Graduation and Prize-Giving Day is one of the most significant and emotional events in the calendar of Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College. It is a day filled with celebration, reflection, and recognition—a time to honor students’ achievements, bid farewell to graduating classes, and inspire younger pupils to strive for excellence.

At Verbum Dei, this day is more than just a ceremony; it is a tradition that reinforces the values of hard work, resilience, and gratitude.

The Significance of Graduation and Prize-Giving

The event serves multiple purposes in the life of the school community:

• Celebrating Milestones – Pupils at the Academy celebrate moving up to the next stage, while College students graduating into tertiary institutions are honored.
• Recognizing Excellence – Awards are presented to outstanding students across academics, sports, leadership, and character.
• Encouraging Future Growth – By recognizing achievement, the event motivates other students to work harder.
• Strengthening Community – Parents, teachers, and peers come together to support the children and celebrate their journey.

The Academy: First Steps of Achievement

At Verbum Dei Academy, Graduation and Prize-Giving Day often marks the transition from Nursery to Primary, or from Primary to Secondary school. It is a joyful day for young pupils and their families, filled with colorful performances.

Highlights include:

• Graduation Ceremony – Pupils wear gowns and caps, symbolizing their transition to the next stage.
• Cultural Displays and Dances – Entertainment provided by the graduating pupils.
• Prize Awards – Recognition for best in Mathematics, English, Science, neatness, punctuality, and more.
• Parents’ Appreciation – Families are often thanked for their support and involvement in school life.

For many young children, this is their first taste of formal recognition, planting the seed of ambition for future success.

The College: Preparing for the World Beyond

At Verbum Dei International College, Graduation and Prize-Giving Day carries even greater weight, as it marks the completion of secondary education. Students wear academic gowns, and the atmosphere reflects the seriousness of the milestone.

Highlights include:

• Processional March – Graduating students march in to applause from family and friends.
• Farewell Speeches – Valedictorians and school heads reflect on the journey and lessons learned.
• Special Awards – Categories may include Best Graduating Student, Leadership Awards, Most Improved Student, Sports Personality of the Year, and Recognition for Service.
• Career and University Guidance – Guest speakers often address students on how to thrive beyond secondary school.

The College Graduation is not just about ending a chapter; it is about preparing students to become leaders and contributors to society.

Prize-Giving: Celebrating Excellence

The prize-giving aspect of the event is equally important. At both Academy and College levels, students who excel in various fields are recognized. Awards cover:

• Academic Excellence – Top performers in individual subjects and overall best students.
• Character Awards – Honoring discipline, kindness, and responsibility.
• Creative and Sporting Talents – Recognizing achievements in arts, music, debate, sports, and innovation.

By rewarding both intellectual and non-academic excellence, Verbum Dei emphasizes holistic development.

The Role of Parents and Guests

Parents play a central role in Graduation and Prize-Giving Day. They attend proudly, capturing memories in photos and videos. Their presence affirms the efforts of their children and encourages them to aim higher.

The school often invites dignitaries, alumni, and motivational speakers to grace the occasion. Their words inspire students to see graduation not as an end, but as the beginning of greater accomplishments.

The Emotional Farewell

Graduation Day is often bittersweet. Teachers who have nurtured students for years feel both proud and nostalgic as they send them off. Students experience joy at their achievement but also sadness at leaving behind friends, teachers, and familiar school grounds.

For Verbum Dei, this emotion is a powerful reminder of the bonds built through education and shared experiences.

Voices from Graduation Day

• “When I received the prize for Best in English, I felt encouraged to pursue my dream of becoming a writer.” – Student, Verbum Dei Academy
• “Walking across the stage in my gown, I knew I was ready to take on the world.” – Graduate, Verbum Dei International College
• “Graduation is the fruit of years of hard work, and seeing our students succeed makes it all worthwhile.” – Teacher

The Legacy of Graduation and Prize-Giving

The event leaves lasting lessons for the entire school community:

• Students are inspired to aim higher.
• Teachers see the results of their dedication.
• Parents are reassured that their sacrifices are yielding fruit.

It also strengthens the culture of excellence that defines Verbum Dei Schools.

Conclusion

Graduation and Prize-Giving Day at Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College is more than an annual event—it is a tradition that honors hard work, celebrates achievement, and inspires future greatness.

It reminds students that education is not just about knowledge, but about growth, discipline, and perseverance. As graduates step into new chapters of their lives, they carry with them the values and lessons instilled at Verbum Dei, ready to shine as ambassadors of excellence.