-As 2 students get prestigious Summa Cum Laude awards
MILLICENT HUNGWE
Junior High School celebrated academic brilliance on August 6 during its colourful awards ceremony, where two outstanding students Form 5’s Rice Tawanda and Form 1’s Shambare Kupaishe were honoured with the prestigious Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Summa Cum Laude signifies the highest level of academic distinction, typically awarded to learners with exceptional academic performance.
Out of more than 600 students, these two stood out for achieving straight A’s across all their subjects, an academic milestone that reflects dedication, discipline, and resilience.
Junior Primary School deputy head, Dunmore Jamanda was the guest of honor and also in attendance were several parents from all over the country and beyond including one of the school’s directors, Chiedza Marima.
Junior High School head, veteran educationist Stern Mutsambiwa paid tribute to Noah Marima and his wife Chiedza Marima the directors for Junior Group of schools for a job well done as the construction of two more three storey hostels are now at an advanced stage.
The hostels will go a long way in accommodating more boarders as the demand for places continues outgrow space available.
In addition to the 30 seater mini bus purchased recently for the school another one is coming courtesy of the responsible authority.
Mutsmabiwa also thanked the learners for their high level of discipline which is contributing to the high pass rate and awards won at public for and sporting events.
“I would like to thank the parents for supporting the school by giving us their beloved children, timeous payment of fees and supporting school activities like today’s prize giving day
“We pay tribute to our dedicated, highly experienced and committed staff for nurturing our students to such great heights as well as all our stakeholders for supporting us in one way or the other.
“I wish the best to today’s prize winners and good luck next time to non winners and our exam classes, form 4 and 6 the best in their vacation school and best results in 2025 in the province and beyond,” said Mutsambiwa.
The ceremony recognised excellence in multiple categories, including best students per grade, most improved learners, subject toppers, club of the year won by public speakers, cleanest students, and even cleanest hostels for both boys and girls, promoting a holistic view of academic and personal growth.
Rice Tawanda, who also walked away with badges in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, credited his success to hard work and a clear vision.
Quoting a Bible verse in Galatians 6 verse 7, he reminded peers that, “you reap what you sow,” urging others to avoid distractions such as drug abuse and early marriages, which he said “destroy the future you would have dreamt of.”
Shambare echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude to her teachers and encouraging fellow students to strive for excellence: “I wouldn’t have achieved this without my teachers. I hope others work hard too and make their parents proud.”
The two Summa Cum Laude recipients were awarded symbolic white ties a mark of honour and a constant reminder of their academic achievements.
Another remarkable achiever was Venge Natasha, who scooped six badges for topping in all six of her subjects.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “As a junior student, I’ve learned that having a vision is key that’s how I managed to win so many badges.”
