The prize-giving is an annual function in most of the schools. On this day prizes are given away.
It is a day of great happiness for the students of the school. The students have a holiday. They do have not to prepare their lessons. But they come to the school earlier to decorate the school building. Their joys and enthusiasm know no bounds.
In our school, the 25th of February was the date fixed for the prize-giving this year. The function was to begin at 3.30 p.m. everything was ready by 2 o’clock. The gate was decorated with arches, leaves, and flowers, in the hall chains of colored papers were hanging on the walls and from the ceiling.
The students took their seats in the hall at 3 o’clock. Then the invitees came one by one. The District Magistrate had been invited to give away the prizes. He came punctually at 3.30 p.m. he was given a warm reception by the teachers of the school. When he entered the hall everybody rose and cheered him.
The function began with a welcome song by two boys from the school. After this, the secretary read out the report of the school. It was a dull affair. While it was being read out, many people dozed in their chairs. The reading of the report, however, ended and an interesting part of the function began. Several boys recited poems in Hindi, Bengali, and English in melodious tones. They were much appreciated by the audience. After this, a short one-act drama was staged. It was very interesting and humorous and the audience was very much pleased. I also took part in the drama and my acting was liked by all. When it was over, the headmaster requested the District Magistrate to give away the prizes. The District Magistrate gave away the prizes and cheered up each boy as he proceeded to receive the prize. The boys took the prizes, bowed down, and went back to their seats. Many boys received prizes. Some got nice books, some a suitcase, some a torch, and so on. Many received prizes for standing first and second in the last annual examination and many for their skill in games and sports. One boy received a prize for good attendance. After this, the chief guest rose to make a speech. He advised the boys of the school to do better next year and to take a little more interest in physical exercises. After his address, the headmaster of the school thanked the chief guest and the visitors. The function ended with a closing song.
It is a unique occasion in the life of students. It inspires them to study hard and show better results in the examinations.
