#National News

SJHS 1980 Class hands over baton to Class of 1981

Feb 1, 2021, 3:16 PM | Article By: Sanna Jallow

Class of 1980 alumni at St. Joseph High School on Tuesday handed over the baton to Class of 1981 at a symbolic ceremony held at the school ground in Banjul.

The baton, which depicts a symbol of a woman’s face, symbolises the continued commitment of the ex-students in their quest to support their former school in development needs.

At the handing over ceremony, Mrs. Mariam Darling Jallow, chairperson of SJHS Class of 1980 Alumni said they formed the association to give back to the school and to contribute to the development of the institution.

Mrs. Fatou Sinyan, treasurer of the SJHS Class of 1980 Alumni, said the main objective of the association is to help the school in terms of infrastructure, adding the Class of 1980 also provided sanitary materials, face masks to the schools.

“We believe that the student health is our first priority and we will also inaugurate the computer lab with internet connection, where student will have access to internet connection without any interruption. We are going to bring more project to the school by raising more fund to control the flooding in the school as the proposal of the land scale of the school is on the way.’’ she said.

Sister Odile Secka, secretary of the Class of 1980 Alumni, who narrated her academy career and achievement as a past student of the school, pays homage to their dedicated teachers, who she said, guided them to be successful in life.

“I urge you all to focus on your education and make this year and year of excellence as we celebrate 100 years of existence.’’ 

Jainaba Bah, Class of 1981, thanked the principal for allowing them to contribute to the development of the school, expressing their resolve to take up the challenge as they cannot match what Class of 1980 have done.

They also presented a cash amount to the Class of 1980 as their token of appreciation, further assuring to do more to be able to achieve their dreams.

Hannah Coker, the current principal of St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School, thanked Class 1980 for coming back to the school after 40 years of graduation.

“What we witness today is a clear manifestation, as you have come and demonstrated responsibilities with your generosity. St Joseph Senior Secondary School as an institution has played a major role in horning and moulding the characters and psychology development of many people.’’