Years ago, in 2010, in Efficient Secondary School. A school with the main aim of grooming children to become leaders of tomorrow and impactful citizens in the aftermath. At the end of every third term, the management introduces an end-of-year party. This party is for all the students in senior secondary three (SS3) to organize and make the day colorful and what it should be.
One of the students by the name of Blessed, a student known for her clear imaginative thinking, knows how to make ordinary things extraordinary. It was the 2010 graduation party, and they needed to make it what it should be. As they all gathered at the cafeteria, planning how the D day should be.
The cafeteria was bustling with students sipping coffee and nibbling on their spaghetti. My eyes and ears were on the senior students' discussion. Among them was Maria, my "school mother" . I loved her so much because of her infectious smile and compassion.
She spotted me and gave me a wink and a smile, and I reciprocated the same. I heard Blessed as she said, "What if we use MAD as the theme of the party?" I was shocked to hear her say "MAD" as the theme of the graduation party.
I almost spat out my coffee, but then I heard the timekeeper ring the bell, signaling the end of the break period. They continued their meeting as I walked out of the cafeteria. After a month of intensive practices, the D day came, and the gate was designed with "MAD" with a response of "YES".
Many parents were left with so many questions with no one to answer them, and I was not an exception. We all in school were blank on what that theme meant, but we all joined to echo "yes' ' whenever the theme was said.
The valedictorian for that set had an excellent result of eight (8) distinctions (As) in their concluded West African Examination. Another had 29/36 in the ACT Scholarship Examination; he wrote among many others that had 26, 25, and they were all admitted to different Universities outside the country.
The 2010 set created a great difference in the lives of many other students, including myself, and a legacy for other students to carry along. Their impact remained in the hearts of everyone who walked the halls of Efficient Secondary School. As the party unfolded, the senior prefect stepped up to the stage with a mic and shouted " Are you MAD?" and we all responded to the chorus "Yes."
"Efficient is a school with a great difference. Efficient has created a wall of heroes from all walks of life. This school is a place where differences are celebrated. This school is a place where visionary leaders are brought up. This is why we chose the theme of this end-of-year party as "MAD". I know that many are wondering what this acronym means. It will be revealed in no time. This school has been known for the huge differences it has made in a very positive way in the lives of students. This is why the set of 2010 chose "MAD" to mean "MAKING A DIFFERENCE." When I say "We are MAD," you say "Yes.''
Everyone applauded her as she made her way down the stage. Their positive difference in the school served as a transformative remainder wherever the school name is mentioned.