The roar of the crowd, a symphony of cheers and applause washed over the stadium as IMMACULATE HEART GIRLS’ SCHOOL was being read out several times to come and pick their trophies in the various items they had emerged the best in. This wasn’t just another award winning ceremony but countless hours of practice and the unwavering support of the school administration and the staff members both teaching and non-teaching.
A team of 65 students and 5 staff members represented the school with enthusiasm and dedication prepared for the challenging competition. This whole journey started on 19th August with traveling to Kampala Nabbingo where we were to be accommodated as organized by the ministry of education and sports.
On 20th, we started with the African original composition followed by African folk song where we emerged with merit performances.
On 21st, the students presented the western choral set piece and the western original composition where our very own kobusingye Winfred lucy the choir conductress was called to the judges’ table and her name was recorded. Later during the day, we were informed that we were to present the same song on the opening ceremony and also take part in the singing of the national anthem together with king college Nabbingo and Buddo ss.
on 22nd of the same month, we had a marathon of presentation which included; singing the set piece on the opening ceremony, African instrumental,Drama and Poem. The fluorescent lights of the various competition rooms buzzed , a counterpoint to the frenetic energy caursing through the team. Four presentations with four different audiences all scheduled for the same day. It was a whirlwind of data projections, persuasive arguments and last minute revisions. Each presentation demanded a different focus, a unique angle to capture the attention of a varied group of judges. But amidst the chaotic schedule, a remarkable synegy emerged. The team wasn’t just just a collection of individuals, they were a well oiled machine, seamlessly transitioning between tasks.
When the first presentation ended , a collective sigh of relief washed over the team, quickly replaced by a surge of focused energy for the next. This went on till the last presentation that took place at 9:00pm.
On the 23rd the air in the practice room hung think with a tension of expectations. sight singing the daunting art of instantly reading and interpreting music scores, was proving a formidable foe for the entire choir. Notes floundered, rhythms stumbled, and harmonies wavered, creating a discordant din that mirrored the collective struggle. Each member, regardless of experience, felt the pressure, the weight of unfulfilled potential. This item too came to pass.
The last day which was 24th, a mixture of anticipation and exhilaration. The closing ceremony had arrived and for the Immaculate Heart Girls’ School, it was more than just a celebration but rather a culmination of weeks of dedication, sweat, and shared triumphs. Their name echoing through the speakers was a chorus of achievement.
Immaculate heart’s name echoed again and again across the stadium’s expense. First the western choral set piece was announced the best. A team of students together with the teacher matched to the podium to receive their award. Before they could step down another was announced. Each win triggered a wave of cheers, a surge of pride resonating from the students, teachers and the parents that had come to cheer up their children. The school’s name was called more times than the students could count, a testament to their impressive showing across the various competitions.
The following trophies were brought home;
1.Best conductress of the western choral singing – kobusingye Winfred lucy
2.Best poet/ narrator _Ithungu Baata
3.Best choreography
4.Best drama production
5.Best drama piece
6.Best western set piece SSA
7.Best western original composition – Alex Tumuhimbise the composer
8.Best African folk song
9.Best production of western set piece.
The school bus piloted by Mr. kamugisha the school driver groaned to a halt at the immaculate heart girls school gates. The rhythmic rumble of the engine faded. replaced by the unnerving silence. inside. The girls, their sleep-deprived eyes adjusting to the darkness, were barely processing the long journey home and the long trip back. But as they stepped out into the gravel, a figure emerged from the shadows. Guess what it was SR SABINA TUMUSIME the headmistress of the mighty Immaculate Heart. The lady known for her impeccable poise and unwavering dedication to the school’s ideals. And there she was at 3:00 am, a beacon of unexpected warmth in the heart of the still night. A smile touched her lips from ear to ear like a yellow banana. She surveyed the tired faces ‘’ welcome back little ones, how many cups have you come back with? This is a big miracle ‘’ she murmured with excitement. Off to the Mother Mary shrine they gathered to thank GOD.
EXCELSIOR
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY