Merit and meaning as this school celebrates scholarly achievement & perseverance

On July 11, 2025, a spirit of celebration and achievement was brought to life at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. The campus was abuzz with excitement as everyone (parents and students) gathered to recognise the diligence and academic excellence of meritorious students for the academic year 2024-25. The presence of the esteemed Chief Guest, Ms Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary in the Department of Defence, Government of India, added distinction to the occasion.

Extending a gracious welcome to the august assembly, the Academic Excellence Award Ceremony stood as a testament to the students’ unwavering dedication and scholarly resolve. A verdant tribute was presented to the Chief Guest — an emblematic gesture reflecting both reverence and a shared ethos of environmental stewardship. The ceremonial lamp lighting ensued, wherein the Chief Guest, joined by Officiating Principal Ms Vandana Bansal, Ms Neeta Dutta, Primary In-Charge, and Ms Rachna Jain, Pre-Primary In-Charge, was invited to illuminate the lamp, an eternal symbol of knowledge triumphing over ignorance, accompanied by the resonant cadence of sacred hymns rendered by the students.

A motivational song by the school choir preceded a vibrant cultural dance performance — a spirited and rhythmic celebration set to Rabindra Sangeet; the lyrics express a call to come together in suggesting a sense of joy and awareness. The performance was a brilliant expression of thought by the students.

The Vice-principal, on behalf of the Apeejay fraternity, extended a heartfelt welcome to the Chief Guest. She also warmly acknowledged the unwavering dedication of the parents. “Your support and values have shaped the success we celebrate today. Heartiest congratulations to our scholar badge recipients. Let this badge reflect not just academic excellence but also the focus, discipline and resilience our students embody,” she said.

The criteria for the scholar badge were shared: Students from Classes III to V scoring above 95%, Classes VI to X above 90%, and Class 11 above 80% were awarded. Students were felicitated with badges and certificates, acknowledging their perseverance and brilliance.

Taking the centrestage, Ms Chandra said, “My heartfelt congratulations to the badge holders, their parents, and teachers—such achievements are always a collective effort. I leave you with four thoughts: view success as a journey; keep learning; express your ideas effectively; collaborate meaningfully; and most importantly, preserve your originality. In an age where imitation is easy, what makes you unique will make you memorable. Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s the difference that stands out. Be yourself — everyone else is taken. Thank you to the Apeejay family for this warm and memorable invitation.”

The Chief Guest and the Officiating Principal were called on the stage to give away the badges and certificates to 109 meritorious students.

To mark the occasion, a token of appreciation was also presented to the Chief Guest by the Vice-principal. The ceremony ended with Ms Dutta extending heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, Vice-principal, teachers, and parents. Congratulating the achievers, she praised their diligence and urged them to pursue future milestones. She thanked the audience and team, concluding with a call to uphold the spirit of ‘Soaring High’.

The ceremony ended with the singing of the National Anthem.