“We Felt Ashamed After Winning Championships Only to See Losing Schools Marching with Bands Behind Us,”– Alumnus Jonah
By Jerome C. Willie, ,boyzwill26@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia – It was a colorful and memorable occasion for the administration, faculty, students and alumni of St. Paul Lutheran High School in Lango Town, Kakata, as the school’s Alumni Association donated a brand-new marching band set to the institution.
The donation was made during the school’s 40th Gala Day Anniversary celebration held on Friday, July 3, on the school’s campus. The event also featured the official sashing and crowning of Miss St. Paul Lutheran High School 2026–2027 and served as a fundraising program to support the purchase of a new public address (PA) system.
Presenting the marching band on behalf of the Alumni Association, alumnus Jonah Sackie (Class of 2017) said the donation represents the commitment and collective support of more than 1,000 alumni of the institution.
“It shames us when we win championships and then see the losing schools marching with their bands behind us while we have none. Sometimes we even end up joining their celebrations. It hurts, and it is a disgrace to us as alumni. That is why we are here today—to give back to our beloved alma mater,” Sackie said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Principal Mr. Gotoe Jallah expressed gratitude to the alumni for remembering the institution that helped shape their live.
“Today, you have demonstrated the true meaning of giving back. We are grateful that you have remembered where you came from and have chosen to invest in the future of this institution,” Mr. Jallah said.
Also speaking at the program, MJK General Business Center CEO Kollie Barkolleh, who served as the guest speaker, thanked the school for the invitation and commended its leadership for the progress made over the years.
Delivering a motivational address on the theme “Dream Big, Work Hard, and Be Humble,” Barkolleh encouraged students to remain focused on their education and future aspirations.
As part of his support for the school, Barkolleh presented L$60,000 on behalf of his family and MJK General Business Center toward the institution’s fundraising campaign for the acquisition of a new PA system.
About St. Paul Lutheran High School
St. Paul Lutheran High School is a church-operated institution located in Lango Town, Kakata, Margibi County.
The school serves more than 600 students and is supported by over 39 teaching and administrative staff, providing quality education while promoting discipline, leadership, and academic excellence.