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St. Gracious School Launches Journalism Focus, Rewards Top Pupils with Full Scholarships at 9th Graduation.
By Okidi Patrick
LIRA, UGANDA – St. Gracious Nursery and Primary School marked its 9th Graduation ceremony on November 26, 2025, celebrating 187 Top Class graduands while simultaneously announcing a bold initiative to champion practical skills education, evidenced by awarding full scholarships to pupils who excelled in a unique journalism role-play exercise.
The ceremony, held in the school premises in Lira City, saw school leadership emphasize the need for modern, relevant education over mere knowlege.
Mr. Elem Leo, the Principal of St. Gracious Schools, adopted a pragmatic stance, stating that the institution is committed to “moving together with the rest of the world in inculcating knowledge,” while adding that making a child wear a graduation gown is “not necessary.”
Principal Leo further stressed the critical need for parental vigilance, urging parents and guardians to be friendly to school administration for a close monitoring of their children’s progress in learning. He stressed that children should “remain at home under responsible parental care instead of visiting relatives in other places
Eight Scholarships were awarded three years scholarship basing on their Media Skills they portrayed before the parents during an entertainment segment.
Adding significant excitement to the day, the school announced a massive educational incentive focused on recognizing early talent and encouraging learner retention.
Dr. Olet Patrick, the Director of St. Gracious Nursery and Primary School, promised special sponsorship for eight pupils who performed exceptionally well while acting as news bulletin anchors during a radio station simulation.
As a reward for their performance and to motivate continued parental support, Dr. Olet pledged free education for these eight pupils from Primary One (P.1) through Primary Three (P.3). All recipients returning for P.1 next year will also receive a full financial bursary covering their school uniform, a gesture intended to improve participation in school activities.
The focus on rewarding skills-based performance highlights St. Gracious’s commitment to integrating practical knowledge, such as journalism skills, into the foundational curriculum.
The school’s innovative approach and commitment to bursaries received immediate praise from attendees.
Atto Sarah, one of the parents present at the ceremony, pledged to return her child to the school next term, citing the institution’s commitment to “quality education.” Her commitment signifies the growing community trust in St. Gracious’s educational mission across Lango and the surrounding areas.
Rev. Dickson Kimbujje, a guest speaker at the event, congratulated Dr. Olet Patrick on the “vibrant achievement and progress so far achieved in St. Gracious Schools.” He encouraged more parents to enroll their children, stating that attending St. Gracious schools is a sure path for their children to attain a better future.
The 9th Graduation ceremony concluded not just as a culmination of pre-primary studies, but as a landmark launch for a school determined to equip its youngest learners with relevant skills for the modern world of technology.
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