The St. Augustine Agricultural Secondary School at Tintafor in Lungi on Friday February 3rd, 2023 staged a price giving ceremony to recognize the outstanding performances of school pupils, teachers and other staff, parents and community people over the years. The event which was held at the school’s campus brought together a range of dignitaries and personalities.
The national Anthem, Pledge and the school song kicked-off the show proper. The introduction of the chairman was done by the SAOSA Vice President, Madam Dolly Ballay Mansaray who also doubles as a senior teacher of the school. Philip A.O George, a teacher at the school and former Secretary General of the national SAOSA did a succinct introduction of invited guests and personalities.
Chairperson of the event, Ansu Moiba who also doubles as the National SAOSA President welcomed all and sundry and spoke about how prize giving ceremonies are very important. He said that the platform among other things will further motivate school pupils and parents to continue to do more.
Madam Bridget Bendu and Sheriff Conteh introduced the staff of the JSS and SSS of St. Augustine, respectively. Vice Principal of the Senior Secondary School, Mr. Peter Kamara during the State of the School Address remarked how the school has produced numerous outstanding personalities over the years. He however called on all and sundry to continue to give in th much needed support so that the school will continue to match standards. A cross section of pupils of the school did a range of short plays and other performances much to the admiration of all and sundry.
The Keynote address was done by Dr. Lavalie who is also a product of the school. He said that there was every need for the school to continue to do well, adding that parental guidance is also a pivotal aspect in the attainment of quality education. He said that teachers will not have time to do everything and therefore urged that pupils should be monitored as they progress in life. He said that St. Augustine is known for greatness and that the school should not allow any form of retrogression.
Senior Inspector of Schools who gave a statement on behalf of the Basic Education Ministry said that there is need to adhere to set standards. He added that quality education requires a lot of efforts and sacrifices and that parents, teachers, pupils and society should be ready to uphold the positives leading to achieving the good results.
In his statement, the Member of Parliament for Constituency 077 in Lungi, Hon. Abdul Kargbo who is also a product of the school and one-time head boy said that St. Augustine is known as the College of the North for many reasons. He said that the school is known to have produced outstanding figures in every sphere. He encouraged pupils to be focused, determined and be very committed. He said that it is also necessary to be very serious in the pursuit of academia.
National SAOSA Secretary General, Sheku Putka Kamara said that SAOSA is also ready to support the school and called on all past pupils to continue to do more for the school and the association. He said that St. Augustine has always been known for positivity and called on all to maintain such trajectories. He thanked the staff and pupils and ask that more positives continue to take centre stage.
There were also statements from other past pupils: Major PAO Sesay, Madam Margaret Mariama Sengeh and others who spoke on the need to be disciplined and to be very hard working. They said that successes do not come easy and that all pupils should be mindful of those things that they whiles in school.
The event ended after prizes were given and distributed to various pupils for outstanding academic performances. Staff and parents were also prized for diligent services.
The Thanksgiving ceremony of the school will take place on Sunday 5th February, 2023 starting at 12noon at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Masoila Lungi.
© National SAOSA Secretariat
