Mokokchung: QMHSS achieves academic excellence amidst educational migration concern

Established in 1979, Queen Mary Higher Secondary School (QMHSS) has long been synonymous with academic distinction in Mokokchung. This year, the school proudly maintains its tradition of excellence, producing outstanding results in the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examinations conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) and reaffirming its pivotal role in the educational scenario of the district.

At the forefront of QMHSS’s accomplishments stands Narola Imsong, hailed as the state topper in the science stream (Class 12). Alongside her, Imtisungkum (Top 3, science), Marnungtet (Top 4, Arts), and Chendila Walling (Top 10, Class 10) shine as exemplars of the school’s commitment to academic ability.

Reflecting on the school’s recent achievements, Rev. Fr. Sajimon, the principal of QMHSS, expressed profound satisfaction. “We are very happy. It was a good performance, and the students have done well. The pass percentage of the school is also excellent,” he said, while calling the HSSLC performance “spectacular.”

Rev Fr Sajimon attributes QMHSS’s consistent success to a combination of strategic planning and concerted efforts from students, staff, Management, and the broader community. Rev Fr Sajimon emphasized the importance of nurturing both academic performance and positive attitudes among students.

“We are proud to say that QMHSS gathers students from Mokokchung as well as neighboring areas, and we focus a lot on their performance and attitude as well,” he affirmed.

Moreover, he observed the commendable performance of Catholic educational institutions across Nagaland, attributing their success to the large network and consistent strategic implementation. He also emphasized the symbiotic relationship between human effort and divine grace in Church-affiliated institutions, highlighting the potential for both intellectual and spiritual excellence to flourish.

He believes that the success of QMHSS also significantly contributes to the district’s educational branding. It is noteworthy that Mokokchung has been experiencing a large migration of students particularly before HSLC and HSSLC, as parents opt to send their children to Kohima or Dimapur in search of ‘quality education.’

The Principal acknowledges that QMHSS itself has experienced a decline in rankings over the past few years, which he attributes mainly to the ‘migration of students from the town to Kohima or Dimapur.’

Rev. Fr. Sajimon, who has served as principal in other Catholic institutions in Jakhama, Dimapur, and even Pungro, remarked, “We provide the same quality of education; it’s just that parents are often swayed and take their children elsewhere.” He added that the most concerning aspect of this trend is the ‘economic drain’ on the district.

“It has almost become a fashion to send students to places like Dimapur, and thus we have witnessed a significant migration,” he said. According to him, many students who are educated here leave for other districts and achieve good results.

“We have been encouraging students to stay here and contribute to our district’s educational branding. I have emphasized in board meetings that as long as the community cooperates with schools and provides support, our performance will continue to improve,” he remarked.

Therefore, he believes that this year’s results have ‘certainly boosted confidence.’ “Some teachers were in tears. Achieving the first rank is a significant morale boost for teachers, students, and the community alike,” he noted.

Regarding whether QMHSS aims to establish a college in Mokokchung, he mentioned that nothing is ruled out, but it depends on various factors such as finances, local support, the area, and other considerations.

Mokokchung Times