Udupi: Curtains Down on St Cecily's Girls High School Platinum Jubilee 

Pics: Modern Studio, Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SB)

Udupi, Dec 4: The valedictory ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St Cecily’s Girl High School was held at the St Cecily’s Composite Pre-university College grounds on Friday December 3.

The students of the college and the high school performed the welcome dance. Soon after, the students gave another performance showing how children face discrimination in present day society.

Episcopal vicar Fr Baptist Menezes presided and inaugurated the function. He also unleashed 75 Balloons to mark the completion of 75 years of the school. On the occasion, he released the book called “Cecilian” to mark the platinum jubilee.

In his presidential speech, he said that the institute had given the value based education to all the students. Many more will have the opportunity to study in this great institution.

Oscar Fernandes, an alumnus and the chief guest recalled his days spent in the institution. He promised the management that if they are planning to start First Grade College then he will do the necessary help from the government. The institution has contributed great leaders to the society, he said

In her address, Sr M Linette, provincial superior, the Apostolic Carmel, Karnataka Province, who was the chief guest said that education should reach masses. And we have to make necessary steps to achieve the goal.

Gladys Almeida, president of zilla panchayat said that St Cecily means discipline, discipline means St Cecily. One who learnt in the institution won’t forget the school forever. She gave a call to all the parents to let girls go to school and get educated, she said and expressed hope that educated get into politics to clean the system.

Using the advanced technology management should make the arrangements to reunite alumni across the
world. This for sure will provide inspiration to students to set a target from now on to achieve in life, said Kiran Kumar, president Udupi town municipality and the parent of one student.

Sr Linette felicitated Sr Nirmala, Sr Luella and Gladys Almeida felicitated Sr Sudeepa for their service to the institution.

On the occasion, students too were felicitated by Kiran Kumar for their achievement and also for getting state level awards. In the culture field Anjalli Shanbhog for achieving in saxophone, and in sports field Sandra in discuss throw and shotput and qualified for the national level.

Sr Rosy Mendonca welcomed the gathering and the guests. Devendra Nayak compered the programme Annette delivered the vote of thanks. Aayanka, Pravithra and Shwetha compered the cultural programme.

After the formal function there was a complete entertainment package from the student of the school and the college. Students performed the various culture programmes which showcased folk dances, traditional dances and play to show the empowerment of the women, one world one dream, with the team students performing to the title song of the 3 mega sporting event that took place current year, Football, Commonwealth Games, and the Asiad.

Dr Baptist Menezes, episcopal vicar, Udupi presided.

Dr B V Mahidas, deputy director of public instructions was among the guests of honour.

Former headmistress of the school Sr Nirmala, Sr Luella, Sr Sudeepa, and Sr Shaila, correspondent of the St Cecily’s Institutions, Sr Rosy Mendonca, principal and Bhaskar Rao Kidiyoor, president, Parent-teacher Association were present.

History of St Cecily’s School

Several Hindu girls educated at Victoria Caste Girls School, Mangalore (presently Ladyhill) run by the Apostolic Carmel got settled down in Udupi in influential homes, most of them being wives of Hindu leaders. It was these mothers who wanted convent education for their children as they themselves had.

At this juncture a very enthusiastic catholic gentleman Piedade Alva, father Joachim Alva who served as an MP for 3 terms in independent India, landlord and merchant also wanted good education for catholic
girls of Udupi. The Catholics and Hindus jointly got a petition signed by a number of signitaries and posted to Mother Aloysia, the then Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel. After weighing the pros and cons, Mother Aloysia took a bold step and with the blessings of  Bishop Paul Perini Mother arrived with 4 sisters- Sisters Agnes, Columba, Jane and Elias on May 18, 1918.

On their arrival they took up a lodging at a small house called Kadbet Bungalow which was later turned into the Modern School. On May 20 1918 they opened the first three classes with nine students on roll. Following year the strength rose to 85. On account of M P Alva, approaching the governor of Madras- teaching grant and building grant were obtained. In 1922 a new plot was given to the convent by
the Bishop, Paul Perini for a new building and in 1932 the government gave the adjacent plot towards the playground of the school.

St Cecily’s was a full fledged presented its first SSLC batch in examination.

In compliance with the request of the parents, a private school in English medium was started in January 1959 on the campus with 24 pupils on roll in classes I to III.

Cecilians have excelled in academics, sports, athletics and cultural activities. The school and its staff has been honoured with the Sadhaka Prashasthi since the past four years for the excellent performance of the students in SSLC Examinations. St Cecily’s School which started with just 9 students on roll is
bubbling with life to the tune of 2,120 students from KG to PUC.