Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 13, 2024 : Mount Carmel Central School, Mangaluru concluded the exuberant celebration of creativity and unforgettable moments of“ Festember 2k24”on November 10th. The two-day festival, on November 9th and 10th transformed the school grounds into a vibrant hub of talent, joy, and community spirit nurturing student creativity, leadership, and the school’s commitment towards excellence.

The festivities began on November 9th with an electrifying flash mob performance by grade 10 students, setting the tone for the day with infectious energy and enthusiasm. The grand procession that followed was a spectacle in itself, with the school band leading the way, followed by a convoy of open jeep carrying the esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Raja B.S, General Manager of the Operational Department at Karnataka Bank Ltd., and Shri Sanil Kumar B, Assistant General Manager and Regional Head of Bank of Baroda, Mangalore, along with Principal Sr. Melissa, Administrator Sr. Carrissima, Joint Secretary Sr. Josephine Pais, Superior Sr. Asha Prima, and Vice Principal Sr. Teena.

The event was marked by a soulful prayer song, invoking blessings for the success of the two day celebrations. Principal Sister Melissa, in her welcome address, conveyed heartfelt greetings to the gathering, underlining the significance of the festember. As she welcomed the chief guests, a flower sapling was offered to them, symbolizing the school’s gratitude for their generous support for the event.

The dignitaries inaugurated the festival with a symbolic release of balloons and the ‘Hat’, a fitting tribute to the theme “Hatitude”. The inauguration ceremony reached a memorable crescendo with the unveiling of a special theme song, composed by students from grade 9 and 10. This unique musical creation encapsulated the essence of the event and was a testament to the talent and creativity thriving within the school.

In their addresses, the Chief Guests shared words of appreciation and inspiration, commending the school’s efforts in fostering a nurturing environment for young minds to flourish. They acknowledged the significant role Mount Carmel Central School plays in shaping the leaders of tomorrow and encouraged the students to continue pursuing excellence in every sphere of life. After the inaugural ceremony, the guests went round the stalls, played some games and interacted with the students, parents and the audience.

The festival unfolded with a rich tapestry of activities and performances, offering an array of experiences for students, parents, and the public alike. A variety of interactive stalls showcased student ingenuity, while live performances brought the school’s cultural vibrancy to the forefront. Throughout the event, the several celebrities were seen engaging with students, expressing admiration for the meticulous planning and the spirit of collaboration that made ‘Festember 2k24’ a resounding success.

The second day, November 10th, was a crescendo of activities, filled with music, dance, and interactive events that created a lasting impact. The day began with a serene prayer, inviting blessings upon the festivities, followed by Jereth’s rendition of the festember theme song. High-energy Football tournament ‘Futsal’ soon followed, with an enthusiastic crowd cheering on the spirited football players and adding a pulse of excitement to the event.

A unique highlight was the “Clan of Stars” competition, where families showcased their singing, dancing, and acting skills, radiating joy and creating lasting memories of unity and celebration. On stage, an extraordinary line up of talented performers, the students, ex-students, parents and the celebrities kept the audience entranced. The highlight of the 2nd day was the ‘Tiger Dance’ and ‘Chende drummers’ which added a unique touch of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage, infusing the event with traditional energy. The Principal, Sr. Melissa and the staff/parent representatives honoured the celebrities with mementos acknowledging their presence and in appreciation for their talents.

Excitement ran high during the eagerly awaited lucky draw, with grand prizes like a washing machine, a home theatre system, and a bicycle awarded to thrilled winners amid cheers. Sr. Melissa and Sr. Carissima selected the lucky winners, adding a special touch to the event. Housie games, auctions, and spot games kept the crowd entertained, while the "Hatitude" contestants were felicitated bringing a playful flair to the festivities.

The audience was treated to an array of food stalls offering everything from mouth-watering snacks to Kerala delicacies, while game stalls offered fun for all ages, adding to the festive vibe. As people savoured food and participated in games, the school grounds buzzed with joy and camaraderie. The festivities ended with an electrifying DJ set by DJ Suman and team, whose upbeat mixes had the crowd dancing into the evening, marking a joyous finale.

These two-day festivities of ‘Festember 2k24’ not only highlighted the immense talent of the students, ex-students, parents and celebrities, but also reinforced the values of collaboration, innovation, and gratitude –the hallmarks of Mount Carmel Central School.