Graduating students and alumni of the prestigious Atlantic Hall School, located in the Poka, Epe area of Lagos, were presented with different prizes for their outstanding performances at the school’s 32nd valedictory service and graduation Ceremony on Saturday.
The school’s auditorium, which was the venue of the ceremony, was a sight to behold as parents, students and staff of the institution, including members of its board, were gaily dressed in different eye-catching outfits.
Delivering her opening remarks at the event, the Chairman of the school’s board, Marlies Allan, thanked all those who graced the occasion, and congratulated the graduating students.
This was even as she charged them to continue making the school proud as they strive for excellence in academics, and behaviour worthy of emulation.
She said, “Be ambassadors. And, you must always carry the school high in character and learning.”
In her address, the guest speaker and an alumnae of the school, Olabimpe Nwadubike, urged the graduating students to be resilient in their pursuit of excellence.
She said, “The school has given you the tools to be great. Leadership is not a title, but a mindset which I’ve seen that the AHS has offered you.”
Another highlight of the event was the celebration of a parent, Mrs Ezenna, whose six children had attended and graduated from the school.
In an interview with Society Plus, Ezenna described the school as a legendary institution that ‘prepares children for everything’.
Meanwhile, awards of academic excellence were presented to two former students of the institution— Chukwuemeka Christopher (for clinching five A’+s and two A’s in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education in 2023, and Esther Fasuyi who had seven A1’s and two B’s in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the same year.
The venue also went agog when the valedictorian— Oluwatofunmi Alabi— was unveiled, and greeted with a standing ovation.
The school’s principal, Adetayo David, and other members of the Board joined Allan in presenting special and distinguished awards to Alabi and other students.
Derek Menkiti and Chisom Mbonu were presented the Head Boy and Head Girl awards respectively; while their deputies, Oluwadamilare Ojeleke and Kamby Adimora were also duly recognised.
Pastoral care awards went to Ebubechukwu Monye, Yasmin Umar, Oladapo Oladeji, and Rayna Onyegbula.
Outstanding performance awards in drama, sports and music were also presented to Angel Onwunali, Kamby Adimora, Oludolapo Oluwajobi, Vivian Chinedu and Chukwuemeka Kpajie, among others.
In another smashing record, Vivian Chinedu, who emerged the winner of the Best in Cyber Security competition in Lagos last year, attributed her feat to constant studying.
“I was always studying for the examination. I made sure I understood what I was doing,” she said.
In an interview with our correspondent, Alabi, stated that her diligence paid off. She said, “I am still in shock. I was not expecting to be the valedictorian, but, I was happy that my hard work paid off.
“I always prayed to God to help me, and of course, I studied a lot too. My teachers were really helpful as well.”