2024 Form 4 Graduation. The Eternalz
Written by Bongani Mhango and Dumisani Chilumpha.
Edited by Vallence Kumwenda
“Even though we will all die, to be eternal means to be remembered after you are gone”.
These were the remarks by the remnants, represented by Emmanuel Banda and Luckwell Moya during the Eternalz’s graduation ceremony.
The Eternalz graduation day started with a mass officiated by Father Chimtendere form St. Kizito Minor Seminary and the Eternalz choir led the liturgy in singing. It was truly a splendid mass. In his homily, Fr. Chimtendere, advised the graduating class to be thankful to God for making it thus far. He also encouraged them to be thankful for all those who helped them to get where they are, from their parents, teachers, cooks and even those who grew the food they eat.
Later that morning, a simple graduation ceremony was held for the Eternalz. Presiding over the ceremony was Mr. K. Muhuwa as the MC all members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, special invited guests from all the four schools surrounding Marist Secondary School (Champagnat CDSS, St. Kizito Minor Seminary, Mtendere Secondary School, Mtendere Primary School) and a representative of the Malawi police service Thete station, the PTA chairperson Mr. Jaffu and the guest of honour Dr. Piringu who is a former Marist student.
The eternalz walked into the hall triumphantly dressed in black and gold T-shirts and assumed their seats as their form teacher Br. Misheck tool to the podium to give his opening remarks.
The remnants followed with their opening speech which had a rich message appreciation and encouragement to the outgoing class, citing some memorable characters among the Eternalz which would remain with the school.
The Eternalz made their speech afterwards, represented by Chimwemwe Nyirongo and Precious Mkandawire. They described their journey through the years and extended their appreciation to all those who helped them on their path.
The PTA chairperson, Mr. Jaffu, also gave a speech encouraging the Eternalz to never give up no matter how many times they fail.
Lastly the guest of honour, Dr. Piringu, gave his speech “Good things do not come easy in life”. He shared his life story that had so many lessons on the importance of resilience through life’s hardships.
An award ceremony based on merit followed the speeches. The following were awarded amongst the Eternalz:
Most hygienic: Precious Mchepa
Best in manual work: Desire Malingamoyo
Most Pious (Catholic): Theodore Zalimba
Most Pious (non-catholic): Excellence Sauti
Best in sports: Gilbert Kumanja
Best in humanities: Khama Paligolo
Best in languages: Theodore Zalimba
Best in sciences: Khama Paligolo
Overall best in academics: Khama Paligolo
A very important event of the day tool place immediately afterwards, lunch, and later in the evening sugar canes found themselves between the students’ teeth.
After lunch, various sports games were held between the Eternalz and remnants. In basketball the Eternalz drew with the remnants 36 – 36. Volleyball and soccer did not end in favour of the Eternalz as they lost 2 – 1 and 3 – 1 respectively.
