Though the skies above did not reflect the brilliance of the youngsters gathered beneath the tents, the downpour which eventually came did not dampen spirits at the Arima Boys’ RC School’s first awards ceremony, held on Friday, September 28.

A long-desired event of former principals and staff, the significance of the occasion was demonstrated by the presence of distinguished guests: among them, His Worship the Mayor of Arima, Alderman Adrian Cabralis, Monsignor Christian Pereira, parish priest of Santa Rosa and manager of the school, Fr Gabriel Julien, Principal of Holy Cross College and former Principal of Arima Boys’ RC, Gabriel V Cumbermack.

Boys from Second Year Infants to Standard Five received prizes for their academic performances and social activities. Graduate student Keron Cabralis and Standard Two student Ronnie Nelson were also honoured for their performance in sport, having creditably represented the country at international chess tournaments. The boys proudly took their turns coming on stage to receive their awards, in front of the audience of equally proud parents and guardians

Former student, Neil Walcott, donated a special trophy to the school. The trophy, which stood almost one metre tall, was presented to the student who best exhibited the qualities of the school in this past year. The awarded student, Christian Maharaj, will certainly remember this day fondly, as he will be noted in the school’s history as the first recipient of this prestigious honour.

Fr Gabriel Julien delivered the feature address. In his brief address, Fr Julien reminded the boys about the importance of having goals in one’s life. He used the acronym GOAL to underscore the value of God, Order, Achievement and Love to have a happy and a fulfilled life.

The awards ceremony also provided the occasion for honouring past and present teachers and ancillary staff of Arima Boys’ RC for their long service. Topping the list were Danny Ruiz (37 years), Pamela Bertrand (33 years), Leonard Garcia and Merle Lee (27 years).

Members of the Arima community were also specially acknowledged for their support to the school. Mr Jadoo, of Jadoo’s Trading, who was recognised in this way, took to the podium to throw out a special challenge to the students.

He pledged his award of a $5000.00 scholarship to any student of the school who successfully placed within the top five performers at next year’s Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examination. This challenge was readily applauded as a welcome one by staff and invited guests alike.

Another notable item on the morning’s programme was the dedication of the western wing of the school. Dedicated in honour of two past principals of the school- Gerard David (deceased.) and Gabriel V Cumbermack - the wing currently houses the Infants’ Department on the lower level and Standards Three and Two on the upper level.

Msgr Pereira, His Worship the Mayor Alderman Adrian Cabralis, and the school’s current Acting Principal, Leonard Garcia, led Mr Cumbermack and Ange David, brother of Gerard David, to unveil a plaque which documented the occasion.

At the end of this event, marked by sterling performances by the school’s choir and band, all shared the view that this first awards ceremony will burn an indelible mark on the memory of everyone who attended.

The boys of the school no doubt will feel encouraged and inspired to continue to strive to be the very best they can be in “Deeds not Words” in their pursuit of excellence in education and life at Arima Boys’ RC and for the rest of their lives.