Discipline, sacrifice and persistence; values that defined the life of the late legend Dr Tai Solarin, founder of Mayflower School were brought to life recently in Ikenne, Ogun state, Nigeria when Old Students Association of the school who graduated from the school in 1998 celebrated the 20th year’s anniversary of their passing out. The group commonly referred to as; ‘98 EXMAYS used the occasion of the anniversary to reunite with their secondary school mates and also mentor the current students on the ideals and virtues of the Mayflower founding hero.
The arrival of members of Organizing Committee, headed by Balogun Olalekan Muri in Ikenne early Thursday signaled the commencement of the three day program held mainly between Friday 22nd June and Sunday 24th of June, 2018.
By the end of Thursday, June 21st , the ‘98 exmays began to arrive in droves. The atmosphere was one of excitement, nostalgia and plenty of backslapping as old friends reunited with their fellows whom they had not seen in decades. The anniversary ceremonies kicked off with the ’98 Exmays paying a symbolic visit to and laying of flowers at the burial grounds of the late founders, Dr. Tai and Madam Sheila Solarin.
The official anniversary activities commenced on Friday, 22nd June at 7am with the ’98 Exmays taking turns to address current students at various assembly grounds of the schools. Frank Danso, Femi Ake and Sola Kayode addressed students at the Mayflower Junior Secondary School (Public).
While at the Mayflower Public Senior Secondary School, several ’98 Exmays addressed the assembled students with motivational Speeches given by Gbenga Wahab, Ayo Mesaiyete, John Sobola, Kenny Akinola nee Ogunnaike and a host of others. Some exmays also pledged to reward any outstanding students who exceeded the performance of ‘98 sets at NECO/WAEC examinations with the various cash awards.
At the Mayflower Private School run by Madam Corin Solarin, Late Dr Tai Solarin’s daughter, ’98 Exmays, Gbenga Wahab, John Sobola and others spoke to the gathered students on the value of discipline, having a sense of self-worth and focusing on personal and academic success.
The highlight of Friday’s events was an appreciation Lunch held in honour of the former teachers who taught the ’98 set more than twenty years ago. The event held at the old yet iconic Schmidt Hall of Mayflower Public School. More than thirty former teachers who gathered at the venue were treated to sumptuous meals, heartfelt messages and gift items as a token of appreciation from their former students. This was a driven by a belief that these now elderly teachers should not get their reward only in heaven.
Mrs Kemi Yusuf, who was a Chemistry Teacher in 1998, opened the lunch session with prayers as other ex-teachers introduced themselves in turn. The former Principal, Late Segun Osiboye, was given a post humus special recognition award for his “exemplary Leadership, commitment and values” The award was received on his behalf by Pa Fasunon, the famous Yoruba Language teacher. A minute’s silence was held in his honour of teachers and exmays who had passed away. The event had special meaning for many of the teachers as it became a mini-reunion for them, as many of them had not seen each other for several years. The current Principals of Mayflower Senior School and Mayflower Junior secondary school were present and praised the set for appreciating their older colleagues.
What is an exmay reunion without a Bonfire Night? The ’98 exmays took some time to unwind at a bonfire night on Friday night to the delight of everyone. Dancing and singing till late, the large bonfire created the perfect backdrop for the night’s activities; a night to remember old stories and experiences from 20 years before.
On Saturday morning the ’98 exmays played a novelty football match against the current students of Mayflower School. The football event was kicked off by the current president of Mayflower Old students Association (MOSA) the umbrella body of Mayflower School Alumni. The set used the opportunity to donate Jerseys and footballs to the school team.
As the activities began to draw to end, the association had its 20th anniversary and awards night at Peak International School Hall, Ikenne Remo. Arriving on the red carpet in elegant attire, the dinner was a night of celebration, food, music and dance. The General Secretary, Gbenga Wahab, representing the President, enjoined the gathered exmays to continue in the spirit and friendship and brotherliness. Guests were entertained to games, nostalgic miming and dance.
The events of the 20th anniversary ended Sunday morning, June 24th with community gatherings at both the Mayflower Public and Private Schools. ’98 exmays led the usual singing from the Merry Mayflower. Thereafter a few farewell speeches were given to the students by various exmays. Finally, various projects were donated and commissioned at both schools; A reading area for Mayflower private School and sets of furniture for Mayflower Public Schools.