Ashima Sharma, Keekli Reporter, 30th May, 2015, Shimla
The success story of students who excel in academics as well as co-curricular activities is narrated to their proud parents every year on the occasion of the Speech Day in Bishop Cotton School, and this year too it was a proud moment for the school and parents alike when they celebrated the 156th Annual Speech Day. The chief guest for the occasion was Vice Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, Prof A. D. N. Bajpai who presented a range of awards, trophies and prizes to the boys who had excelled in different fields during the course of the academic year. The program commenced with the school’s traditional Guard of Honour by the NCC cadets.
After a marvellous show put up by the NCC students, School Headmaster Christopher Robinson proceeded towards the Irwin Hall for the invocation with the chief guest. The headmaster welcomed the parents, guests and the chief guest and presented the school report. In his speech he said, “I welcome all the parents, old Cottonions and our honourable chief guest to 156th 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.To equip the students with the skills of decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity, the teachers of Bishop Cotton School have changed their perspectives and mind-set. Rather than simply asking students to memorize and recite facts, the teachers have provided opportunities for students to learn independently; to retrieve information from different sources; to analyze it critically and to use it effectively through project learning and other multi-disciplinary learning activities. The students have been performing extremely well in all fields. 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, Head Boy Digvijay Chauhan came to the podium and narrated some memorable and funny moments with his amazing speech which won the hearts of all the parents, classmates and guests present. Pegusus 2014, a collection of poems by the students of the school was also released by the chief guest.
After the speeches, it was time for the much awaited prize distribution ceremony. Prizes were given out to all the students who stood first in their respective classes during the final examinations in the last academic year.
Names of a few winners are
Dr Renu Kamra Memorial Prize for Junior School – Gurroop Bhathai (Class III), Rehan Bhagirath (Class IV A), Raghuraj Singh (Class IV B), Udit Jain (Class V A), Anshveer Singh (Class V C).
Baybliss Shield Middle and Senior School – Dilprit S Bhatia ( Class VI), Kartik Walia (Class VII), Ateek Gupta (Class IX), Rahul Mahendru and Aditya Raj Bhudhia (Class X), Shalab Thakur and Sagar Verma (Class XI), Yashvardhan Singh and Ankit Gongal (Class XII).
Dr Renu Kamra Memorial Prize for English Debates – Vishesh Dadhu (Class VI), Kartik Walia and Anshuman Singh (Class VII), Vardhan Aggarwal (Class VIII), Himang Jindal (Class X), Rahul Mahendru (Class X), Shalab Thakur (Class XI), Yashvardhan Singh (Class XII).
The program officially concluded with speech by the chief guest Prof Bajpai, who said, “I feel blessed to be here today to witness this amazing event, I was mesmerised by the Guard of Honour presented by the students. Bishop Cotton School is one of the finest schools in India and the state is lucky to have such prestigious institution. Bishop Cotton School provides complete learning to each and every student. The children and the 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 awe-inspiring event and be a part of it”.
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