Courtesy: Algi Wijewickrema – Editor, SPC-OBU.
St. Peter's College held its Prize Giving on Friday, February 21, 2014, and if I am to describe it in 2 words, I would say it was a colorful and competently run event. From the time the Chief Guest, Rt. Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo was received by the Rector and the Priest Community till the National Anthem was sung to close the ceremony, it flowed smoothly and efficiently making the Peterites young and old, present at the function, proud.
The welcome ceremony itself had a few events connected to it. After garlanding the chief guest, he and the priest community were led to a special dais erected opposite the Nicholas Perera Hall, by oriental dancers in procession through a line of Cub Scouts saluting smartly. The welcome ceremony continued with the chief guest receiving a ceremonial salute by the Air Wing Cadets of St. Peter's which was followed by the hoisting of the National and College flags by the chief guest and the Rector, respectively, after which the Peterite Western Band played the National Anthem. This led to the teaching staff and the Old Boys being introduced before the guests entered the hall.
Fr. Vincent Ashley, Vice-Rector recited the opening prayer and Fr. Trevor Martin, the newly appointed Rector then read the Annual Prize Report for the year 2013. In presenting the annual report he spoke of the importance and role of leadership in modern society and thanked the chief guest and Fr. Ranjith Madurawala – the General Manager of the Catholic Private Schools for gracing the occasion. He also thanked Fr. Travis Gabriel – the former Rector for his valuable contribution in the relevant year and also thanked the priest community and staff for their ready assistance. The Rector did not forget to congratulate staff members who had reached the milestone of 25 years of service and having thanked those who left the services of the College, he welcomed those who joined the staff of St. Peter's. He concluded his address by thanking the organisers of the Prize Giving, congratulating the winners and praised and glorified God quoting from the Magnificat.
Click above link for collage of photographs taken at event
The Chief Guest, Bishop Maxwell Silva in his address remarked at the outset the he too had attended St. Peter's and was happy to be back. He noted that not every school is in a position to organise a Prize Giving due to costs and said that Peterites should be happy that they are in a position to do so. Having congratulated the prize winners he said that those who failed to win also must not be forgotten as they had also striven though failing in their quest. His also spoke of the role of a teacher in the modern society, which he saw as one not only of teaching but of mentoring as well. In an era when even appreciation of students' achievements is questioned, he thanked the Rector and those involved in organising the event and added that St. Peter's is fortunate to have a Priest of the caliber of Fr. Trevor Martin as Rector who is an eminent educationist and disciplinarian who is qualified and experienced to meet the needs of the College.
Ms. Imojen Mel, Mr. Bernard Jesudasan and a student took turns at reading the prize list, while Bishop Maxwell Silva, Fr. Ranjith Madurawala, Fr. Rector and Fr. Travis Gabriel distributed the Prizes. The ceremony included prizes awarded to students of the Gampaha branch of the College, students who had qualified to receive special scholarships made available by Old Boys and well wishers and awards to teachers who had achieved 100% attendance.
The proceedings were interspersed with lively performances by the oriental and western choirs of the College and concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by the Head Prefect, Mas. Shahen Yatagama followed by the singing of the College and National Anthems.
