Chronicle Editor
Lesley Chikudo, [email protected]
TOWNSEND High School yesterday celebrated its annual speech and prize-giving day, recognising the achievements of its students in academics and sports.
The event also served as a heartfelt farewell to their headmistress, who had significantly impacted the school community. Students, staff and alumni gathered to honour their successes and reflect on the positive legacy she leaves behind.
The event, themed “Unlocking Potential: Celebrating Achievement” was graced by Mrs Mercy Matsika, co-founder of Mega Fest Holdings Business Magazine. Her presence added a distinguished touch to the occasion as she inspired attendees with her insights on success and the importance of perseverance.
The celebration brought together students, teachers, parents and distinguished guests to reflect on the achievements. The event showcased outstanding talent among the students and recognised academic excellence, reaffirming Townsend’s dedication to nurturing future leaders.
The school SDC chairman, Mr Ndumiso Moyo, warmly welcomed the guests, students and staff to the speech and prize-giving day. In his address, he highlighted the school’s remarkable achievements over the past 12 months from September last year.
“Today I would like to highlight our achievements as an SDC over the past 12 months. As a committee, we have a number of achievements, including 400 desks, 600 chairs, textbooks for learners in different learning areas, nine laptops for Heads of Departments, a printer for the Deputy Head, and a brand new Asiastar 72-seater bus, among other projects,” Mr Moyo said.
He emphasised the importance of protecting the girl child and thanked the parents for their unwavering support in the development of the school.
“We hope and trust that your desires for the girl child will be fulfilled as they walk through their journey of education here, guided and protected. To the parents and guardians, thank you for paying fees on time, which enables the school to forge ahead with development projects under these trying economic times,” said Mr Moyo.
The deputy headmistress, Mrs Boitumelo Nare, touched on the success of the students and staff.
“Our theme today is ‘Unlocking Potential, Celebrating Achievement’ from Nehemiah 12:43, emphasising that there is great potential for success among our learners and staff which needs to be activated.”
She congratulated the students receiving awards and thanked the teachers and auxiliary staff.
“Congratulations to our award recipients for their great accomplishments. Each award represents not just talent, but countless hours of effort, dedication and resilience. Whether you excelled academically, shone in sports, or demonstrated creativity in the arts, you have shown what is possible when you commit yourselves wholeheartedly. To the teachers and staff, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication,” she said.
She also introduced the new headmistress, Mrs Thokozile Tshabalala.
The guest speaker, Mrs Matsika, expressed her delight at being invited to speak at such an occasion. She congratulated all award recipients and encouraged them to continue doing well.
“My heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for working hard with determination and zeal for progress. I would also like to acknowledge their hard work, late-night studying, fears, determination and unwavering commitment that led to their triumph. To the parents, thank you for your steadfast support. To all Townsend ladies, see you at the top, as I can see future doctors, businesswomen and other professionals among you.”
As the programme progressed, the outgoing headmistress, Mrs Millicent Moyo, delivered a heartfelt speech, bidding farewell to the school.
The grand finale of the event featured two inspiring speeches from the outgoing head girl, Gem Masawi, and the incoming headmistress, Mrs Tshabalala. Gem’s speech highlighted her experiences, gratitude, and accomplishments during her tenure as head girl. She also shared words of wisdom and advice with her fellow students, expressing her appreciation for the opportunities she had.
Mrs Tshabalala’s closing remarks stressed her enthusiasm for working together with Townsend High School and her vision of continuing from where the former head left off for the progression of the school.
Online Reporter