Joseph Afonso Memorial Trust, held its XIX th
Annual Felicitation of SSCE & HSSCE toppers of the village on Sunday 21 st
July 2013 at Social Club Hall, Betalbatim.The All Goa Inter-school Elocution Competition with the two topics:
Will Mopa Airport benefit Goa?
Does Goa have a will to solve the Garbage Problem?
drew as many as thirteen schools.
Amanda Botelho of Fatima Convent, Margao, won the 1 st
Prize
while Jane Pereira of St. Mary's, Varca &
Leanne Mesquita of St. Jude's, Betalbatim were the first and second runners-up. All the winners spoke out eloquently against Mopa Airport. It is a matter of pride that both the 1 st
and 3 rd
Prize winners are parishioners of Betalbatim.
Top rankers Mark D'Costa, Mevny Almeida, Liaura Carvalho & Jenice Ratos from the SSCE and Callens Pereira & Manila Diniz from HSSCE were felicitated at the hands of Chief Guest Fr. Pascoal Afonso. The Parish Priest complimented the Trust for holding the event and congratulated the toppers and the winners of the Inter-school Contest, remarking that our 40 MLAs should have been present to hear the feelings of students on these crucial issues.
Chairman of SSCE & HSSCE Board, Jose Remedios Rebello, Acting Asst. Matron of GMC and
Florence Nightingale
Awardee Eliza Rodrigues and Progressive Farmer Alvito Barreto, were bestowed with Awards of Excellence by the Trust. All three spoke of the important role their native village Betalbatim had played in their formative years.
Mrs. Lulita Carvalho who spoke on behalf of fellow judges Fatima Coutinho and Clinton Vaz, congratulated the contestants and gave several important tips on public speaking to them.
Guest of Honour Dr. Oscar Lourenço and Trustee Jose Pereira also gave away the prizes. Leticia Afonso, daughter of Joseph Afonso welcomed the gathering, while Trustee Isidorio Mendes gave the vote of thanks. The function was compered by Xavier Cota.
report by
Xavier Cota
