By Neelam Rodrigues for BIS Mumbai

On July 30, 2024, Don Bosco High School, Borivlil held a heartfelt retirement program for Mrs. Mary Johns, commemorating her 25 years of dedicated service as a History teacher. The event was graced by the presence of members of the management, coordinators of various sections, past pupils, and PTA members, making it a memorable and dignified affair.

The program began with a warm and respectful introduction, acknowledging Mrs. Johns's significant contributions to the school and her impact on the countless students she mentored over the years.

In keeping with the tradition, Mrs Johns was welcomed with an Aarti and a Tilak on her forehead. This gesture symbolized respect and reverence for her years of dedicated service. Fr Manuel Murzello, the Rector,  then took the stage to extend his heartfelt wishes to Mrs. Johns. He reminisced about her journey, highlighting her unwavering commitment and passion for teaching. His words were filled with admiration and gratitude.

A video presentation followed, showcasing a collection of fond memories from Mrs. Johns’s time at the school. The video featured photographs and clips from various events expressing appreciation and love for her.

The Assistant School Captain, Miss Anuya Welling,  then read a beautifully crafted address, capturing the essence of Mrs. Johns's influence on the student body. The address emphasized her role in shaping young minds and fostering a love for history.

Adding a touch of vibrancy to the program, a group of students performed a captivating dance. Their energetic and graceful moves were a tribute to Mrs. Johns, celebrating her illustrious career through the art of dance.

The Principal, Rev Fr Flovi D’Souza spoke next, echoing the sentiments shared by others. He praised Mrs. Johns for her exemplary service, her role in enriching the school's academic environment, and her unwavering dedication to her students.

The atmosphere was further enlivened by a medley of songs performed by the school choir. The selection of songs was carefully chosen to reflect the joy and gratitude felt by the entire school community.The dignitaries then took turns to felicitate Mrs. Johns. She was presented with gifts and mementos as tokens of appreciation for her remarkable contributions to the school. The felicitation was a testament to the high regard in which she is held by all.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs Charusheela Pujare, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the event a success. Special thanks were extended to Mrs Johns for her years of service and dedication.

The retirement program for Mrs Johns was a fitting tribute to her 25 years of exemplary service. It was an evening filled with heartfelt speeches, performances, and expressions of gratitude, making it a memorable farewell for a cherished teacher.