15/08/2025
*Celebrating Excellence: Cornerstone Group of Schools, Oyo, bids farewell to its outgoing finalists, urging them to become exemplary ambassadors.*
The corridors of our beloved school were filled with a mix of joy, nostalgia, and bittersweet emotions as the long-awaited Campfire/Awards night and valedictory service for the outgoing finalists took place. Starting off with the Campfire/Awards night on Friday 25th July, the school hosted the graduands and their parents to a feast. Beautiful activities filled the event.
The graduands danced round the fire. They also expressed their experiences staying in the hostel during the extention. There were interesting parent's games and choreography. Different categories of Awards were given to graduands to include: Best smile, Most dependable, Fashionista, Super friends, Foodie, Event planner, Class comedian, Parents' pet etc. While on the 26th of July being the valedictory service, the school community gathered to honor, celebrate, and bid farewell to the students who had journeyed through years of rigorous academics, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. It was a day marked not only by reflection and gratitude but also by anticipation of the bright futures that await these young graduates.
The event was meticulously organized, reflecting both the dignity of the occasion and the vibrant spirit of the school. Guests, including parents, teachers, alumni, and well-wishers, filled the venue with excitement and pride, eager to witness this significant milestone.
The ceremony commenced with the national, state and the school anthem, a solemn reminder of the unity, identity, and responsibility that each student carries as a future citizen. The school choir delivered a stirring and sterling performance that captivated the audience, setting the tone for a day of celebration and heartfelt emotion. The Chairman of the day also the Chairman board of governors of the school Alh (Dr) R.A AbdulSalam provost Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo ably represented by Dr. R. Kehinde then delivered a welcoming address, reflecting on the journey of the graduating class—from their first day in junior secondary school to the challenges, triumphs, and growth they have experienced over the years.
The highlight of the valedictory service was the recognition of academic excellence. Teachers and administrators presented awards to students who demonstrated outstanding performance in various subjects. . Likewise, in the tradition of the school, numerous special awards were given respectively. These awards, accompanied by applause and cheers from fellow students and parents, celebrated the dedication, perseverance, and intellectual rigor of the graduating class. The recognition extended beyond academics, honoring achievements in sports, arts, leadership, and community service—acknowledging the well-rounded development of each student.
Special mention was made of students who had shown remarkable resilience, adapting to new learning environments, overcoming challenges, and consistently striving for personal and academic growth. Such awards include: Early birds, Tech whiz, Most improved, Golden presence, Extra mile Sportman awards etc. The valedictory service emphasized that success is not measured solely by grades but by character, integrity, and the positive impact one leaves on the school community.
The outgoing class representatives; the senior prefect boy (Okunlola AbdulMalik) and senior prefer girl (Oloruntobi Joy) delivered moving speech, recalling shared memories, laughter, and challenges that shaped their secondary school experience. The speech resonated deeply with both students and teachers, evoking laughter, nostalgia, and occasional tears. The students reflected on friendships forged in classrooms, lessons learned from teachers, and experiences that had fostered maturity and self-discovery.
In his address on the topic: Youth, The Rise of Immoral Shortcuts, and Nigeria's Rise of Get-Rich-Syndrome, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Sylvester Eze encouraged the graduands never to seek illegal means of getting wealth.
Also, the Principal Dr Adedayo Ojo encouraged the students to embrace the future with courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He reminded the students that the values instilled in them—discipline, respect, perseverance, and excellence—would serve as guiding principles as they transitioned to the next stage of their academic and personal lives.
Adding a vibrant touch to the ceremony were the cultural performances and choreography organized by both the graduating students and the junior classes. These presentations not only entertained the audience but also symbolized the students’ journey of growth and self-expression throughout their secondary school years.
The valedictory service also recognized the indispensable role of parents and guardians in the students’ journey. Through words of gratitude and acknowledgment, the school Proprietress and Visioner of the School, Mrs Beatrice Ojo expressed appreciation to the Chairperson of the Parent Teachers’ Association under the leadership of Mr. Leke Adedigba., families who provided unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance, dedication, sacrifices, and investment in the education and well-being of the students, reinforcing the partnership between the school and the families that has been instrumental in shaping the students’ success.
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial songs rendered by the school choir, symbolizing the students’ aspirations, dreams, and hopes taking flight. The school anthem was sung once again, and the students, adorned in their signature and beautiful ceremonial white and black dresses, walked out of the auditorium, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
In an interview with Solidstarnew media, the manager of the school, Mr Babatunde Ojo, described the valedictory service not merely as a conclusion but as a bridge to new beginnings, a moment to honor the past while embracing the limitless possibilities of the future. He noted that as the students stepped into the next stage of their lives, he had high hopes that they were ready to leave their mark on the world.
fans Ojo-Pio Busayo Fola Ojo-Pio Adedayo Olayinka Ojo Ojo Babatunde Olayinka Mary Bamisaye Funmilola Fadiran