Funmi Ogundare
It was celebration all the way recently as Atlantic Hall School, Poka, Epe, graduated 79 students.
The programme, held at the school hall, witnessed the presentation of various awards to prefects and other graduating students who stood out in academics, music, drama and sports, as well as pastoral care and best behaved.
Speaking at the 31st valedictory service and graduation ceremony, the principal, Dr Terry Howard, encouraged the graduands to hold tight to the personal and religious values that have become a part of them.
He advised them to work hard to achieve their goals, stand up for what they believed in, and be cautious of those who might suggest that they change to become someone they are not.
“Continue everything that you take on with the same level of dedication you have shown during your years at Atlantic Hall,” stated Howard. “Continue to work hard to achieve your goals. Continue to make your parents proud. Continue to learn and grow. Continue to enjoy the good things that come to you.”
Howard admonished them to learn to ask for and accept help, stressing that “all of you are fortunate to have other people whom you can lean on to help you through. No one has to face the challenges alone.”
In her remarks, the valedictorian, Miss Mofetoluwa Kuponiyi, who had a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4 out of 4, active in music, sports and the school’s media and public speaking club, expressed delight about her success.
She stated that the provision of textbooks and other learning materials was helpful in students’ excelling in their studies. She attributed her success to the time she spent sourcing resources on the internet and reading on her own.
Speaking with journalists, the valedictorian stressed the need for teachers to be well-trained “because sometimes you meet them for help, they can’t help you with your assignments and the topics you don’t understand and can’t explain it the way you want it.”
Kuponiyi, who will be attending a university in Canada to study Chemical Engineering, advised students to have resilience and aim for success.
“You need to have faith in yourself and remind yourself that you can do it. Don’t mix with people that will tell that you can’t make it, but those that will encourage you,” said Kuponiyi.
The head girl of the school, Miss Oluwasorefunmi Soremekun, thanked her parents, the management, teachers and other staff for their support over the years.
The head boy, Master Toluwani Anuoluwapo Toluhi, recalled the unique memories spent in school while commending the management and teachers for their dedication to the growth of students.
