By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 18 May: “Together we Nurture Hope, Resilience and Bright Futures” was the message that prevailed at the 31st Annual Speech & Prize Day at St Jude’s School.
The Annual Speech and Prize Day for Juniors (Nursery to Class V) was held on 16 May and the Chief Guest was B Vishnoi, Principal of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy, Dehradun. B Vishnoi, in her address, said becoming good human beings, responsible citizens, and competent professionals are three values desirable for all. So, Schools require the support from the Parents in shaping the personality of any child so that children stand firm on moral grounds.
The Annual Speech and Prize Day for Seniors (Classes VI to Classes XII) was held on 17 May and the Chief Guest was S Jaideep, Principal, Cambrian Hall. Some of the guests were RV Gardner, Chairman, Board of Governors, ex-MLA and Principal, St Thomas’ College, VR Gardner, Director, St Jude’s School, Kanwaljeet Singh, Vishal Arora, Mr and Mrs Lawless and A Mayer.
The Chief Guest said, “Success is more than certificates and trophies, it is also the resilience you develop when you face challenges in School – in the sports field, in competitions you have in class and also the knowledge gained. Being knowledgeable is entirely different from being educated.”
He advised the parents to spend time with their children because before we know, they will fly the nest.
M Gardner, Principal, St Jude’s School, in her Annual Report, highlighted the cultural and Academic achievements of the Students. “As parents and educators in India- a country so rich in youth potential, yet facing immense transitions, our role today is not just to prepare them for exams, but also to help them build inner strength – to teach them how to listen deeply, speak kindly, choose wisely, and stand firmly,” she declared.
A Vote of Thanks was proposed by VR Gardner, Director, St Jude’s School.
The Jonty Multipurpose Auditorium was adorned with vibrant decorations created by A Rawat, M Bhardwaj, R Singh and V Nagpal.
The evening began with the Academic Prizes being handed out. The following deserved the accolades they received. Akriti Mittal and Tanmay Aggarwal (ICSE 2024-25) topped St Jude’s School with 98%. Rishaan Verma topped (ISC Board Examination 2024-25) topped St Jude’s School with 98%. The School Toppers of the Science and Commerce Stream along with the other Academic Prize Winners were also felicitated.
This year, the Students of the Pre-Primary, Primary and the Junior School presented a vibrant musical adaptation ‘The Amazing Show’. The play was directed by J Tindale and C Bruce.
It was followed by ‘Dindi’, a devotional Folk Dance from Maharashtra. The Dancers had been trained by Shama Kukerja.
The Choir sang an energetic and powerful anthem, Believer by Imagine Dragons- a celebration of strength through struggle. The Choir had been trained by Vijay Shahi.
The Primary School Students presented a musical extravaganza celebrating friendship, unity and adventure. ‘A Journey of friendship Across Magical Land.’ The Musical was Choreographed by P Kaur, A Nagarkoti and S Sharma, Costumes by N Dias and Mrs Chachra, Props by V Nagpal and S Rawat, Choir by R Sangaya.
‘To Sir, With Love’ was a heartfelt tribute to Mr Gardner and Teachers who serve as mentors, role models, and life-changers. It honoured educators who believe in their students’ potential and leave a lasting impact on their lives-not just through lessons taught, but by the values they inspire.
The Play was Directed by M Gardner, Background Slide Show by V Chandel, Costumes by R Saklani, Dances by S Kukreja and Music by V Shahi, Props were by A Rawat. G Davids also provided help with the Play.
The Choir sang a Hindi Mashup, a vibrant medley of latest Hindi Songs.
The day concluded with all singing the National Anthem.
