You Go Girl! St Aloysius HS Honors ‘Best Air Cadet’ Nishel D’Almeida
Nishel Flora D’Almeida, a 9th Std student of St Aloysius High School has been selected as the “Best Air Cadet” of Karnataka-Goa Directorate at the Republic Day Camp held in New Delhi, and she was honored for her achievement.
Mangaluru: Nishel Flora D’Almeida, a class 9 student of St Aloysius High School- Mangaluru and a budding National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing has been selected as the “Best Air Cadet” of Karnataka Goa Directorate at the Republic Day Camp held in New Delhi held in January 2017. It was a proud moment for Mangaloreans who watched their local young girl walk along with other cadets and armed contingents from all over India in the Republic Day Parade that was held in New Delhi on 26 January- and we all should be proud again that Nishel has been selected as the ‘Best Air Cadet’. And as a former student of my Alma Mater, I also feel very proud that a young lass of this prestigious institution had brought name and fame to her School, and also to her hometown. You go, girl!
Today, 23 February 2017, St Aloysius High School, Kodialbail, Mangaluru witnessed a great moment in the 137 years old school, with the grand felicitation of the 9th std. student Nishel Flora D’Almeida, who was selected as the ‘Best Cadet Junior Wing Air Force’. She was selected for the ALL India Cultural Team, Yakshagana, Dance form, to perform in the presence of the honourable Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi. She was felicitated by Chief guest- Walter D’Mello-DDPI-Mangaluru, along with a guest of honour Rev Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, Fr Edward Rodrigues- SAC Headmaster, Gopalkrishna- Asst. HM; Chris D’Almeida- Nishel’s mother; Naveen D’Almeida- Nishel’s Father; NCC officer Sunil Rohan Lobo, Dubanth-JWO, among others.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Walter D’Mello praised Nishel for making her dream a reality by striving towards it with great passion and positive spirit. “Today a young girl has out shined the boys by her great achievement. Boys need to follow in her footsteps to accomplish your dreams. We need to work hard to make our dreams come true, just like how Nishel strived hard in her three months training in Mysuru, Moodabidri and Bengaluru, before she unleashed her talents at the Republic day parade in New Delhi. Her determination, commitment and hard work yield good results. She was bold and strong to stay away from her parents for three long months. She has indeed become a ‘Star’ of St Aloysius High School through her big time achievement” added D’Mello. He also congratulated Nishel’s parents for being her backbone and supporting her constantly.
The “Star” of St Aloysius HS, Nishel Flora D’Almeida, in her inspirational and spirit filled talk expressed her gratitude to her parents, teachers, NCC Officers and all those who encouraged her with great confidence in her. Nishel said that she is not worried about her future because NCC has trained her and is moulding her to become a very disciplined person, with great sense of time and value the importance of obedience to authority without disrespecting them. Rector- Rev. Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, in his presidential address said, “Star of the Day Nishel is the pride of our institution. Her hard-work and commitment has bore fruit today. We should also have faith in God, because without God’s support nothing is possible. To Nishel, I say-Sky is the limit, don’t stop, carry your dreams forward, and one day you’ll be a super-star Air Cadet. May God bless you”
To talk about Nishel Flora D’Almeida- she is the proud daughter of Naveen D’Almeida, a entrepreneur in Mangaluru, and Chris Evert D’Almeida a teacher at St Aloysius High school-Mangaluru hailing from Kulshekar, Nishel is a girl of many talents like dancing. singing, compering, dramatics, poetry recital, essay writing and public speaking. With constant encouragement from her home and school, Nishel could mould herself into what she is today. A dream to join the Air force after her 7 thstd led Nishel Flora D’Almeida, -presently studying in 9th Std- search for a school that had an NCC Air Wing.
Her search ended at St Aloysius High School- Mangaluru. Her dream to be a pilot, to soar the sky made her work hard at school in Junior women’s Air Wing of the NCC. Even though she had to go through several hardships, she remained firm. Her goal was New Delhi. Several selection camps at Alva’s Moodabidri, saw her proceeding to Bengaluru for Pre- RDC selections. At Delhi several competitions such as rifle shooting, traditional dance, drill, public speaking, singing, name it, she has given her best. Nishel emerged as the best cadet in all the camps. She put her heart and soul in it.
Even at school, she was the girl that got totally involved. She went through several exams to be selected as one of the best Cadets of all states. Nishel’s excellence in march past and shooting in air wing is an added feather in her cap. Nishel credits her success to her family members, teachers and especially the school NCC ANO Sunil Rohan Lobo who helped her reach greater heights. Nishel has set an example for all girls in the country to follow.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Nishal’s mother Chris said, “Nishel is a hard working girl. May God bless her for her enthusiasm, commitment and dedication she puts in all her co-curricular activities. She has made us proud. Just wanted to say to her – “Nishel you have made us proud, all the best, don’t look back..until you reach your goal. We are always there for you to support. We are happy that you came out in flying colors. Yes, we are proud to be your parents”.
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean, Fr Edward Rodrigues – Headmaster of St Aloysius High school said, “We at St Aloysius are blessed to have Nishel as our student, who has brought name and fame to our Jesuit institution. Her calibre to hold up against all odds and strife towards perfection has enabled her to be placed as the Best Air Cadet of Karnataka-Goa directory. She is an active student and has achieved success in many co-curricular activities. Her proud achievement is not only a pride for our school but also Mangaluru City- the education hub”. The felicitation was very grand and became a great source of inspiration to all the students present in the school. Asst Headmaster Gopalkrishna proposed the vote of thanks, and Teacher Felcy Lobo compered the programme.
Team Mangalorean is also proud of our Mangalorean Lass Nishel, and wish her every success in her future endeavours – Maybe one day she’ll be an Air Commander-in-Chief! You Go Girl!