St. Francis Girls High School Celebrates 175th Anniversary
Students who excelled in academics and co-curricular activities were felicitated on the occasion.
Hyderabad:Secunderabad-based St. Francis Girls High School on Thursday celebrated its 175th anniversary on the school premises.
The school, which was established in 1850 by the Sisters of Charity, followers of St. Bartholomea Capitanio and St. Vincenza Gerosa, with just 30 students, has now grown into a thriving community of 2,600 students and 180 staff members.
Welcoming the gathering, principal Sister Gracy Mendonza invoked Psalm 127, and stated that the institution was “built by God” and nurtured through the tireless efforts of countless individuals — from the Sahodaris and pioneers to the pillars who carried forward its mission across generations.
Jishnu Dev Varma, the Governor of Telangana, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He was received by students dressed in Japanese attire, followed by a ceremonial guard of honour and a brass band performance. The programme began with the National Anthem, a welcome dance, and an audio-visual presentation showcasing the school’s achievements over the years. A play depicting the arrival of the three Italian sisters and their mission to educate underprivileged girls in Secunderabad was also staged.
Students who excelled in academics and co-curricular activities were felicitated on the occasion. The school also honoured Uma Joseph, the principal of St. Francis Degree College, Begumpet, and Anita Ramachandran, IAS, an alumna of the institution.
Addressing the audience, the Governor described the celebration as a “remarkable milestone.” “It amazes me that this institution, which started with only 30 students, has grown into such an excellent centre of learning. The alumni’s achievements across engineering, administration, and various fields speak volumes about the school’s impact.”
“Over 175 years, this institution has moved from strength to strength, empowering generations of girls. We must pay homage to the founders whose dedication and vision make this celebration possible,” the Governor said.
Quoting the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi — ‘Make me a channel of your peace’ — the Governor urged students to pursue challenging and transformative professions. The evening concluded with a series of cultural and musical performances, bringing the historic celebration to a memorable close.