Enga Province

Ms. Polu in the forefront heading the decoration team in interior face-lifting of the mess hall

Oh, jubilation echoed through the corridors of Christ the King Papitalai Secondary School as the eagerly awaited graduation day unfolded like a well-scripted play, only with a sprinkle of chaos and a dash of comedy. The stage was set, quite literally, after countless man-hours, sleepless nights, and meals reluctantly skipped, as the school staff transformed the mundane into a spectacle worthy of celebration.

The day kickstarted with the Papsec coming alive, spurred by the rhythmic beating of the Chauka call, courtesy of friends from the Kari mountains, who apparently have an innate talent for timekeeping. The garamut drums joined in, creating a symphony that reverberated not just within the school grounds but spilled over into Lorengau town, marking the grand arrival of graduation day. It was like the universe itself was donning a party hat and blowing a kazoo to announce the festivities.

Enter the Manus traditional dancers, bedecked in costumes so vibrant they could put a rainbow to shame. Each dancer, I was told, was a walking canvas of their clan's history, adorned with feathers, shells, and headdresses that would make a peacock envious. As the dancers moved with the grace of swans and the agility of caffeinated cats, the beat of the garamut drums added a pulse to the performance, creating an infectious rhythm that even the grumpiest of teachers couldn't resist tapping their feet to.

These weren't just mere dances; they were living, breathing representations of ancient myths and cultural traditions. The synchronized movements, the symbolic patterns woven into their skirts, and the beats of the garamut drums told stories that transcended generations. The atmosphere crackled with energy, joy, and laughter, as if the very air was infused with Manus Island's cultural pride.

And oh, nature itself seemed to conspire to create the perfect backdrop for this graduation fiesta. The sun painted Manus Island with golden kisses, the sky stretched out in an endless sea of blue, and the seas mirrored the calmness of a Zen master in meditation. Even the lawns, meticulously mowed by the humble DT (who deserves a raise, by the way), added to the welcoming spectacle.

As the day unfolded, the sun turned into a show-stealer, casting a warm glow on everything in its path. Coconut trees played host to rays of light, seagulls pirouetted in the sky, and the ocean played its part as a serene supporting actor, acknowledging the graduation day as its own. It was a nature-backed extravaganza that would put any Hollywood production to shame.

Families and friends streamed in, riding on boats that seemed to be synchronized with the melodious songs of seagulls. Laughter, excitement, and a hint of nostalgia wafted through the air as small children added their own symphony to the mix, playing with boundless energy. The school grounds brimmed with a unique concoction of excitement, anticipation, and a dash of sadness as students prepared to bid adieu to one chapter and greet the unknown realms of the future.

Then, like a grand finale to a spectacular show, the graduation ceremony took centre stage. The mess hall, decked out in Papsec's green and yellow theme, resembled a festive carnival. Ms. Polu, leading the decoration team like a seasoned general, added her touch to the interior face-lifting of the mess hall, turning it into a visual feast.

As the ceremony unfolded, the crowded hall became a cauldron of emotions. Opening prayers, inspiring speeches, and the much-anticipated certificate distribution unfolded with the precision of a Shakespearean play. Graduates took their final steps as students, transitioning into the esteemed realm of alumni. Applause, cheers, and a sprinkle of tears filled the air, echoing the pride and admiration of their loved ones.

As the day drew to a close, a bittersweet sentiment lingered. The teaching staff, who had forged a parent-child relationship with their students, now faced the profound loss of parting ways. The male teachers sought refuge at the officers' club for some stress relief, leaving the female colleagues to drown their sorrows in nostalgia. For those of us with unfinished books, the staffroom suddenly felt like a prison, and the freedom to escape for some self-time was the sweetest reward for all the preparation that went into this grand graduation spectacle.

And so, with a mixture of laughter, tears, and a hint of relief, the curtain fell on the 17th graduation day at Christ the King Papitalai Secondary School, leaving behind memories as vivid as the colors of Manus traditional dancers and as timeless as the beat of the garamut drums.

Graduation hall with the seats lined up for the graduates.

Helping hands: Evella So-on, Joyleen Tumudy  & Ipau Poweseu

Ms Floretta Suvavita & Elphie Sireh with post-graduation meal