In an effort to set itself apart from other alumni associations, Josh - The Phoenix of St. James Matriculation Higher Secondary School has assigned unto itself the organisation of three annual events: a counselling session for class XII students followed by a mock competitive test once they have passed out and an inter-school cultural fest held earlier in the academic year. Titled JamFest, the second edition of the cultural fest was held recently at the school.
Set up in 2011, the alumni association has over a 1,000 active members, according to Chimman Chakravarthy from the 2003 batch. “The highlight of this year is the active involvement of our seniors from the very first batch that passed out of St. James in 1993,” said Mr. Chakravarthy.
While nearly 50 members were involved in the organisation of JamFest’12, the first batch students were involved in judging and hosting the events.
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“While the first edition of the fest drew participation from around 20 schools in Tiruchi, this year we had 35 schools,” said Rev. A. Suresh, principal and correspondent, St. James Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
With this year’s theme being ‘Greener Earth, Better Life- I love I Pledge’ all the 1000 participants were given seeds, while the teachers and supporting staff were given saplings as return gifts.
“All the 21 events organised were themed around the go green concept and we had events like junk art, creative writing and quiz among others,” said Mr. Chakravarthy. R.S.K. Higher Secondary School emerged the overall winners of JamFest’12, while Sri Akilandeshwari Vidyalaya was the runners-up. With hopes of making all three events part of the school’s annual calendar, the alumni association brought together old students from places all around India as well as countries like U.S.A., and Dubai.
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D.Arokiaraj, principal, AKKV Aarunadu Matriculation Higher Secondary School, gave away prizes to the winners at the valediction.