THE MANAGING DIRECTOR'S SPEECH AT CHARLES DALE 17th SPEECH AND PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

A Speech Presented by the Managing Director,

BEREMONT NIGERIA LIMITED,

CHIEF (MRS) V.O.R DIETE-SPIFF

on the occasion of

17th SPEECH AND PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

Holding on Saturday, 16th November, 2024,

At The Adelaide Hall

The Executive Director, Princess (Mrs). Elfrida Emole,

The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Ekemini Okon Udo

Our Quest Speaker, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor

The Principal, Mrs. Ayotomi Fasuyi

The Vice-principal, Mr. Aleke Camenus

Members of the high table,

Our dear parents,

Heads of Departments,

Teachers,

Non-academic staff,

Our dear students,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

It is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate the 17th Speech and Prize Giving Day of Charles Dale Memorial International School. This year's theme, “Embracing Academic Excellence, Resilience, and Progress,” resonates deeply with the heart of our school, encapsulating the values that we champion and see embodied in each of our Students.

When we talk about 'academic excellence', we speak of an enduring commitment to quality, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, and a culture that fosters intellectual curiosity. Today, we celebrate students who have set remarkable standards in their academic pursuits and who continue to inspire us with their achievements. We also celebrate staff who have continued to make a great impact in our school community. Our outstanding results in internal and external examinations are a testament to the calibre of education and mentorship we offer, preparing our students to excel and thrive in a dynamic world.

According to Ralph Marston, “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." Hence, excellence is not only about academic success; it requires resilience and the desire to accomplish more. In the 2023/2024 academic session, our students demonstrated remarkable resilience, tackled challenges and emerged stronger, more determined, and more capable. This resilience is particularly evident in their achievements and accomplishments which extend well beyond the classroom. Last academic session, we recorded exceptional results not just in the internal and external examinations, but also in a variety of competitions, each one a testament to our students' commitment to excellence and resilience. I am thrilled to highlight just some of these remarkable achievements:

1. 2023 British Council Partner Schools 'Your World Video Competition' – National Winner

2. 2024 International-STEM Olympiad Competition – Gold Medal in Coding, two Gold Medals in DIY, a Bronze Medal in Science, and a Bronze Medal in Coding

3. World Math Championship, 2023– Various distinctions

4. African Spelling Bee Competition – Country Spelling Champion – Second position in Africa

5. Rainbow Club Book Reading Competition– State Champion

6. 2024 Mental Math World Cup– 10 students achieved distinction

7. Nigeria Chemistry Olympiad – 2nd Runner-Up

8. Biology Olympiad– State and National Champion

9. Chemistry Olympiad – State Champion

10. Junior Science Olympiad – State Champion

11. National Winner, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) National Design Competition, organized by the United Nations.

These accomplishments highlight not only the talents of our students but also their courage to step forward and compete on national and international stages. Each medal, each award, and each title speaks volumes about their determination, discipline, and hard work.

In the face of challenges, our students have demonstrated resilience and the ability to adapt and persevere. They have shown us that resilience is more than merely enduring Adversity - it's a strength that allows them to rise above and achieve greatness. This quality has become a defining feature of our community, fostering a culture of determination and adaptability that we celebrate today.

Progress is also a core element of our mission. At Charles Dale Memorial International School l, we constantly seek ways to innovate and improve, ensuring that our students are not only prepared for academic success but also for meaningful contributions to society. This year, we introduced new programs, ISTEM, and ISA (International School Award). We also expanded our technology resources and provided our students with more opportunities to explore their talents and pursue their interests. Our progress as a school community is visible in these accomplishments and it reflects our commitment to empowering each student.

To our incredible staff, none of these achievements would be possible without your dedication. You are the ones who encourage, guide, and nurture these young minds, instilling in them a love for learning and a commitment to excellence. I am truly grateful to each of you for your contributions and tireless efforts.

To our parents, I extend my heartfelt thanks. You are our invaluable partners in this journey, providing support and encouragement that make our work possible. Your trust in us and commitment to your children's education is deeply appreciated.

Finally, to my dear students, today is a celebration of your efforts, your progress, and your many triumphs. I urge you to continue striving for excellence, embrace challenges with resilience, and always look ahead with a vision for progress. These qualities will serve as your compass, guiding you toward lives filled with purpose and achievement.

As we move forward, let us continue to embrace the spirit of excellence, resilience, and progress that defines Charles Dale Memorial International School. Together, let us build on our successes and work towards a brighter, even more promising future.

Congratulations to all our prize winners, and thank you all for being here to celebrate with us.

God bless you.