Prempeh is number one in Maths and Science again!!!
With memories of our failure to reach the 1995 National Mathematics and Science Quiz finals still lingering in our minds, the new school administration took a more proactive role in our preparation by setting guidelines for the competition. Our mission, bring back the national prestigious trophy to where it belongs, Sofo Line.
I was appointed as the local quizmaster for the 1996 contest, which came with the daunting responsibility of devising strategies for the selected contestants. Part of my duties involved gathering subject matter for the staff, plus conducting mock trials.
With the staff and administration's support, the Science and Mathematics teachers scheduled special classes on campus during the holidays for the contestants. These efforts helped our preparation by sharpening the students' skills in addition to boosting their stage confidence.
To our great amazement, the Osae Assembly Hall was chosen as the Northern Sector Quiz Center. We could not imagine losing at home, and we were proved right. Prempeh gallantly beat all the schools we met, namely Navorongo Secondary School, Techiman Secondary School, Opoku Ware School (OWASS) and Tamale Secondary School. There was no serious threat or challenge to our domination of the contest, and we emerged as champions of the Northern Sector. Frankly, I think this was a good old butt-trashing affair these schools would like to forget.
With Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) winning the Southern Sector, the stage was set for the Champion of Champions competition. This was a battle of the titans, and only one would be left standing. October 10th, 1996 was the scheduled date for the contest at the Teachers Hall in Accra, and this day will forever remain a memorable day in the history of Prempeh.
Life came to a complete standstill on campus as staff and students who could not make the trip to Accra converged on the courtyard in front of the Assembly Hall to listen to the results via telephone. Our confidence was boosted with the strong Alumni support from Accra and Kumasi; however, we were also cautious knowing full well the capabilities of PRESEC. As the clock ticked in a calm hall full of anxious faces, I was confident of victory. I had been with the boys from the beginning and was fully aware of their skills, I knew they had a bunch of tricks in reserve, and it would be a matter of time before they started to dish it out. PRESEC's supporters, certain of victory, even brought a brass band to the contest grounds to celebrate after the contest. But alas! Things did not turn out as planned.
PRESEC took an early 5 points lead, but had to reliquish that lead to Prempeh by the end of the second round. Prempeh never looked back after that, and soundly thrashed PRESEC. The final score was 81-77 in our favour. This win confirms Prempeh College as the only institution in the country to win the prestigious trophy twice in three years. An additional four million cedis os science and mathematics equipment were also presented to the school.
Prempeh was represented by Kofi Oteng Boateng (the best contestant for 1996), the son of Dr. Oteng Amoako (Amanfoo), Isaac Sackey and Yaw Adu Boakye.
Shown here are the three contestants who made Prempeh proud.
