The long-awaited moment finally arrived. After a year of tireless effort, students of St. Francis Xavier School gathered at EZCC for their annual prize distribution ceremony, ready to be recognised for their achievements.

Reverend Paritosh Canning, Bishop of Calcutta, Church of North India, was the chief guest. “St Francis was a hard-working and devoted man, and this school not only bears his name but also spreads his values of hard work and love among students,” he said. “Today, while a few of you are receiving awards, the rest can see and say, ‘I can do this too,’ and continue working without short cuts,” he said.

Students from St Francis International School (the Kankurgachhi-based pre-school run by the same group) also participated in their own prize distribution ceremonies.

The event commenced with a rhythmic tribute of guru vandana, followed by the felicitation of guests. The school’s annual report was presented by principal Anil Srivastava.

Students who excelled in academics over the past year were honoured with certificates, books and medals. Arkadev Pandey of Class XII (2023-24) received the prestigious Founder’s Gold Medal Award for his outstanding achievements in academics and co-curricular activities.

“Winning this medal is special; I am excited to see that my contribution and hard work have been recognised. I’ve gained invaluable experience in this school that will help me advance my career. I love music but am currently studying computer science at Calcutta University, hoping to pursue this subject further as hardware components have always intrigued me,” said Pandey, who has also been the head boy.

The stream toppers for ISC 2024 were Akash Kumar with a score of 95.75 per cent (science) and Yuvraj Rana with a score of 91.50 per cent (commerce). Arpit Rai scored 94.25 per cent in ISC (science), securing the second prize, while Dipika Shaw scored 92.25 per cent in ISC (science), earning the third prize.

In the ICSE 2024 examinations, Riya Singh achieved the first prize with a score of 98 per cent while the second prize went to Atreyo Bhattacharyya with 97 per cent. Aditya Raj stood third with 94.40 per cent. Riya attained perfect scores of 100 per cent in history and civics, computer applications, chemistry, and biology.

The investiture ceremony took place on the same day, where the head boy, the head girl, the captains, the vice captains and the prefects were selected from the four houses: Netaji, Tagore, Gandhi, and Teresa. Nikhil Ray was named the head boy, while Ayshee Bhattacharjee was now the head girl. They all took an oath to uphold their responsibilities diligently.

Prizes were also awarded to students from all classes for their outstanding performances throughout the year.

Samriddhi Koley from upper KG won third prize in general proficiency. “I am very happy with my prize. I study with my mother in the morning and with my home tutor in the evening. My mother ensures that I study every day,” said the six-year-old.

Srija Das won second prize for achieving 100 per cent attendance. “I am happy, even though I wanted first place. I enjoy coming to school. My mother ensures that my attendance is good, but I like coming myself, so that is never a problem,” smiled the Class IV student.

The day concluded with a performance by the school’s choir.