A spirit of hope and celebration filled St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mumias as St. Mary’s Mumias Girls High School presented its 2025 candidate class to the community and to God.
The students, christened the “A-Stars” or “Esthers,” were honoured in a special prayer day marking the beginning of their final journey toward national examinations.
This will be the second cohort presented for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) by the school’s soft-spoken yet dedicated Senior Principal, Mrs. Monicah Buchichi Nyange.
The school carries a rich legacy of academic excellence; the previous Class of 2024 was ranked 4th in the Western Region, with over 398 students achieving the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above.
In her address, Senior Principal Buchichi commended the candidates for their perseverance. “You have braved the storms and challenges of school life since Form One,” she said. “You have endured sleepless nights, long study hours, and the demanding routine of academic life. Today, we celebrate your resilience, your determination, and your unwavering spirit of excellence.”
She urged the students to remain focused as they enter the final stretch. “Guard your minds and your hearts against distraction. Remember that success begins the moment you believe in yourself, in the knowledge your teachers have imparted, and most importantly, in the supreme God.”
Mrs. Buchichi also called on the students to release any past grievances. “Let go of any pains, grudges, or bitterness. Walk into your examinations with calmness and grace, for a peaceful heart attracts divine favor,” she advised.
The principal extended heartfelt gratitude to the teachers for their “tireless efforts and unshakable commitment,” assuring them they had “planted seeds of greatness” in the students. She also praised the school’s Board of Management (BOM), led by Chairperson Mrs. Rosemary Wanaswa, for its “wise leadership, steadfast support, and clear vision.”
Mr. Henry Muhula, Chairperson of the Parents Association, thanked parents for their attendance and the principal for her transformative leadership. He appealed for continued parental support, emphasizing, “It is our responsibility to support school programs.” He also cautioned against actions that could tarnish the school’s reputation, noting, “Some parents tend to ignore this noble duty and instead fight the administration by involving bloggers to paint the school in a bad light.”
A notable highlight was the address by BOM Chairperson Mrs. Wanaswa, a renowned former principal of premier national schools, including St. Bridget’s Kitale and Moi Girls Eldoret. Her powerful message centred on the theme of “Forgiveness,” offering wisdom to learners, parents, and educators alike.
The solemn service was conducted by a team of clergy, including the school Chaplain Father Likule, Father Murunga—a philosophy lecturer at Mabanga Senior Seminary—and the powerful orator Father Franklin Sanya of Lunganyiro Parish.
Drawing inspiration from the Book of Esther 4:14, the candidates received a clarion call to embrace success as their duty and responsibility. The class, which has already set an ambitious target mean score of 9.015, left the ceremony inspired to defend the school’s illustrious name and achieve results beyond expectations.
Long live St. Mary’s.
Excellent work from the A- star class of St. Mary’s Girl Mumias. It’s my prayer that your good dreams be realized. You are destined for greatness. To the Teachers, you are awesome, your input is not in Vain. You’ve seen it all but you’ve remained resilient and steady fast. Kudos to the entire Fraternity.
Good reporting. Keep it up Victor.