Vihiga Friends High School Celebrates Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence in Special Awards Ceremony
Vihiga Friends High School held a special ceremony to recognize students and teams that excelled in academics and co-curricular activities during the second term of 2026.
The awards ceremony highlighted the school's commitment to holistic education, celebrating achievements not only in the classroom but also in music, science competitions and sports.
Three Teams Receive Special Recognition
Three teams received special recognition during the ceremony, each representing different areas of the school's co-curricular programme.
School Choir Makes History
The school choir made history by qualifying for the East Africa level of music competitions. This achievement places Vihiga Friends High School among the top schools in the region for choral music performance.
The East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival showcases the richness and diversity of East African performing arts, with schools from Kenya, Uganda and other East African Community member states participating.
Qualifying for the East Africa level is a significant milestone for any school choir, requiring excellence in vocal performance, musical interpretation and stage presentation.
Young Scientists Kenya Participation
Students who participated in the Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) competitions were also recognized during the ceremony.
Young Scientists Kenya is a national programme that encourages students to engage in scientific research, innovation and problem-solving. Participation in YSK competitions helps students develop critical thinking, research skills and practical application of scientific knowledge.
The recognition of YSK participants demonstrates Vihiga Friends High School's commitment to nurturing scientific talent and encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Football Team Emerges Western Region Champions
The school football team received special recognition for representing the school strongly in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba competition and emerging as Western Region champions.
Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a nationwide grassroots football tournament that provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills and potentially progress to higher levels of football development.
- School Choir: Qualified for East Africa level – historic achievement in choral music
- Young Scientists Kenya: Students recognized for scientific research and innovation projects
- Football Team: Western Region Safaricom Chapa Dimba champions
The Western Region championship is a significant achievement, as the competition attracts teams from across Western Kenya, including Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya, Busia, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties.
Winning the Western Region title means the team has demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork and dedication throughout the competition. The achievement also opens opportunities for the players to participate in national-level Chapa Dimba competitions, where they can compete against other regional champions from across Kenya.
What This Means for Students
The recognition of these three teams reflects Vihiga Friends High School's balanced approach to education, where academic excellence is complemented by strong co-curricular programmes.
Students who participate in co-curricular activities benefit from:
- Development of soft skills: Teamwork, leadership, communication and time management
- Physical and mental wellbeing: Sports and music contribute to overall health and stress management
- Career opportunities: Excellence in co-curricular activities can open doors to scholarships, university placements and professional opportunities
- School pride and community: Representing the school builds confidence and fosters a sense of belonging
- Holistic development: Co-curricular activities complement classroom learning with practical, real-world skills
Broader Context: School Achievements in Western Kenya
The achievements of Vihiga Friends High School come at a time when schools in Western Kenya are making their mark in various co-curricular activities.
In sports, Western region teams have been performing strongly in national competitions. Vihiga School was recently crowned champions at secondary school games in Mombasa, while Western region teams reclaimed both boys' and girls' handball titles in emphatic fashion.
In the Safaricom Chapa Dimba competition, various teams from Western Kenya have been winning county and regional titles, demonstrating the depth of football talent in the region.
In music, schools from across East Africa participate in regional festivals that showcase the diversity of performing arts traditions. The East African Music, Dance and Drama Festival provides a platform for schools to compete at regional level and celebrate cultural exchange.
What Happens Next
Following the awards ceremony, the recognized teams and students will continue their preparations for upcoming competitions and events.
The school choir will prepare for the East Africa level competition, where they will represent Vihiga County and Kenya on a regional stage.
The football team, having won the Western Region Chapa Dimba title, may progress to national-level competitions, where they will compete against other regional champions from across Kenya.
Students who participated in Young Scientists Kenya competitions will continue developing their research projects and may qualify for national-level science fairs and innovation challenges.
- Develop soft skills: teamwork, leadership, communication
- Enhance physical and mental wellbeing
- Open career and scholarship opportunities
- Build confidence and school pride
- Complement classroom learning with practical skills
School's Commitment to Excellence
The awards ceremony demonstrates Vihiga Friends High School's commitment to recognizing and celebrating student achievement across multiple domains.
By giving special recognition to teams that excel in co-curricular activities, the school sends a clear message that education extends beyond the classroom, and that students should be encouraged to develop their talents in music, science, sports and other areas.
This approach aligns with Kenya's Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes holistic development and the nurturing of diverse talents and competencies.
Congratulations to Award Winners
The school community, including students, teachers, parents and alumni, has congratulated the award winners on their achievements.
The second term awards ceremony serves as both a celebration of current success and motivation for continued excellence in the remaining terms of the academic year.
Share Your Thoughts
We would like to hear from you.
- What role do co-curricular activities play in your child's education?
- How can schools better support students who excel in music, sports and science competitions?
- What other achievements from Vihiga County schools should be celebrated?
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