St Johns School: 70 years of “Viam Parantes”

St. John's School, the all-male high school that stands on a hill in Sekondi is a shining example of excellence in education, having served the country for 70 years. As we celebrate this milestone on Saturday (July 22), on the theme, “Celebrating 70 years of Impactful Catholic Training of the Boy Child: The St. John’s experience”, it is important to reflect on the many achievements of this esteemed institution.

Founded in 1952, St. John's School has been a beacon of hope for generations of students in Sekondi and beyond. The school has consistently produced outstanding graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields both locally and internationally.

Notable among its illustrious past students, also known as OLD SAINTS, are the renowned Journalist and Communications Professor after whom the Ghana Journalist of the Year award is named, Professor PAV Ansah of blessed memory, award-winning journalist David Ampofo, Frank Abu former minister of Mines and Energy, former Chief Executive of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Dr Felix Anyah, M.K Onnomah, Ghanaian politician and the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, and musicians like Shasha Marley, Pastor Joe Beecham among others.

Excellence

St. John's School was founded by Archbishop William Thomas Porter of the Society of African Missions, on January 29, 1952 in response to the government's Accelerated Education policy of 1951. It was founded as a private secondary school and was the first secondary school to be established in the western region.

The newly birthed all male school was then named after Rev. John Beenker, the first head of the school. Shortly after assuming the post, Beenker became seriously ill. Rev. Father Donelley was interim head, and Rev. Father Francis Kwamena Buah was recalled from postgraduate studies at Cork University in Ireland to head the school. Re. Father Buah thus became the first Ghanaian head master.  

The school started with three teachers, F. K. Buah, Donelley, and John Quansah and 47 students in two temporary classrooms.

One of the hallmarks of St. John's School is its commitment to academic excellence. The school has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the best results in national examinations, with many of its students ranking among the top performers in the country. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teachers and staff and the Holy Cross Brothers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

Gentlemen

In addition to academic excellence, St. John's School is also known for its strong emphasis on character development. The school places a high value on instilling values such as honesty, integrity, and respect in its students, and this has helped to produce well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also morally upright.

The motto of St. John's School, "Viam Parantes", translates into “Preparing the Way”, a constant reminder to the boys of the greater responsibilities ahead of them after school and the need to remain gentlemen and conduct themselves properly.

During my time on the “green hill” as we affectionately called our campus in Sekondi, the school’s motto, Viam Parantes, was a source of inspiration to all of us and a sort of spiritual guardian.

St. John's School has also made significant contributions to the community through various outreach programs and initiatives. The school has been involved in numerous community service projects, including providing free education to underprivileged children and supporting local charities and organizations.

As we celebrate St. John's School's 70th anniversary, it is clear that the school has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals over the years. Its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community service has helped to shape generations of students and make a positive difference in the world.

Congratulations to St. John's School on this momentous occasion, and may it continue to thrive and make a difference for many more years to come.

The Writer is an Old Saint, 2007.