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1st Valedictory Service

All human emotions were on display as Preston International School held its first Valedictory Service for the Class of 2012 – the first set of graduating students!  Tears rolled freely as the first set popularly referred to as Pioneer Prestonians bid farewell to the school they had been for the past six years. 

All human emotions were on display as Preston International School held its first Valedictory Service for the Class of 2012 – the first set of graduating students!  Tears rolled freely as the first set popularly referred to as Pioneer Prestonians bid farewell to the school they had been for the past six years. 

The Valedictory service which took place at 11.00am in the school hall on Friday the 20th of July was well attended by over a thousand observers comprising of parents and family members of the graduands, special guests, the staff and students of the school.  His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebiyi Adesida (Afunbiowo II), the Deji of Akure Kingdom was the royal father of the day.  Representing the District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith Churches, West and Central Africa, Rev. Adebayo Adeniran who was the special guest of honour was Rev. Kayode Adeleye who delivered a highly inspiring message on behalf of Rev. Adeniran.  Also representing Professor Peter Okebukola was Prof. Bankole who lauded the achievements of the school in its short six years’ existence and encouraged all present to embrace the mission of the school.  Also, Rev. Muyiwa Olamijulo, the overseer of the Apostolic Faith Church in Abuja sent in his speech and he was represented by Rev. Ogunrinde.  Please see his speech below.

The processional hymn “Tell Out My Soul” was heartily rendered as members of the Man O’War club followed by the Head of Boarding Mr. Eric Denedo led the graduands in to the hall with the directors Mr. & Mrs. Ajayi, taking up the rear of the procession.  The school orchestra played a Classical piece, the “Autumn and Winter themes from THE FOUR SEASONS composed by Anthonio Vivaldi demonstrating the changing scenes as the graduands were going into another phase of life.  There were more musical renditions by the Brass Band and the school choir.  The proprietress Mrs. Funmi  Ajayi gave out prizes and awards to the graduating students.  The best graduating student was Dupe Fasawe.  Preston’s highest awards – the Premium Awards – were won by Adetoro Adebowale, Dupe Fasawe and Havilah Ekpekurede. 

The climax was the presentation by the graduating students as they sang “Farewell” and it then became very emotional.  The graduating students donated a drum set to the school and a sum of money and asked the proprietor to use it to design a monument in their honour in the school.  The patron of the school – Rev. M. A. Ajayi prayed for the graduands.  A reception followed under the canopy on the field where parents and guests were served food and drinks and had the opportunity to socialize and rejoice with the graduands on this special and memorable day.