FSSGIANS Celebrate Century Of Academic Excellence In Maryland, USA

By Amadu Daramy In Maryland

In continuation of its centenary celebrations, the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) Alumni Association, Washington Metropolitan Branch, on February 14, 2026, organized a dinner and dance at St Andrew’s Orthodox Cathedral, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.

The event was referred to as “FOUNDERS’ DAY.”

During the event, various dignitaries highlighted the invaluable contributions of the school over the past 100 years to improve the quality of education for girls.

Among the many personalities who made statements, the President of the Alumni Association, Dr. Elizabeth Davies, underscored that the school has shaped minds, maintained high discipline, taught an uncompromising stance for girls, trained them that excellence is not achieved by chance, and that they are taught to face challenges by standing tall with pride.

“Let’s rise together and continue to play the Game together,” she underscored.

Dr. Davies also commended all old girls for their valuable services to the school, for which continuous prayers would be offered for them.

She asserted that as President, “l extend greetings as we mark this historic centenary.”

She further highlighted that the FSSG shaped the minds of young girls to strive for academic excellence, corrected their footsteps when they went wrong, and molded young girls for the great tasks ahead for which they now stand together, living and standing tall and were taught that excellence is built through sacrifice, strength, and hard work.

For generations, the FSSG has stood as a proof of academic distinction, shaping the destiny of girls who will remain faithful and ever strong to their alma mater in addition to continuing to honor the legacy of their founders.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Branch was founded 29 years ago when the former principal of the school, Mrs. Cassandra Garber, visited the United States to solicit support for the school from some old girls.

The five old girls who formed the association were Mrs. Annie Beckley, the brain behind its establishment and first president, Elfrida Wilson, Addiatu, and others. They had their first meeting, and the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Old Girls Association was born. The name was later changed to the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Alumni Association.

Other branches are expected to be established in the United States.

Over the years, the alumni has worked relentlessly to support the school and its administration in various areas.

This year, special thanks and appreciation were extended to all old girls for answering the call to rise to the challenge to support the school administration and the vision of its founder, the late Hannah Benka-Coker.

The FSSG is always striving for the good and shaping the destiny of young girls, ever faithful, ever strong, and that the old girls will always belong to the school and continue to honor the legacies of their founders with unity, latitude, and service as the school has for generations stood as proof of sisterhood.

The Master of Ceremony (MC) at the dinner and fundraising, Yellie Sesay, entertained guests with lots of fun memories with DJ Moore doing his do with his dancing mixed oldies and the latest music from around the globe.

Mabel Pearce gave the vote of thanks.

Members of the executive board (FSSGIAN) Alumni Association are: President- Dr.. Elizabeth Davies,

Vice president-Mrs. Admire George,

Secretary- Mrs. Adelaide Wilson,

Treasurer -Ms. Gladys Fraser,

Financial Secretary- Ms. Iris Pratt,

Social Secretary- Mrs . Eugenia Palmer

Assistant Social Secretary- Mrs. Florence Savage,

Assistant Social Secretary Ms. Mabel Pearce,

Membership Chair- Ms. Harriet Williams,

Publicity Secretary- Mrs. Rennie Okoh,

Auditors – Mrs. Joanne Dixon & Ms. Eva Maria Sawyerr

Chaplain – Ms. Rosemond Cole

Assistant Chaplain- Mrs. Madline Morsha- Taylor,

Historian Mrs. Annie Beckley

Liaison W/ft -Haja Kalatu Noah.

In another development, the FSSG Alumni Association- DMV Branch’s – 100th Anniversary celebration EVENTS in 2026 are as follows: May 2026 – Meet and greet – May 22. Symposium May 23. Dinner and Dance May 23rd. Thanksgiving service- May 25.