ST. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Lagos, has rewarded 80 of its workers for outstanding performances on the school’s programmes and academic activities over the years.

The honour was held during the school’s 35th anniversary, titled “From Flame of Fire, 35 Years of Igniting Minds,” held in the school premises. To further motivate them, some of the beneficiaries got free accommodation, while others received cash gifts and other awards.

The Administrator of the school, Rev. Fr. Francis Koshoffa, said the theme of the anniversary meant that every great story has a beginning, just as the school started humbly in Idimu in 1991, touching lives positively to date.

According to him, 35 years ago, a Jesuit priest with a vision larger than his circumstances, Rev. Fr Francis Cusimano, dared to dream. He stated that “the founder planted a seed and trusted that God, who is never outdone in generosity, would bring the harvest.

“That seed is St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, and today, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary, we gather to celebrate not merely what was planted but the forest that has grown from that single, courageous act of faith.”

Koshoffa said the school is rooted in the spirit of St. Ignatius, who was always being invited by God to do more and to give more to society, especially the students, adding that this value has been the engine of the school’s growth.

Meanwhile, the administrator stated that, with every new classroom in the school, every upgraded facility, and every expanded programme and deepened formation, the initiative has been a response to that same question that animated St. Ignatius of Loyola himself.

Also, the Deputy Administrator, Rev. Fr. James Ocholi, said he feels joyful, grateful and hopeful because the seed that was planted 35 years ago has grown into a big tree, adding that the school is making a great impact in shaping the lives of the students in the Idimu community, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large.