Ashima Sharma, Keekli Reporter, 28th June, 2014, Shimla
The achievements and success of students is celebrated each year during the Annual Speech Day in every school. Bishop Cotton School, Shimla celebrated their Speech Day here today with great zeal and enthusiasm. The School presented a range of awards, trophies and prizes to boys who had excelled in different fields during the course of the academic year. The chief guest for this event was Lieutenant General Sanjeev Madhok. The programme commenced with breathtaking Guard of Honour presented by the NCC Cadets of the school.
After the splendid performance by the NCC students, Principal Christopher Robinson proceeded towards the Irwin Hall for the invocation with the chief guest. Headmaster welcomed the parents, guests and the chief guest and informed everybody about the achievements of the students during the academic year. During his speech he said, “I welcome all the parents, old Cottonions and our honourable Chief Guest to 155th Annual Speech of Bishop Cotton School. I would like to think that over the last term, I have been able to convey to the staff here and to the students (and to parents also) something of my educational philosophy; what I believe is important for a school and my expectations, emphasis and challenges. Year 2013 has been marvellous for us as Bishop Cotton School as we were awarded for being the second best Boarding School in India. Bishop Cottons became the first school to introduce scuba diving as a co-curricular activity. We believe in developing the right attitude in the students. In a school where groupings are deliberately small, no child can become lost or overlooked; our pupils are given time and attention. We remind students that they are individuals; each has special gifts and talents unique to them. We want our students to recognise their worth and that of others in our community. We seek to provide a wealth of opportunities and experiences for our students with teachers who are always encouraging and committed to getting the best from the students”.
Many other achievements in different fields like sports, debates and dramatics and academics were also mentioned in the speech. After the speech, School Captain Yashvardhan Singh took the podium and narrated some memorable and funny moments along with praising the support and hard work put in by the Principal and the teachers to bring out the best in students. The school captain got a standing ovation by the parents, students and the guests. Then Pegasus 2013, a collection of poems by the students of the school was released by the chief guest amidst loud cheers by the students.
After the speeches, it was time for the most awaited prize distribution ceremony. Prizes were given to all the students who stood first in their respective classes during the final examinations in the last academic year. Other prizes like best debater Hindi and English, award for academic excellence, award for good conduct, best sportsmen, best Cottonion of the year 2013 were also given out by the chief guest. The parents of the winners were filled with pride to see their children receive awards for their hard work.
The program officially concluded with speech by the Chief Guest General Madhok, who said, “I feel blessed to be here today among all the proud parents, talented students and guests. Learning is influenced by a clear sense of purpose, whether within the routine of lessons or on the many trips and visits which take learning outside of the classroom and Bishop Cotton School provides this complete learning to each and every student. Children and parents should feel proud and lucky to be associated with the second best school in India. I would like to congratulate all the students who have received prizes today. Lastly, I would like to thank the Headmaster for giving me an opportunity to witness such a marvellous event and be a part of it”.