Inter-school competition for Catholic schools in Nagaland concludes

DIMAPUR — As many as 500 students from 38 Catholic schools from across Nagaland converged at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, to participate in the inter-school literary and cultural competitions organised by the Commission for Education, Diocese of Kohima (CEDOK), from October 11 to the 12th.

The two-day event concluded on Thursday with a prize distribution ceremony attended by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, and Charles Nosazol, State Information Commissioner, Nagaland, as special guests.

An update from CEDOK informed that the inter-school competition for Catholic schools in Nagaland was held for juniors (classes 5-7), intermediates (classes 8-10) and seniors (classes 11-12). All three categories competed in solo, duet and drawing, besides the juniors in storytelling; intermediates in prepared speech; and seniors in extempore speech, while the fancy dress competition was open to all.

Besides providing a platform to compete with their counterparts from across the state, the students also had the chance to interact and make friends, said the update, adding that some of them, including those from the eastern region had to travel up to 16 hours to reach Dimapur but that didn’t dampen their spirit.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held in Holy Cross Auditorium, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil reminded the students that ‘the competitions were held to provide them opportunities to come together, know each other, learn from each other and grow together to build unity among various tribes of Nagaland’.

He told the children that the wealth of the world is sufficient for the needs of all but not for the greed of all. So, he urged them to learn to share with each other to build an equalitarian society.

The Bishop also hailed the teachers for sacrificing their own comforts to build a progressive society.

Also speaking at the event, Charles Nosazol told the students to grab every opportunity given to them, especially events like inter-school competitions, and learn something useful and meaningful for their lives.

He also asked the students to work hard, saying that it often ‘bears better result and success than talent’. To the teachers, he said they are diagnosticians, as they diagnose the abilities and weaknesses of students and guide them to become better human beings.

During the closing ceremony, the winners — 1st, 2nd and 3rd position holders — were awarded certificates of merit, mementoes and cash prizes, while all the participants were given certificates of participation. It was also marked by cultural presentations by the participating schools.

The CEDOK also awarded five teachers with Certificates of Merit and cash awards for their exceptional and dedicated services in the field of education.

The recipients of CEDOK Teacher’s Award 2023 were: Hubert Monohrü Aba from St. Mary Cathedral Hr. Sec. School, Kohima; O. Tsilong from St. John Hr. Sec. School, Tuensang; Sosinle Kent from Don Bosco School, Tseminyu; Echanthung Ezung from St. Peter’s School, Longsa; and Margaret Dangmei from St. Xavier Hr. Sec. School, Jalukie.

Earlier in the programme, Fr. Philip Y Lotha, Principal of Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur, delivered the welcome address while Fr. Dr. Jacob Charalel proposed the vote of thanks.

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