The Institute of English Studies Maharagama (IESM) proudly hosted its first official Prize-Giving Ceremony in December 2024, a landmark occasion that celebrated the academic excellence, creativity, and dedication of our students. It was a day to honor not just academic results, but also the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and growth that defines the IESM experience.
Held at our own premises, the event brought together students, parents, and teachers in a vibrant celebration of achievement. A sense of pride and joy filled the auditorium as students were called up to receive their certificates and medals, representing months of learning, effort, and passion.
Recognizing Academic Excellence
One of the most significant highlights of the event was the presentation of special awards to the top three performing students in each grade. These awards were determined based on the average scores from the three main exams conducted throughout the academic year. The recipients were:
1st Place – Gold Medal of Excellence
2nd Place – Silver Medal of Excellence
3rd Place – Bronze Medal of Excellence
This transparent and performance-based recognition ensured that consistent effort was celebrated, encouraging students to stay committed to their academic journey.
Speeches by Academic Staff
The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches from key members of our academic staff, who commended the students and reflected on their educational journeys:
Ms. Sachini Pathirana, Head of Grade 1
Ms. Udara Amarasighe, Head of Grade 2
Ms. Nipuni Wijesinghe, Head of Grade 3
Ms. Dileesha Niladari, Head of Grade 4
Ms. Nilupulee Ranaweera, Assistant Teacher
Each speaker highlighted the incredible transformation of their students and encouraged both children and parents to embrace the joy of learning and growth. Their words were a beautiful reminder of the deep commitment IESM’s educators bring to the classroom every day.
Performances and Creative Expression
Adding color and flair to the event, senior students also took part in a series of performances choreographed by Ms. Lakshani Samarakoon, Head of Grade 10 & 11 English Language and Literature. Her guidance and creativity helped students shine on stage, showcasing not only their language proficiency but also their artistic talent and confidence.
Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort
A ceremony of this scale could not have taken place without the tireless efforts of our behind-the-scenes team:
Ms. Parami Kaluarachchi, Assistant Teacher, Deputy Chief Lead of Lumos (IESM’s upcoming Learning Management System), and now Head of the IESM Prize-Giving Committee, was instrumental in organizing the distribution of certificates and medals. Her organizational skills and dedication were crucial to the success of the event.
Ms. Mayuri Yahampath, IESM’s Chief of Staff, led the initiative and played a vital role in planning and executing the event. Her coordination across departments ensured that every element—from logistics to media coverage—ran smoothly.
Ms. Sushani Rusirika provided invaluable support to the student announcers, helping them prepare, rehearse, and confidently present during the ceremony. Her behind-the-scenes guidance helped elevate the professionalism of the event.
A New IESM Tradition Begins
The First Official Prize-Giving Ceremony marks the beginning of what will now become an annual tradition at IESM—a celebration of academic excellence, artistic expression, and holistic development. It was a day filled with pride, reflection, and encouragement, reminding us all of the power of education and the importance of nurturing talent.
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, IESM remains committed to recognizing the potential in every child, supporting our staff, and celebrating each milestone with purpose and joy.
