28th January 2011
CGA’s 5th graduating class was honored in a ceremony on Friday. The parents and guardians of the students, along with many invited guests graced the occasion inside the Christ’s Gift Academy Compound. It was a very spirited day which began with some entertainment from various dance groups, including one of 1st – 4th graders and another one comprised of 5th – 8th graders. After the entertainment, the graduates came in one by one dancing to the theme song from this year’s World Cup, called “Wave Your Flag.” It was a fitting song because the lyrics say, “Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher, see the champions take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud… when I get older, I will be stronger…” The kids really enjoyed dancing to the song and singing along with it. The song played over and over again during the 45 minute dancing/marching processional. As each student was entering, our Principal Mr. Gwalla was talking about the achievement of each including their personality, academics, extra-curricular, etc. Then they were presented with a certificate and the gift of a Bible before taking a picture with their parent or guardian.
After that their class teacher described their performance on the national exams giving the breakdown of every subject and the overall grades. Everyone was very pleased that all the students passed. Prizes were given out to two people in every subject that showed good performance and good improvement. Also, the top student overall, Valary Akinyi, was given an award, as well as the top boy overall, Erick Otieno. The winners of the most improved award were Delence Achieng and Calisto Ochieng. There were also certificates presented to last year’s Head Boy and Head Girl of the school. The final award was our most coveted one. As a ministry we feel that Christian Character is more important than academic performance or anything else so we have the class and the entire staff of the school vote on this award. The winners receive an increase in their amount of sponsorship for secondary school. It is a considerable financial increase for all four years of secondary school. This year’s winners were Valary Akinyi and Benjamin Odoyo.
After the awards were given out it was time for the speeches. Two students from the graduating class began this session. Benjamin and Valary both spoke for about 10-15 minutes, addressing their fellow students, the teachers, parents and special guests. Both students gave extraordinary speeches that were encouraging, inspiring and profound. These 14 year old spoke better than any adult could. To most people that attended, that was the highlight of the day.
The special guests also gave their speeches, including the PTA chairman, several pastors (Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal), the principal and another teacher from Bishop Mugendi Secondary School, the Deputy Principal from Lwak Girls Secondary (the best girls school in the province) and the District Examinations Officer. They had lots of good stories and good advice for the students and parents. Many of those visitors had never
been to CGA before so it was special for them and for us.
After all of the speeches finally ended, it was time for lunch (a few hours later than normal lunch time). Most of the school chickens had been slaughtered for us to enjoy, along with chapattis, rice, vegetables and sodas for everyone.
It was the best graduation we have had so far. The graduates were very enthusiastic and spirited in their marching/dancing/singing, and the special guests made it memorable.
During the week of 31st January to 4th February, all 24 of these students will be joining various secondary schools throughout the province. Please pray for them as they begin this new
stage in their life.
CGA’s 5th graduating class was honored in a ceremony on Friday. The parents and guardians of the students, along with many invited guests graced the occasion inside the Christ’s Gift Academy Compound. It was a very spirited day which began with some entertainment from various dance groups, including one of 1st – 4th graders and another one comprised of 5th – 8th graders. After the entertainment, the graduates came in one by one dancing to the theme song from this year’s World Cup, called “Wave Your Flag.” It was a fitting song because the lyrics say, “Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher, see the champions take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud… when I get older, I will be stronger…” The kids really enjoyed dancing to the song and singing along with it. The song played over and over again during the 45 minute dancing/marching processional. As each student was entering, our Principal Mr. Gwalla was talking about the achievement of each including their personality, academics, extra-curricular, etc. Then they were presented with a certificate and the gift of a Bible before taking a picture with their parent or guardian.
After that their class teacher described their performance on the national exams giving the breakdown of every subject and the overall grades. Everyone was very pleased that all the students passed. Prizes were given out to two people in every subject that showed good performance and good improvement. Also, the top student overall, Valary Akinyi, was given an award, as well as the top boy overall, Erick Otieno. The winners of the most improved award were Delence Achieng and Calisto Ochieng. There were also certificates presented to last year’s Head Boy and Head Girl of the school. The final award was our most coveted one. As a ministry we feel that Christian Character is more important than academic performance or anything else so we have the class and the entire staff of the school vote on this award. The winners receive an increase in their amount of sponsorship for secondary school. It is a considerable financial increase for all four years of secondary school. This year’s winners were Valary Akinyi and Benjamin Odoyo.
After the awards were given out it was time for the speeches. Two students from the graduating class began this session. Benjamin and Valary both spoke for about 10-15 minutes, addressing their fellow students, the teachers, parents and special guests. Both students gave extraordinary speeches that were encouraging, inspiring and profound. These 14 year old spoke better than any adult could. To most people that attended, that was the highlight of the day.
The special guests also gave their speeches, including the PTA chairman, several pastors (Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal), the principal and another teacher from Bishop Mugendi Secondary School, the Deputy Principal from Lwak Girls Secondary (the best girls school in the province) and the District Examinations Officer. They had lots of good stories and good advice for the students and parents. Many of those visitors had never
been to CGA before so it was special for them and for us.After all of the speeches finally ended, it was time for lunch (a few hours later than normal lunch time). Most of the school chickens had been slaughtered for us to enjoy, along with chapattis, rice, vegetables and sodas for everyone.
It was the best graduation we have had so far. The graduates were very enthusiastic and spirited in their marching/dancing/singing, and the special guests made it memorable.
During the week of 31st January to 4th February, all 24 of these students will be joining various secondary schools throughout the province. Please pray for them as they begin this new
stage in their life. 
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1 comment:
Keep up the great work, Joe! You're an inspiration to other of us serving in Africa. Steve
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