St Bernadette Soubirous School celebrates 46 years of excellence
A member of the National Media Commission (NMC), Kobby Asmah, has called on the management of first and second-cycle educational institutions to put a premium on discipline and hard work in nurturing pupils and students.
Speaking at the 2025 Graduation ceremony of St Bernadette Soubirous School in Dansoman, Accra, last Saturday, Mr Asmah appealed to them to provide a holistic education, which encompassed good academic tuition and moral uprightness rooted in sound religious principles, to students.
Mr Asmah, who is also a former Editor, Graphic, was the special guest of honour at the ceremony held on the theme: “46 Years of Raising Future Leaders – Instilling Hard Work, Assertiveness, Discipline and Moral Integrity through Catholic Principles”.
The event attracted educators, parents, students and community leaders, including the Regional Manager of the Catholic Education Unit of Accra, Judith Amoateng Ennin; the Local Manager, Abraham Laryea, and the immediate past School Management Board Chairman, Rev. Fr Dr John Duah Prempeh.
It highlighted St Bernadette Soubirous School’s 46-year legacy as a private Catholic institution committed to holistic education.
Creativity
Mr Asmah said instilling those values in children was the best way to develop the youth.
He also entreated schools to encourage creativity and nurture the character of schoolchildren to come out as good leaders in their communities.
"Schools must identify and develop each child's potential to ensure they shine in all spheres of life. It must also ensure a safe environment that imbues an easy and peaceful mindset," he stated.
A call to integrity
Mr Asmah’s speech reflected on his personal connection to St Bernadette Soubirous School, as his daughter, Ohemaa Abena Asmah, was among the graduates. His older children also attended the same school.
“It is a real honour to speak to you today — not as a media influencer, but as a proud parent watching my daughter and her friends step into the next phase of life,” he stated.
He lauded the school’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and moral grounding, noting its role in shaping future leaders for the country.
Priority
Drawing from his journalism career, the guest speaker shared anecdotes of his early days as a reporter armed only with a notepad, pen and a passion for truth.
“Those long nights writing stories and meeting deadlines shaped not just my career, but my character,” he said, encouraging the graduates to embrace curiosity, consistency and integrity.
“Write your own stories boldly; don’t let fear, doubt or failure hold your pen,” he charged them while addressing his daughter and her peers directly.
“Chase your dreams with all your heart; you have made us proud already. Now go and make yourselves proud too,” he added.
Propagate message
The Headmistress of the school, Magdalene Korlekie Adjemfra, in her address, urged the graduates to carry forward the values of the school, which are discipline, responsibility, and moral integrity instilled during their time at the institution.
“Discipline is not about restriction; it’s about freedom — freedom from procrastination, distractions, and the freedom to achieve your goals,” she said, quoting American entrepreneur and author Jim Rohn, who stated, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment".
Goals
She advised the students to set clear goals, break tasks into manageable steps and remain consistent in their efforts.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded them that, “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall”,
The headmistress also cautioned against the pitfalls of social media, which, she said, could lead to procrastination and addiction.
