A Joyous Claverian Day at St. Peter Claver High School!
By Jocelyn Bennet and Bianca E. Mrangu
Monday, September 9th, 2024, marked the grand celebration of St. Peter Claver Day also known as ‘Claverian Day’ and what a day it was! The air was electric with excitement, as students reveled in a day packed with special events, positive energy, and pure joy. Every moment of the celebration felt perfectly orchestrated, making it a truly unforgettable occasion.
The day began with a radiant morning Mass, led by none other than Fr. Karongo, the school’s Headmaster. In the warmth of that sacred gathering, Br. Laus recounted the inspiring story of St. Peter Claver, bringing to life the legacy of the patron saint. The students, fully present and engaged, sang harmoniously alongside the school choir, their voices lifting the spirit of the day.
Following Mass, the school gathered for an assembly that was both orderly and purposeful. Students were given various responsibilities for the upcoming community service, which included the task of cleaning and sprucing up the lush, green campus. This was their opportunity to practice charity and follow in the footsteps of St. Peter Claver, whose life was marked by service and compassion.
After a refreshing tea break, the action shifted to the famous Multipurpose Hall (MPH). The energy inside the hall was infectious as the audience was treated to warm-up music that set the stage for the indoor events. One of the highlights of the day was the “Hot Seats and Interviews,” a playful segment where a teacher, a Jesuit brother, and two students were asked fun, impromptu questions about their personal experiences. Laughter and applause filled the hall as the participants shared light-hearted, humorous stories.
But the true showcase of the day was the talent extravaganza, where students dazzled with a wide array of performances. St. Peter Claver High School, blessed with an abundance of creative and gifted students, was on full display. From singers to dancers, rappers to fine artists, the performances were nothing short of spectacular! Particularly impressive were the lifelike portraits of the Headmaster, skillfully drawn by students, and the exhilarating dance routines from forms 2, 4, 5, and 6 (forms 1 and 3 were away on midterm break).
As midday approached, the already jubilant school community gathered for a feast fit for the occasion. Pilau, chicken, bananas, and bottles of soda—every student relished the sumptuous meal, replenishing their energy for the afternoon’s events. The post-lunch highlight? A fiercely contested football match between the form 5 and form 6 girls. The match ended in a nail-biting 2-2 draw, only for form 5 to clinch victory with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout!
As the day wound down, the festivities didn’t stop. After supper, students once again returned to the MPH for the evening’s movie, a perfect way to close out the day. Before the film, Br. Abel gave a moving talk on the lessons from the life of St. Peter Claver, reminding students of the core values they should strive to embody—love, compassion, selfless service, and a deep relationship with God. These Claverian principles, he emphasized, were the foundation of building a strong community, and they echoed the school’s powerful motto: To Learn, To Love, and To Serve.
As the day drew to a close, one lingering thought remained with everyone: if young people, starting today, choose to live in peace and support one another wholeheartedly, what could the future hold? Reflecting on the good deeds and camaraderie of the day, students were inspired to carry the Claverian spirit forward.
St. Peter Claver High School, renowned for its discipline, excellence in sports, and academic prowess, ensured that this Claverian Day was nothing short of perfection. We thank God for the beauty of this celebration and pledge to continue living by the values that St. Peter Claver embodied.