Proud parade for Tupou College Old Boys 150th anniversary [1]
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 - 19:31. Updated on Thursday, June 23, 2016 - 16:17.
Photos by Linny Folau
Thousands of Tupou College ex-students proudly marched through central Nuku'alofa this morning, 21 June to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Free Wesleyan Church's All Boys Secondary School.
The Old Boys came out smartly dressed in their signature blue coloured jackets and ties, led by brass bands from Tupou College, Queen Salote College and other FWC secondary schools.
Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, an ex-student with his son Prince Taufa’ahau, on a float led the march, followed by FWC President Rev Dr ‘Ahio as well as the Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, an ex-student.
Several elderly old-boys excitedly joined the march with big smiles and happy waves. Among the eldest taking part were Masao Soakai and 'Etuini Finau both in their 90's as well as Rev Siupeli Taliai, the school's first Tongan principal.
On Wednesday, 22 June a dedication service marking the anniversary will be held at the Centennial Church in Nuku’alofa. HM King Tupou VI is expected to deliver the sermon.
The celebration, which continues until 24 June coincides with the FWC Annual Conference, which is held this week in Nuku’alofa.
Tupou College is Tonga's oldest secondary school established in 1866, an all-boys' boarding school.
Tomorrow, Wednesday June 22, is a special public holiday for the Tupou College Sesquicentennial Commemorative Service, and the opening of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, 93rd Conference