“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” With these inspiring words echoing in hearts and minds, St. John’s School, Greater Noida West, came alive on of 3 May 2025 for its much-anticipated Investiture Ceremony, marking the day of 2025–26 academic session. This grand occasion symbolized not only the faith and confidence the institution reposes in its newly appointed student leaders, but also the vibrant spirit of democracy that flourishes within its walls.
The democratic journey began on 24 April 2025, when campaigning and voting transformed the campus into a whirlwind of ideas and enthusiasm. Under fluttering banners and animated posters, candidates seized the opportunity to articulate their visions for a brighter, more inclusive school community. Whether championing environmental initiatives, proposing academic enrichment programs, or pledging to bolster cultural and sporting events, each young aspirant captivated their peers with eloquence and passion. When election day dawned, the air crackled with anticipation as students lined up to cast their ballots, their faces alight with pride at participating in this noble exercise of citizenship.
On the day of the ceremony, the assembly hall was graced by the venerable presence of Dr. K. C. Virmani, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Gautam Buddh Nagar. With a distinguished career spanning over thirty-seven years—dedicated to the welfare, protection, and empowerment of children, and pioneering AI-driven solutions in youth mental health—Dr. Virmani lent an aura of gravitas to the proceedings. Though Chairman Reverend Fr. T. J. Johnson was regrettably called away by prior commitments, he sent his heartfelt blessings to the newly elected council members.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, its steady flame symbolizing the light of knowledge dispelling the shadows of ignorance, accompanied by a soul-stirring welcome song that set a reverent tone. Principal Ms. Reeja Ninan, Vice Chairman Mr. Varghese George, Treasurer Mr. P. K. Thankachan, Senior Academic Coordinator Ms. Shipra Vohra, and the esteemed faculty bore witness to the unfolding of this proud tradition.
Elected Senior Head Boy Shaurya Rawat then stepped forward to welcome the distinguished guests and fellow students. With poised confidence, he outlined his vision of unity, compassion, and holistic growth—a clarion call for collective progress. Thereafter, a breathtaking Taekwondo demonstration showcased the discipline, agility, and indomitable spirit of St. John’s students, eliciting thunderous applause.
The moment of investiture arrived as badges and sashes were conferred upon the proud council bearers:
Shaurya Rawat (Senior Head Boy) and Advik Tripathi (Junior Head Boy)
Sakshi Chaturvedi (Senior Head Girl) and Adrika Roy (Junior Head Girl)
Abhishek Kumar Patel (Deputy Head Boy) and Swati Surana (Deputy Head Girl)
Arnav Rana (Senior Sports Captain), Avni Singhal (Sports Vice Captain) and Ekansh Saxena(Junior Sports Captain)
Charvee Tripathi (Cultural Secretary)
Shreya Jain (Senior House Captain, Carmel) with Aashvi Yadav (Junior Captain) and Talin Shakya (Vice Captain)
Mudita Singh (Senior House Captain, Horeb) with Shreya Goel (Junior Captain) and Riddhima Singh (Vice Captain)
Prisha Singh (Senior House Captain, Sinai) with Myraa Awasthi (Junior Captain) and Aashna Prasad (Vice Captain)
Angel Choudhary (Senior House Captain, Tabore) with Vidhan Verma (Junior Captain) and Akshita Tiwari (Vice Captain)
Each house in-charge then received their prefect badges from Dr. Virmani, a gesture that underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing responsible, service-oriented leaders.
Under the solemn command of Sports Captain Arnav Rana, the newly invested council recited the oath of office, pledging unwavering dedication to their duties and allegiance to the school’s ethos. The tricolor flag, held aloft by the Head Boy and Head Girl, fluttered proudly as the assembly resonated with their solemn vow.
Celebrations continued with a high-energy dance performance, a kaleidoscope of rhythm and joy, embodying the exuberant spirit of St. John’s. Dr. Virmani then addressed the assembly, reminding the young leaders that their posts conferred both privilege and responsibility, and urging them to exemplify integrity, kindness, and diligence in all they do.
Principal Reeja Ninan presented a token of gratitude to the chief guest, who responded with warm applause. Head Girl Sakshi Chaturvedi’s heartfelt exhortation to her fellow leaders—to carry forth the school’s values with honor and zeal—struck a resonant chord. As the vote of thanks reverberated through the hall, the assembly joined in the school song, and the ceremony reached its majestic finale with the solemn strains of the national anthem.
Thus concluded an evening of dignity, inspiration, and celebration—an Investiture Ceremony that not only crowned new leaders but also reaffirmed St. John’s enduring commitment to nurturing hearts and minds in pursuit of excellence.