"Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time"
- Lyndon B. Johnson
On 21st September, 2024, St. Stanislaus High School celebrated their 161st Annual Prize Day after a gap of a year, due to grand celebrations on the completion of 160 years in 2023. For this very reason, the excitement for this year's Annual Prize Day had reached it's peak. It was anchored on the theme "Give Peace a Chance," a powerful reminder of the need for peace in a world that often feels divided. Through this theme, the students, teachers, and the entire school community came together to explore and express the meaning and significance of peace—not just as a lofty ideal, but as a practice one can live out daily.
In a world where conflict and misunderstanding often dominate headlines, the theme couldn’t have been more relevant. From global conflicts to personal differences, the world is constantly reminded of how fragile peace can be. Yet, as the events of the Annual Prize Day unfolded, it became clear that the seeds of peace lie within each one, ready to be nurtured and shared.
The programme started with the grand welcome by the guard of honour and the school band who escorted the Chief Guests, Mr. Sebastin Edwardraj and Mrs. Sahaya Anna Deepa , parents of School Captain Master Stanistin Sebastin and the Guests of Honour, Mr. Bosco D'silva and Mrs. Ciana D'silva, parents of SSC Top Ranker, Master Brayden D'silva accompanied by his younger sibling Master Bernin D'silva, along with our dignataries, Asst. Manager Fr. Evarist Newnes S.J, Principal Sr.Arockiammal Anthony, Vice Principal Tr. Charmaine, Supervisor Sir Titus, IGCSE Vice Principal Ms. Petula Lobo, Primary Headmistress Tr. Raynah Lemos, K.G Supervisor Ms. Natasha Rodricks, Fr. Baptist Pinto S.J, Fr. Francisco Juan S.J, Br.Conrad Fonseca S.J to the school hall.
The auspicious event began by invoking the presence of God with a meaningful and unique Prayer Service. It started with a video showcasing what peace meant to each student in their daily activities. It was followed with prayerful reflections, leading to the angelic choir singing ' A song of Peace' with important values displayed on the placards- Peace, Tolerance, Kindness, Compassion, Brotherhood, Equality, Harmony, Unity, Respect, Forgiveness, Love and Unity.
The esteemed Chief guests and the Guests of Honor who commemorated this event were introduced and were given a token of appreciation. Their presence made this event even more special. With this began the most awaited part of the event- cultural programme. Peace is more than the absence of war; it is the presence of harmony, tolerance, and understanding. This was displayed through a lively skit titled 'Give Peace a Dance.' Featuring dance, singing, and powerful performances by talented actors, dancers, singers exploring the values of harmony, friendship, and the importance of peace in daily lives through their journey in the Harmony Society which then ended with a power-packed finale. The message was simple yet crystal clear: peace isn’t something distant or abstract; it’s something we can give a chance, right here, right now. Finally, after the meaningful programme, began the 'Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony.’ It is rightly said by Frank Ocean, " Work hard in silence, let your success be the noise,” and so, it was time to acknowledge, and honour, all the Academic and Non- Academic winners of the preceding year. The success achieved by the students indeed made the loudest noise through an applause by their proud parents.
This year, a unique experience was witnessed by each one as the entire programme was anchored not by the 'usual' two comperes but by eight comperes who did a splendid job. The programme ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Principal Sr. Arockiammal Anthony who appreciated the contribution of all who made this day possible. The School Anthem was sung with pride to mark the end to this annual event. A huge pat on the back to the Annual Prize Day Committee - Dorris, Andrea, Pritisha, Roger, Laxmi, Ornate headed by Nikita Chatterjee, the entire cast and crew; , management , staff, non-academic staff, students, ex-students, Choreographer Kunal Jessani, PTA, for making this day a grand success.
"Give Peace a Chance" was not just the theme of the Annual Prize Day—it was a call to action. In a world that often feels chaotic, each one was reminded that peace is possible if one seeks it from within. Whether through words, actions, or relationships, each one can make a difference. One small step at a time can build a more peaceful world for generations to come.
Let's Together, Give Peace A Chance...
- Nikita Chatterjee
