By Chimereze Okeigbo
The day was December 30, 2019. The event; a re-union of the old students of Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School, Arochukwu.
What was supposed to be an ordinary day during the Yuletide period, turned out to be both unique and memorable.
It was indeed a day of nostalgic reminiscences, exchange of banters, back slapping and bear hugs. Yet the old students of Mary Slessor Secondary Technical School, Arochukwu did not lose focus why they gathered, which was essentially to strategize on how to give back to their alma mater.
The event had been planned over time, with the inauguration of an organizing committee headed by Deacon Eugene Onoh.
From all walks of life and professions, the old students trouped out by 7.30am to the college field for a pre-planned fitness exercise. The attendance was impressive, and provided the opportunity for the oldies to meet, some after decades of leaving school. There, began the bear hugs and back slapping.
The Commander of the session, Mr. Larry Morgan Diribe, described the exercise as important, saying it was part of the unwinding required during Christmas vacation.
The Principal of the school, Mr. Anyunku, was around to share his goodwill message and also inform the old students about the progress made so far, and the challenges facing the school.
At nightfall, the MASOSA crew gathered at Unique Guest House, Amanagwu for an all-night party tagged “Old Skool”.
The Chairman of the planning committee said the choice of Unique Guest House as the venue was very significant, by virtue of the fact that Unique Guest House was where they held their parties as students.
The event kicked off with a musical interlude that welcomed everyone.
The MC of the occasion, Mr. Chimereze Okeigbo Okoro, trilled the old students with jokes, hilarious stories and wise cracks.
Moments later, the old students took turns to introduce themselves, one after the other. The session took the form of mentioning their names, class/year, and their present location and profession.
Some also enunciated their vision for the alumni – MASOSA – and the institution.
From the way they spoke, it was clear that the old students were passionate about their alma mater.
Indeed the old students came in from around the world – USA and Europe.
Quite remarkably, during the proceedings, some of the old students who could not come in person, called in from Germany and Ireland, to participate in the programme.
Chairman of the MSSTS Trustees, Barr. Steve Amaramiro, shared his appreciation and reignited his support for MASOSA. He encouraged all the sets to come together and join hands in building a unified Old Students Bloc that will influence development in the school, and also among the old students and the current students.
For Deacon Eugene Onoh, it was a good turn-out, and he thanked everyone that contributed in one way or the other to the event.
He also said that MASOSA had commenced and completed re-roofing of the science and other classroom blocks, adding that this will continue until the Science Laboratory is fully furnished and equipped. New members did their formal registrations.
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