NIS Speech,Prize-Giving and Graduation Day - 2023
Do you ever wonder about an event that depicts the value of prioritizing education, entertainment, and the definition of ‘hard work pays off’? That event is the 2022-2023 Annual Speech, Prize-Giving, and Graduation Day of North Hills International School! This event was held at the forecourt of the school in North Legon, decorated beautifully with red, white, and yellow background, a stage, canopy, and seats as well as a big banner displaying the pictures of graduates of this year’s celebration on the 7th of July, 2023. From the opening prayer which commenced the occasion to the vote of thanks to end it all, it was an event to remember. An event that did not only push students, teachers, etc., to work hard but also taught everybody about the importance of perseverance, determination, and good work.
This was the school’s sixth time hosting this event since it was founded in 2017, and just like every other year, the event was captivating. The theme was Digitalization: The New Prize Phase of Education in the 21st Century and the Guest Speaker was Professor Edward Nketiah-Amponsah (Associate Professor of Economics: University of Ghana). At 10 am prompt, the event started, and traditionally, with an opening prayer by a student of the school. The Master of the Ceremony for the occasion was a teacher and a parent. This clearly showed the inclusivity of everyone who comes together to make the school function, which all together, graced the event and made it beautiful. The atmosphere this day was lovely, it was not too sunny, but the sky was bright and blue. The weather was warm, and one could say it played a part in making the event as wonderful as it was. Emotions of nervousness, excitement, and fascination were heightened at the beginning of the event, over anticipation of what was to be displayed and yet to be witnessed. There was an opening act from the school band which included a violinist, drummer, pianist, recorder player, trumpeter, and electric guitarist; it was intriguing and beautiful to see students extremely talented and you could tell everyone was impressed by the loud noises and clapping after the performance.
There were ballet performances, cultural dancing, a performance from the school choir, choreography by the graduates (year 6 and year 9 respectively), and speeches made by the General Manageress of the school, and representatives from the graduating classes, specifically, Kindergarten 2 and Year 9. With bated breath, everyone watched the outstanding achievements of students that were acknowledged and celebrated when it was time for the prize-giving and the place was filled with a sense of awe and admiration for all. Considering the numerous amount of classes, this specific part was spaced out in the program. Yet, people were excited every time. Witnessing the pride and joy on the faces of parents and awardees was priceless, and truly heartwarming. It is an amazing fact to acknowledge that aside from students being awarded, some school staff were also given prizes! These prizes included home appliances such as washing machines, fridges, and an ultimate prize of a master’s scholarship to attend any school of choice which was given to the best teacher of the academic year.
In conclusion, tears were shed, mostly due to shock and happiness, and people’s faces shone with bright and genuine smiles. It seemed as if everyone agreed that those that got awarded, deserved it to the extreme. At that moment, it became abundantly clear that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can indeed yield remarkable results. There was happiness everywhere and the whole event was like a person eating ice cream. It was so good that as it seemed to be coming to an end, it was a little sad. The significance of this event was powerful. People appreciated the hard work and efforts they had put into the academic year. As the curtains drew to a close on this momentous Speech and Prize Giving Day, it was clear that this event was a celebration of inspiration, achievements, and of powerful words, remembering everyone there to continue to dream big, that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can indeed yield remarkable results and this has indeed brought to light the school’s motto; which says, ‘Climbing Academic Excellence’.
