The Joy and Pride of Prize Giving Day

One can feel the excitement at Elite Schools as Prize Giving Day approaches. The grounds of the school are given a thorough grooming, tents are erected, 1500+ chairs are set in place and the sounds of the students rehearsing songs and dances can be heard all over campus.

On the morning of the event exhibits by science and maths clubs are on display along with the exhibits of the Red Cross and other civic groups.

The school marching band,dressed smartly in their maroon uniforms, along with a large contingent of Kenyan girls and boy scouts begin the festivities as they march onto the field and then pass in review before the attending dignitaries. Groups of students from kindergarten to Form 4 entertain with delightful songs, native dances and skits.

After remarks by the principle and school manager, the guest of honor, professor Dankit Nassiuma, Vice Chancellor of Kabarak University, gave the keynote address.

Then began the most important part of the day's activities - the presentation of awards to the outstanding 2011 students. How our hearts swelled as many of the children acceptinawards were our own Makena children.

Awards given were as follows: John Muiruri - Bugle; Simon Mwangi - Most Disciplined;
Samson Machohi - Maths, Chemistry, Geography, Computer; Rose Waithira - Biology, Chemistry, Business Studies, Maths. Our students were now holding multiple trophies when the most prestigious awards of all were announced - the awards for Best Boy and Best Girl. Best Girl? Our own Rose Waithira who received a very large trophy while 25 of her extended family stood and cheered. Her relatives made the long, uncomfortable Matatu ride from Maraigushu to witness this extraordinary day in the life of their family. After the close of Prize Giving Day all of the attendees were treated to lunch by the school owners. All in all, a very memorable day!