It was a colorful gathering as Needham International Schools had its maiden annual graduation/price giving award ceremony and end of year party with teachers, parents and pupils in high spirits.

The event, which effectively ushered students of the secondary section of the school into the tertiary level of education, held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at its premises at Eneka, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

There were special performances such as choreography, panel discussions, cultural dance, pageants, speech making, etiquette recitation and lots of other varieties on display by pupils and students of the institution, with parents in attendance which added euphoria and fun to the event.

In his remarks, Proprietor of Needham International School; Ernest Chapp-Jumbo expressed joy and satisfaction for growth of the institution, so far, especially, witnessing its first graduation ceremony, describing the event as one which makes him feel special.

“I will say that today is a very special day for me as a person and Needham International School, especially, in the sense that we are graduating our students for the first time, going through the West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the school, not outside the school, or in another school.

“For the first time we have our own candidates, we’ve registered with WAEC and we are writing the examination in the school.”

On his part, Chairman of the occasion, Osborne Gbaragi said children need to be encouraged to aspire to the best education they can have, calling on parents and the larger society to support children develop and grow their talents, while urging the students and pupils of the School to put in more efforts to succeed in their academics.

He praised the Proprietor of the School and his management team, teachers and caregivers for the excellent work of managing the children and raising the standard of education, encouraging them to do more.

“We are right here to grace the end of year party of Needham International School 2022/2023 session. It happens once in the session. We are here to encourage the children and watch the talents.”

“We’re here to observe and to see what they have acquired over the term. We also wish to appreciate the Director of the school, and the management, our amazing teachers who have used their time to impact the lives of our kids.”

“Also wish to appreciate our parents for your encouragement, for your support and your understanding towards the school. We have come to watch the talents of our kids. Some of them are graduating into higher classes. We want to say to them ‘put in more effort and don’t be distracted; remain focused and make sure you are able to arrive at your success destination’.”

On her part, the Administrative Officer of the institution, Kristene Onuoha recounted to Kristina Reports how the institution has progressed, noting that they started with a total of five students but have increased to more than 200 students now.

“We are very happy to witness the fifth annual graduation/price giving award ceremony 2023. Though Needham started with five students and pupils today we can count 212 students and pupils in Needham International School. So, we are so happy that Needham has gone this far.”

“We pray that with this graduation party that happened today, there will be growth in this school. By next session we are targeting 350 students and so we pray to God Almighty to give us the grace and strength to move Needham forward.”

The father of Paula Oranwusi, the pupil who won the “Miss Needham” competition, Patrick Oranwusi, thanked the institution for moulding their wards to standards that enable them compete outstandingly.

“I am very happy she won it and I know she was able to do that because of the help of the school. The school has been impacting knowledge on her, and it’s always very good and advisable for parents to make sure that their kids attend good schools where they have thumbs up in whatever thing they do.”

“I’m so impressed with what I saw here today. I’m so grateful over her ability to showcase her styles and winning it. I have already recommended the school to my in-laws and my friends.”

Also, the mother of Awak Jephtah, who emerged “Mr. Needham”, Awak Stephen expressed her joy over her son winning the competition, saying she has also recommended the school to other parents, noting that “the institution is going global”.

“I am nine months here, but this school is okay. Everything happening here is enticing, honestly. So, I advise students to go round, tell other students about this school. It’s not about big name, it’s not about big school, it’s about what is happening in the school, it’s topnotch, you heard my son that this school is going global, yes, it’s going global.”

Meanwhile, one of the students, Goodness Sam, who was graduating from the institution into the university with a total score of 222 in the recent JAMB examination, aspiring to study Mechanical Engineering, advised other students in the school to always believe that whatever dreams they have they can achieve it.

“It feels great being a graduate of this institution. It hasn’t been easy throughout my six years in this school. I’ll say it’s God’s grace and I’m really happy today. No matter what, as a graduate of this school, my dream is to inspire other students, make them have the sense that they can become what they want.”

“My advice to the students I’m leaving behind is that they should always keep believing, whatever dreams they have; they should try to fulfill it. Like I said in my speech, whatever plans they have, they need to work on it today, worry about your today and think about the tomorrow that is not certain, do what you have to do now that is still certain.”