Tag: School Competitions

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St. Thomas HSS Aldona Hosts All Goa News Presentation Contest, Budding Anchors Shine Bright

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, in association with its Parent Teachers’ Association, organized the All Goa Inter-Higher Secondary School News Presentation Competition on 13th September 2025. Held in the school’s auditorium, the contest was themed “Voices of Hope: News that Inspires, Uplifts, and Ignites Optimism.”

Fifteen higher secondary schools from across Goa participated in the unique and uplifting event, presenting news stories through PowerPoint-supported segments designed to inspire, inform, and engage. The competition was a showcase of creativity, confidence, and storytelling prowess, as student anchors brought a wave of positive journalism to the stage.

The event’s Chief Guest, Shri Promod Acharya, Editorial Director of Prudent Media Network, commended the participants’ outstanding efforts. He noted that several presentations surpassed the quality of professional news anchoring and emphasized the power young voices have to shape public sentiment by choosing to tell stories that bring hope. “Readers decide what becomes news,” he reminded the participants, urging them to spread optimism in their storytelling.

Joining the jury were media professionals Ms. Alisha Caraline Fernandes, Producer at Rashtra TV, and Ms. Nitiksha Mahadev Gaonkar, Reporter at Goa 365 News Channel, who brought their expertise in evaluating both content and presentation.

The winners of the event were:

1st Place – Ms. Juyee Manesh Gawas from Vasantrao Dempo HSS, Cujira

2nd Place – Ms. Carol Fernandes from St. Thomas HSS, Aldona

3rd Place – Mast. Yash Jagdish Durbhatkar from St. Andrew’s HSS, Vasco

1st Consolation – Ms. Chetana Naik from Dr. K.B. Hedgewar HSS, Cujira

2nd Consolation – Ms. Meagan Grace Dias from G.V.M.’s SNJA HSS, Ponda

All participants were presented with certificates of appreciation, while the winners received trophies, certificates, and cash prizes in recognition of their hard work and excellence.

The contest was efficiently coordinated by Sir Daryl John Abranches and Tr. Lavina Pereira, with wholehearted support from the teaching and non-teaching staff and an enthusiastic team of student volunteers. Principal Angelica Fernandes expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants, judges, guests, and supporting schools, affirming that the event had successfully highlighted the emerging voices of young journalists in Goa.

The Management of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona extended special appreciation to all participating institutions for their contributions in making the event a meaningful celebration of positivity and youth-driven journalism.

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Mother’s Day Blooms at Holy Cross School Bastora with ‘Wildflower Wonders’

Tanisha Cardozo

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Holy Cross School in Bastora hosted a vibrant and heartwarming event titled Wildflower Wonders — a creative floral competition that brought together mothers and their children. The competition encouraged each duo to work as a team and express their love through the art of floral arrangement. The campus was adorned with vivid colors, smiles, and touching moments of family bonding.

Judged by the discerning eyes of Mrs. Archi Pai and Mr. Charles D’Souza, the competition saw a variety of imaginative and heartfelt creations. After thoughtful deliberation, the judges awarded first place to Melissa Crasta and her mother Sabina Crasta, whose piece stood out.

Second place went to Aradyani and her mother Ashwini Hodarkar, who impressed with their creativity and collaborative spirit.

The event not only brought families closer but also underscored the school’s commitment to fostering meaningful, creative experiences. It was a celebration of love, nature, and the special connection shared between a mother and child — all wrapped in blossoms. The day ended with applause, proud smiles, and a field full of beautiful memories.

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JCI Ponda’s Junior Wing Conducts JCSAT Exam 2025 to Foster Academic Excellence

Tanisha Cardozo

Ponda, Goa: In a resounding initiative to promote academic excellence and intellectual growth among school students, the Junior Jaycee Wing of JCI Ponda successfully conducted the JCSAT Exam 2025 on August 23, 2025.

Hosted across two vibrant centers — Mahatma Gandhi Centenary School, Gaunem-Bandora, and Shiksha Sadan High School, Priol — the examination drew 130 enthusiastic participants from 6th to 10th standard, all eager to challenge their knowledge and embrace the spirit of competition.

The JCSAT (Jaycee Competitive Scholastic Aptitude Test) is designed to test general awareness, problem-solving, and academic reasoning, and is a signature initiative by the Junior Jaycee wing under JCI’s youth development programs.

Key Highlights:

  • 📍 Venues: Mahatma Gandhi Centenary School (Gaunem-Bandora) & Shiksha Sadan High School (Priol)
  • 🧠 Participants: 130 students from Classes 6 to 10
  • 🌟 Focus Areas: Academic aptitude, analytical skills, and personal growth through competition

This initiative reflects JCI Ponda’s commitment to building young leaders, sharpening their academic acumen, and encouraging healthy competition that fosters confidence and curiosity.

Leadership Behind the Event:

  • 👨‍💼 JC Vadiraj Inamdar – President
  • 🧑‍💼 JFM Muskan Naik – Secretary
  • 👦 JR JC Shrinivas Inamdar – Junior JC Chairperson
  • 👦 JR JC Shreeshant Upadhye – Project Coordinator

Their coordinated efforts, along with the support of the host schools, ensured a smooth, engaging, and impactful event.

“This is not just an exam; it’s an opportunity for students to explore their strengths and believe in their potential,” said JC Vadiraj Inamdar.

With such meaningful initiatives, JCI Ponda continues to play a vital role in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow — one student at a time.