A total of 122 students received 133 awards for their outstanding achievements at the 2010 Special Awards Presentation Ceremony held today at the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre.
Two new Special Awards are presented for the first time this year. They are the Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding All-Round Achievement and the Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding Bicultural Students.
The Guest-of-Honour for the ceremony, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Transport, presented the awards.
At the awards ceremony, Mrs Lim cited some examples of the outstanding achievements of the students, who "exemplifiy the passion for learning and the drive to excel". "These qualities are necessary for any individual to thrive amidst the challenges in today’s fast-moving and forward-looking society."
Below is an excerpt from her speech:
"Today, we celebrate your success with you and there certainly are many inspiring stories among our award winners.
"Miss Sherlene Chatterji from National Junior College, recipient of the inaugural Lee Hsien Loong Award for Outstanding All-Round Achievement, not only excelled academically on top of her various leadership roles like the Vice-President of the String Ensemble, but also is committed to college events and community involvement projects. As the President of the Greenlink Club, she fights for environmental causes. Sherlene is also actively involved in volunteer work with Ren Ci Hospital and a Care Corner in Queenstown for the less privileged children, and had participated in various international Service-Learning expeditions to Myanmar, Vietnam and the Maldives. Whatever Sherlene does, she does it with great verve.
"Next, Mr Goh Jia Hui is a dual award winner of the Lee Kuan Yew All-Round Excellence Award and the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Outstanding Normal Course. With the guidance of his form teacher, Jia Hui understood that he had to take ownership of his own learning and development, and worked hard towards achieving his goals.
Jia Hui is currently pursuing his passion in aerospace technology in Yishun ITE, and has blossomed into a confident and motivated young man, as clearly illustrated by his exemplary leadership in the National Cadet Corps, as well as his active involvement in school and community life. Jia Hui also volunteers at the Swami Home in his free time.
"Mr Noor Loic B Satar of Mayflower Secondary School, a Lee Kuan Yew All Round Excellence awardee, is another recipient of great strength of character and resilience. The death of his mother in 2005 was a turning point for Loic, who was determined to make his mother proud. His apathy was transformed into initiative, and led to his various achievements ranging from being the President of the Student Leader Board to a recipient of the school’s CARE award.
Loic is described by his teacher as an outstanding leader who possesses quiet confidence and the ability to inspire his peers to set higher goals, and to push beyond their limit to achieve them. Loic, your mother would be very proud of you.
"These are just three of the many stories which speak of inspiration and success. Each and every one of you here has your own story and I hope you will inspire the people around you. Today’s awards recognise your achievements and affirm your abilities. More importantly, they affirm your potential to contribute to the community and Singapore."
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