Members and officials of the Cathedral Catholic School Alumni Association of North America (CSAA) on Saturday awarded its highest honor to Deputy Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, for his outstanding service and dedication.
The Cat’s alumni awarded the Glass Plaque of Honor, with the inscription, “Shining Star”. It is the Association’s highest honor, which is given in recognition of one’s outstanding service and dedication to Cathedral School Alumni Association (CSAA).
The honoring was done during the CSAA 2022 Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, attended by many members, including Dama Yekeson-Koffa, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Deputy Speaker Koffa is a 1982 graduate of the Cathedral Catholic High School, and served as President of the 12th Grade and Students Council Government.
Fourteen (14) years later, Deputy Speaker Koffa was the Founding President of CSAA, where he served a three-year tenure.
Prior to the honoring, the Deputy Speaker, who served as the keynote speaker, told the alumni that CSAA was established to continue the spirit and euphoria and give back to those who are walking the corridors of where they once walked.
He admonished the members to maintain the passion and spirit towards the school for its upliftment.
The Deputy Speaker congratulated CSAA’s current President, Wede Williams Grants, for taking the association successfully through a difficult transition.
Grant was elected in 2021 for a two-year term.
The Deputy Speaker stated that, over the years he watched Grant proves herself to be a real leader.
He said she reminded him of the saying of political activist, Baptist Minister and politician, Jesse Jackson: “A leader must be tough enough to fight; tender enough to cry; human enough to make mistakes; humble enough to admit them; strong enough to absorb them; and resilient enough to bounce back and keep moving.”
He challenged Grant to reach out and foster unity among members of the CSAA.
Meanwhile, the CSAA celebrated its 27 years of existence of unpaid sacrifices.
During the review of achievements of CSAA amidst challenges during their contributions of time, talent and treasure to their alma mater in Liberia, the alumni have resolved to continue its support to Cathedral Catholic High School and students.
Some of the contributions of the CSAA to the Cathedral Catholic School over the years include a well-stocked library, relatively well equipped science and computer labs, a vibrant financial assistance program, sports materials and the provision of audiovisual and other educational materials, among others.