Gemford World School Crowns Future Torchbearers: A Celebration of Democracy, Dignity, and Leadership

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek

Against a backdrop of aspiration, applause, and academic prestige, Gemford World School ushered in its new era of student leadership through the highly anticipated Student Council Election on June 20, followed by the resplendent Investiture Ceremony on July 5, 2025. With every ballot cast and every badge pinned, the corridors of Gemford echoed with the spirit of democracy, duty, and determination.

Orchestrated with surgical precision and moral clarity, the electoral process unfolded under the able leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Biju and Assistant Commissioner Mr. Shameem. The journey began with a spirited nomination phase, where passionate contenders from across grade levels threw their hats into the ring for pivotal positions including Head Boy, Head Girl, CCA Captains, Sports Captains, Disciplinary Heads, Language Leaders, and Magazine Editor.

A dynamic candidate interface session offered aspirants a window into the soul of leadership—anchored not in authority, but in accountability. This year, the school embraced innovation with the implementation of a digital voting system, transforming classrooms into polling booths equipped with laptops. This seamless, confidential, and tech-enabled process ensured equality, transparency, and efficiency, capturing the very essence of participatory governance. The involvement of students, teachers, and staff reflected a collective belief in the ideals of inclusive leadership and civic responsibility.

The vote tabulation, conducted under close supervision, culminated in a wave of elation as Mr. Biju announced the newly elected council members. In a moment charged with pride and poignancy, Principal Ms. Josline Elias addressed the gathering, applauding both winners and contenders for their courage, vision, and resilience. “Leadership,” she noted, “is not about titles—it is about action, about lifting others as you rise.”

The curtain then lifted on the Investiture Ceremony—an event as regal in tone as it was rich in purpose. The ceremony began with a soul-stirring prayer by the school choir and a cultural welcome dance that transformed the stage into a canvas of grace and tradition. In her eloquent address, Principal Ms. Elias extended her heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for a celebration of integrity and promise. The Chief Guest, Mr. Habeebu Rahman,Assistant Commandant, Malabar Special Police, Malappuram in a keynote brimming with insight, urged the students to lead not from the front, but from the heart.

A poignant video chronicle, curated by Mr. Shameem Kurikkal, retraced the democratic journey from nominations to results, painting a vivid portrait of commitment, camaraderie, and character. As each elected leader stepped forward, the atmosphere swelled with emotion and anticipation. With poise and pride, the newly appointed leaders took their oaths of allegiance, led by Mr. Biju, Head Boy Shihan Linshid, and Head Girl Rebecca Rose Elias, vowing to serve their school with honour and humility.

The ceremonial pinning of badges, performed by Mr. Habeebu Rahman and Mr. Ahammed Kutty, was more than ritual—it was a rite of passage, a silent anointing of young minds prepared to shoulder great responsibility.

What followed was a symphony of spirit: a greeting melody sung in unison, speeches by the Head Boy and Head Girl that sparkled with sincerity and purpose, and a thematic performance that wove art, advocacy, and aspiration into one harmonious narrative. The ceremony also honoured excellence beyond leadership through the SOF Prize Distribution, Oxford Mastermind Awards, and Taekwondo Belt Presentations, celebrating the multifaceted brilliance of Gemford’s student body.

The celebration drew to a close with a resonant finale song by the student council and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mr. Shameem Kurikkal—an elegant bow on a morning steeped in inspiration and promise.

Student Council Election Results 2025–26

• Head Boy: Shihan Linshid
• Head Girl: Rebecca Rose Elias
• CCA Head Boy: Shayaan Cherunalakath
• CCA Head Girl: Haifa Rezin
• Sports Head Boy: Naazim K T
• Sports Head Girl: Amaya K P
• Disciplinary Head Boy: Sherinsha
• Disciplinary Head Girl: Lena K T
• Language Leader Boy: Mohammed Faihan C
• Language Leader Girl: Ain Aamia
• Magazine Editor: Priya

More than a school tradition, the Student Council Election and Investiture Ceremony at Gemford was a living lesson in democracy, citizenship, and character. It reminded every witness that leadership is not granted—it is earned, lived, and passed forward. With these young torchbearers at the helm, Gemford School confidently steps into a future of visionary student governance, service-minded excellence, and unwavering institutional pride.