Shimla, September 18: Four meritorious students of Government Excellence Senior Secondary School, Cheog, were rewarded for their outstanding academic performance with a five-day educational and sightseeing trip to Jaipur, Rajasthan, funded by school principal Sandeep Sharma from his own pocket.
The four overall toppers from Classes 9 to 12—Priyanshi, Sameeksha, Sania and Gunjan—were taken on the educational tour after securing top positions during the academic session 2025-26. As part of the initiative, the students also experienced air travel for the first time.
During their stay in Jaipur, the students visited several prominent historical, cultural and tourist attractions, including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Chokhi Dhani, Albert Hall Museum, Birla Mandir and Patrika Gate. The visit provided them an opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to Rajasthan’s art, culture, history and architectural heritage.
Principal Sandeep Sharma said he had been undertaking such student-oriented initiatives for the past five years to encourage students to take greater interest in academics and develop a spirit of healthy competition, leadership and hard work.
Under the initiative, students securing first position from Classes 6 to 12 are taken on educational and sightseeing tours to different cities at the principal’s personal expense.
He said that in April this year, meritorious students from Classes 6 to 8 were taken on a tour of Chandigarh and nearby attractions.
Sharma said academic achievement, when combined with meaningful incentives and exposure-based activities, helps boost students’ confidence and encourages them to learn beyond the classroom.
Parents of the students and members of the School Management Committee appreciated the initiative and expressed their gratitude to the principal. They said such efforts had encouraged healthy competition among students and contributed to greater interest in academics.
