The Stanes School ICSE/ ISC Annual Prize Day for the academic year 2026-27 was celebrated with enthusiasm on the school campus on Friday, recognizing the academic excellence and all-round achievements of students.
Dr. Kezevino Aram, President of Shanti Ashram and Founder of the International Center for Child and Public Health, was the chief guest. Other dignitaries present were Mr. Philip R. J. Fowler, Correspondent; Dr. James J. Gnanadoss, Honorary Treasurer; Dr. Mrs. Sucheeta Ramachandra, Board Member; and Mr. V. M. John, Chief Administrative Officer.
The event was also attended by Mr. P. A. John Stephen, Principal, Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School; Mrs. Eileen Jethro, Principal, Stanes CBSE School; Mrs. Zenette Jeyaprakash, Principal, Stanes ICSE School; and Mrs. Georgina Simmons, Principal, Stanes International School.
In her inspiring address, Dr. Kezevino Aram, highlighted the immense value of children and the collective responsibility of society in nurturing them into responsible and compassionate individuals. Reflecting on the evening’s prayer and choir performance, she recalled her childhood in Nagaland and said the programme served as a reminder of the innocence and promise that every child represents.
She stressed that every child is a blessing and noted that India is fortunate to have a large child population at a time when several countries are witnessing declining birth rates. She urged parents, teachers and society at large to cherish this demographic strength and invest in the holistic development of children. Drawing from her three decades of experience as a paediatrician, she acknowledged the tireless efforts of parents, grandparents and teachers in shaping the lives of children. She commended parents for their unwavering commitment, sacrifices and unconditional love, stating that the achievements celebrated during the annual prize day were possible because of their constant encouragement and support.
She also encouraged families to reflect on the joy and purpose that children bring into their lives and reiterated her lifelong commitment to ensuring that every child receives a healthy start in life. Emphasizing the significance of schools in moulding young minds, she praised Stanes School for its enduring legacy since its establishment in 1862. She observed that the institution had not only stood the test of time but had also continued to grow while preserving its values and character. She lauded the school’s sprawling 25-acre campus, where four schools function together to provide quality education to more than 3,000 families, describing it as a place where education is imparted with purpose and vision.
The chief guest also recounted the inspiring story of the school’s founder, Sir Robert Stanes, who arrived in India from London at the age of 17 and went on to build a remarkable legacy through enterprise, leadership and service. She further appreciated the school’s emphasis on sports alongside academics, describing it as an institution that nurtures well-rounded individuals. Earlier, Mrs. Zenette Jeyaprakash welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest. The annual report for the academic year 2025-26, highlighting the institution’s achievements in academics, sports and co-curricular activities, was presented on the occasion.
The chief guest later presented prizes to academic toppers in recognition of their outstanding performance during the academic year.
The celebrations concluded with a series of colourful cultural performances by students, including, Try a Little Kindness – Little Voices, Football Fiesta, When Justice Prevails, Cartoon Carnival of Hamelin, Echoes of Sesameand the Finale Dance, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
