by Sheena Aery for BIS Mumbai

Don Bosco High School, Vadodara, marked its 46th Annual Thanksgiving Day with a grand celebration centered around the theme, “DREAMS: Making the Impossible Possible.” The event celebrated student achievements, honored the dedication of the staff, and inspired the school community to pursue their dreams with determination.

The evening was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mr Mahesh Pandey, District Education Officer of Vadodara District, and AEI Mr. Jayesh Shrimali of SSVP Area. Their presence and words of encouragement added significance to the occasion.

The program began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom, followed by the garlanding of Don Bosco's statue by Mr Pandey. Principal Mrs Leena Varghese delivered a warm welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big and working hard to turn aspirations into reality.

In his address, Chief Guest Mr Pandey highlighted the role of education in helping students achieve their dreams and praised the school’s holistic approach to student development. Fr Isaac echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing love, gratitude, and leading by example in guiding the young.

The event also honored retiring staff members, Teachers Sarita Sharma, Elizabeth Mathew, and Mrs Poonam Masih, for their decades of dedicated service. They were presented with heartfelt tributes and gifts, creating an emotional and memorable moment. Fr Rector was felicitated for his guidance, and Vice Principal Fr Jerome Edison was acknowledged for his meticulous planning. Fr Thomas Chalissery and Fr Chris Ferreira were also thanked for their contributions to school management.

An annual highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony, where students were recognized for academic excellence, all-around performance, and subject-specific scholarships. The Red House was declared the Best House of the year for their outstanding performance.

Two students presented the school report, highlighting key achievements and activities across academics and co-curricular areas. The girls’ choir, under the guidance of teacher Samantha Dsouza, delivered a melodious rendition of “Be Exalted O God.”

The evening’s centerpiece was a musical play based on the story of para-Olympian Murlikant Petkar, reflecting the theme, “DREAMS: Making the Impossible Possible.” Over 300 students brought the story to life through music, dance, and drama, inspiring the audience with their talent and hard work. Each performance received enthusiastic applause, and the event showcased the students’ creativity and dedication.

The program concluded with the head boy, Master Aman Marathe, proposing a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success.

The 46th Annual Thanksgiving Day was not just a celebration of achievements but also an evening of inspiration, reminding all to dream big and work diligently. It was a memorable and uplifting experience for everyone in attendance.