENCE AS PARENTS, TEACHERS, CHURCH HARP ON EDUCATION AS KEY TO NATIONAL GROWTH

WARRI – The premises of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ugborikoko, was agog yesterday as St. Anthony Schools held its annual Prize Giving Day event, with pupils, parents, teachers and guests celebrating academic and moral excellence.

The event, which drew a large turnout of stakeholders, was marked by hymns, intellectual display and the presentation of awards to outstanding pupils and students across academics, sports and good conduct. Speaking at the ceremony, one of the guests, Mr. Tuoyo Eboma, described the occasion as more than a ceremony, noting that it was a reminder that hard work must be seen, celebrated and encouraged.

“Each book, each plaque, each round of applause told a child; ‘Your effort matters. Your diligence is not in vain,’” he said. “For many of them, that moment will become the memory they hold on to when the work gets tough.” The atmosphere in the school compound reflected what community truly looks like; adults investing in the future while children dare to believe in themselves.

In the remarks of the Principal of St Anthony’s School Rev Sister. Augustina Yewande Adeleke OSF reference was made to the thoughts of Dr. Stephen Kekeghe, who in his intellectual and literary works has consistently argued that education goes beyond passing examinations. “Education is about forming character, sharpening the mind, and giving a child the key to unlock doors that poverty and doubt have shut,” she noted. The school authority, parents and the Church were commended for turning St. Anthony’s into what she called “a house of hope for a greater future.”

As the event wrapped up with prayers and presentations, stakeholders agreed on one point; investing in children is investing in the soul of society. School officials said the awards were designed to spur other pupils to greater heights in the coming session. “Education remains the key,” a parent stated. “And yesterday at Ugborikoko, many young hands were given that key. May they use it well.”