Josephian Excellence Showcased at the 121st Prize-Giving

 Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel

By Maruthai Ravindhiran

The Annual Prize Giving Day of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, for the year 2024 was held recently, at the Rev. Dr Stanley Abeysekera Auditorium in the College precincts. The ceremony, held for the 121st time in the 129-year history of the institution, was graced by the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel, the 13th Rector of the College.

For more than a century, St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, has stood as a beacon of light and inspiration, shaping generations of young men who embody faith, character, discipline, and intellectual acumen.

The Prize Giving served not only as a recognition of academic achievement but also as a celebration of the College’s holistic approach to education.

The academic year under review was marked by notable success. Students who sat for the GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations secured a high percentage pass rate, continuing the upward trend of producing outstanding results. These achievements stand as a testament to the dedication of both students and teachers in upholding the proud Josephian academic tradition.

In sports, 2024 was an extraordinary year for the College. St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, emerged as National Champions in Cricket, Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, and Badminton, while also performing commendably in Diving, Athletics, Tennis, Rowing, and Rugby.

Building on this success, several Josephian sportsmen were selected to represent Sri Lanka in various age-group categories across multiple sports, bringing honour and glory to their alma mater.

In his message to the gathering, the Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi, the 14th Rector of St.Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, emphasised the importance of nurturing the inner strength and character of students. Quoting Dr Frank Crane, he reminded the Josephian family that “The smartest man in the world is the man inside”.

He underscored that the future of students will be shaped not just by the lessons they learn in books but by the values, thoughts, and emotions they carry within. For parents and teachers, this reminds us of our holy task: to build children from the inside out. In an age of pressure and performance, we need to raise students who are not only intelligent in mind but wise in heart.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Damian De Cruze, the Head Prefect, followed by the singing of the College Anthem — a proud and fitting finale to an evening that celebrated the triumphs of the Josephian family.

The 121st Annual Prize Giving reaffirmed the timeless Josephian ideal.

“Producing men of faith and wisdom, steadfast in service and excellence, ready to carry the torch of their alma mater into the future”.

The writer is the Confidential Secretary to the Reverend Father Rector, Media Advisor and Editor-in-Chief of St.Joseph’s College, Colombo 10.