Report by Eugene Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network
Moodubelle, 01 October 2009: Education is one of the most precious gifts that can be given by any individual or group of persons. In shaping the future of the children, especially in the villages, educational institutions have been playing an important role. Right from the inception to the construction and running of an educational institution a number of visionaries, understanding correspondents, efficient headmasters and principals and dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff play an important role.
The St. Lawrence High School of Moodubelle which was established in 1959 is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year. This great institution was founded due to the efforts of the people of Moodubelle under the leadership of the visionary Parish Priest, Late Fr. Abundius D’Souza. The children from the village of Moodubelle and surrounding villages who had to walk to great distances in order to continue their education after the 8th standard got an opportunity to educate themselves in this institution. For the last 50 years thousands of students got the precious gift of education from St. Lawrence High School and since 26 years further education in Pre University Course in St. Lawrence Pre University College.
For the foundation and growth of these institutions a number of persons have contributed right from the Correspondents to Headmasters and Principals as well as teaching and non-teaching staff. Some of these great personalities are no more and some of them have retired from service. Though these persons are no more in the service their contribution to the institution cannot be forgotten. In order to keep alive the memory of these persons in the minds of the old, present and future students, in this year of the Golden Jubilee of St. Lawrence High School, Fr. Paul Sequeira, the present Principal of St. Lawrence Pre University College has devised a scheme through the Endowment Prize Fund which would be utilized to give awards to the students who distinguish themselves in their respective subjects.
According to Fr. Paul Sequeira, the chief objectives of the Prize Fund are-to keep in memory the contribution of the Correspondents, Headmasters and teaching and non-teaching staff; an opportunity to the old students to express their gratitude for the benefits that they had received from the institute during the tenure of the respective Correspondents, Headmaster and teaching and non-teaching staff; and providing an inspiration for the present and future students that they should work hard.
The sponsorers of the Endowment Prizes can choose the Correspondent, Headmaster/Principal or even members of the teaching and non-teaching staff of their choice in whose name the Endowment Prize is to be given and contribute Rs.25, 000/- as Endowment Prize Fund indicating the Subject or Sports for which the award is to be given. The amount will be kept in the Bank Fixed Deposits and out of the interest amount the endowment prizes will be awarded to the students every year who score highest marks in the subject indicated by the sponsored.
Those individuals who are not in a position to contribute the stipulated amount to the Endowment Prize Fund can contribute collectively through families, groups, Wards, friends, etc.
Fr. Paul Sequeira has divided the Correspondents, Headmasters/Principals and teaching and non-teaching staff in whose name the Prize fund is to be set up into three categories.
1. High School – Fr. Abundius D’Souza and Fr. V.G.F. Rego (Correspondents). Denis D’Silva, Deju Uchchila and B.A. Samak(Headmasters)
At the SSLC level there are six subjects: Kannada, English, Hindi, Maths, General Science and Social Studies. To these six subjects sports is added making 7 prizes. In the name of each of the above 5 persons prizes in each subject can be sponsored making a total of 35 prizes.
2. PUC-Arts and Commerce: Fr. Alexander Lobo, Fr. Herald Menezes, Fr. J.J. Saldanah and Fr. Charles Lewis (Correspondents). Fr. Marian Pinto and John Menezes (Principals)
At the PUC level, in the Arts section the subjects included are:
Kannada, English, Hindi, Political Science, Economics, History and Sociology and Sports-8 prizes.
PUC Commerce: Kannada, English, Hindi, Business Studies, Accounts, Economics, Statistics and Sports-8 prizes.
The number of prizes including both Arts and Commerce are 16 and the total number of prizes will be 96.
3. PUC Science: Fr. Valerain D’Souza (Correspondent)
Subjects for PUC Science are: English, Kannada, Hindi, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Computer Science making a total of 8 prizes.
The total Endowment Prizes for the above mentioned three categories will be 139.
Fr. Paul Sequeira mentioned that so far three individuals have contributed towards the Endowment Prize Fund.
1. Manoj D’Souza from Kinnigudde in the name of Fr. V.G.F. Rego for English Subject in SSLC.
2. Mrs. Lilly Castelino from Madikettu in the name of Fr. Abundius D’ Souza for Maths Subject at SSLC
3. Philip Castelino of Madikettu in the name of Headmaster B.A. Samak for General Science Subject at SSLC.
Fr. Paul Sequeira has expressed a hope that people will generously sponsor these Endowment Prizes and perpetuate the memories of these Correspondents and Heads of Institutions.
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