Media Release
Udupi, Nov 17: St Cecily’s English Medium Higher Primary School (CBSE) hosted its annual celebrations with a difference. Kallitechnis 2025- The Cecilian Zestfest, a two- day mega cultural fest was held on November 14 and 15 in the school grounds. The fest was a colourful bonanza for students as well as family members.
The excitement was ushered with a grand flash mob on November 13 which offered a delightful trailer to the fest’s energy and enthusiasm.
The grandeur of the inaugural ceremony on November 14 was showcased by a short, colourful and lively procession from the school gates. The Inaugural Chief guest, Manisha Kiran, - renowned cosmetologist and proud alumnus was ceremoniously escorted to the vibrant stage by the principal Sr Lathika AC, joint secretary Sr Preethi Crasta AC, superior of St Cecily’s Convent and Kindergarten coordinator St Priya AC accompanied by the elegant school band, energetic chende players, vibrant dancing mascots proud school cabinet leaders, parents, alumni members, faculty. The school head boy and head girl led the procession carrying the fest’s banner - KALLITECHNIS 2025 - The Cecilian Zestfest.
The inaugural commenced with a devout prayer by the melodious school choir. The guests were welcomed by a graceful welcome dance and gracious words of welcome by the principal, Sr Lathika. Manisha officially declared the cultural fest open and released the annual school magazine - Cecilian Odyssey 2025, a treasure trove of students’ literary and artistic talents. The newly formed Alumni Association was inaugurated by the joint secretary, Sr Preethi Crasta AC.
Manisha then gave away proficiency prizes to the deserving students and in her impressive address recalled her nostalgic days in the campus. Drawing inspiration from her professional journey, she offered her pearls of wisdom to the student audience: “Be grateful to everything and everyone, every step you take, every decision you make is a part of your growth and Find your purpose in life”
The inaugural concluded with Vanshika of grade 10 proposing a heartfelt vote of thanks.
The formal programme gave way to an exciting tapestry of competitive events such as fashion show for the tiny tots, solo folk dance for grades 1 & 2, variety entertainment for grades 3 -5 set every child in a get-set- go spirit spanning over the two days.
Parents too participated enthusiastically and rocked the stage with family fashion show and family dance. Fathers, brothers, uncles plated with pride as they took part in ‘Cooking without fire’ and the artistic mothers displayed their artistic flair in ‘Mehendi designing’ competitions. Every participant radiated the true spirit of a winner.
Delectable food court and luck games stall complemented the frolic of the fest.
Winners were declared and winning participants were awarded at the end of both the days.
The prize distribution ceremony at the end of day 1 was graced by Dr Rachana Bhat, another successful alumnus currently a practicing physician at KMC, Manipal as the chief guest.
Dr Rachana presented the prizes to the winning participants of the day’s events and also honoured the achievers - Rithushri of grade 5, Thanishka of grade 7, Aison of grade 8 and Dhrish of grade 9 for their exceptional and outstanding achievements in theatre, Karate, Chess and karate respectively.
In her inspiring message, she too reminisced the unforgettable days as a student at St Cecily’s and expressed her gratitude to the school and teachers. She further encouraged students to make the best of such events organized by the school as they too form a part of the foundational block which helps develop the necessary soft skills such as team spirit, oratory skills, collaboration skills much needed to be successful in the present scenario. She also offered a gentle word of caution that AI which if used unwisely could rust creative thinking abilities.
On day 2, the chief guest for the valedictory ceremony Annette Hazel Fernandes, Lecturer in English, St Cecily’s Composite PU College lauded all the zealous student and parent participants. Quoting the thought-provoking words of Mathew Jacobson "Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first" she emphasized that participation such creative events helps to conquer fear, build confidence and express oneself in beautiful ways. Winners of the family fashion show, family dance performance and variety entertainment by senior students were awarded.
This was followed by the felicitation of students who excelled in the Communicative English class during the academic year 2024-25. The facility is offered at St Cecily’s (CBSE) School by Accolades an acclaimed educational initiative led by Krishnaprasad Adappa.
Krishnaprasad Adappa, in his address to the audience commeded the school’s innovative initiatives for the holistic development of the students.
Teacher Kavyashree accorded words of hearty welcome and teacher Nisha proposed the vote of thanks. The event happily concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem.
The skilled masters of ceremony, Tejasvi, Khusi, Joslin, Pavani, Thanvisha, Sharly, Ancilla, Pranathi, Rolvita, Gagan and Tejas beautifully compered the inaugural and valedictory programmes adding charm and coherence to every segment of the programme.
Kallitechnis 2025- The Cecilian Zestfest etched joyful memories of ‘Entertainment for a purpose’, not only in the minds and hearts of students but also their family members and the public, all returning home looking forward to yet another celebration of the kind year after year.