the term 'graduat-ED' used on us.
feeling a little weird, weird that i am no more part of the student council board, weird without my tie.
but well, the time had to come, so why not now?
friday was school as usual.
but we knew it would be different.
it meant the end of a chapter, and the start of another.
contradiction, but who cares?
graduating councillors [then], had mixed feelings.
sad, happy, excited, nervous..
met during recess to bring our stuffs to the hall.
everyone had brought their stuffs,
prepared for that very day.
waited at one end.
student councillors walked into the hall together with the beat of the music blasting.
there was some announcement, and the graduating councillors walked in.
with the feeling so right.
went to our seats, then sang the school song. well, was different compared to the enthu and fun kind of singing we had during rehearsals.
became so serious and solemn suddenly.
principal's speech.
didn't know where to place my eyes at.
many of the rest looked to the front all the way.
at that point, felt a tinglish feeling..
wasn't really concentrating on what the principal said. couldn't.
vice principal presented us the plaque and certs.
the moment of truth.
my name was called. claps heard.
felt sad, yet excited.
went on with many graduating councillors going up.
laughed a few times, hearing the others telling me to smile more, seeing geraldine rushing up to get it. just that simple things but so complicating.
got 2 plaques and certs- one for 3 years of service, another for president post for a year.
unbelievably fast, how time pasts.
my farewell speech.
Good afternoon Miss Tan, Mdm Cheong, teachers, guests and fellow schoolmates. I am Ho Chi Hoe from class 4/1.
It has been a year since I last stood here, presenting my speech. However, the feeling now is different compared to the time before. No longer am I faced with the nerve-wrecking experience of having to put on a bold front. I will like to attribute this to the fact that the spotlight is now on the promising new batch of EXCO and the 4th Student Council Board.
What have the 3rd Student Council done? Have we done what we set out to do? Well, all these are questions that we cannot just give a 'yes' or 'no' answer, but we have to reflect and ponder over what we have done over the past year. Still, I have no doubts in saying that we have done everything to the best of our abilities. The Student Council Board has managed to give itself a new 'facelift', eradicating previous stereotypes that have emerged over the years, such as us, as members of the Student Council Board, being authoritarian, boring, living to fulfil our duties and policing the students of our school. Instead, we are more outgoing, constantly trying to come up with innovative ideas for both pupil and council welfare, by communicating and interacting with the student body.
My secondary school life as a Student Councillor is particularly heart-warming; it's as good as chicken soup for my soul. I find it difficult to believe that four years have already gone by. I still remember vividly till this very day reciting the Student Council Pledge and being conferred the honor and responsibilities of a Student Councillor three years ago. Even though, all these are now a part of the past, it will always live on in me as memories in my mind and heart.
Every good book must come to an end. I have read every detail of every chapter of this book with intent excitement and am enthralled by the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained. I have grown while in the Student Council, picking up valuable lessons, advice and experience. Without my years at the Student Council Board, I would not have come to know the good friends that I have come to bond with. This group of enthusiastic and outspoken individuals have given me unanimous support and encouragement throughout. As the days draw closer, we seem to be nonchalant about our step-down, but I know deep in our hearts, there is this unbearable feeling to part tugging at our hearts. I would like to extend my appreciation to all graduating councillors for wholeheartedly putting in their best in the Student Council Board. Your tireless work and constant effort is a great form of commitment in serving the school for the past years.
No words can describe the gratitude I have for the EXCO of 2003/2004, Liang Hock, Michelle, Kian Ann, Shehnas, Karthi, Geraldine, Gary and Soon Heng, for being there for one another. You all have shared my weals and woes, working closely together. Also, my heart-felt appreciation goes out to the Student Council Teacher Advisors, Mrs Anand and Ms Ng Kae Pheng, and teachers, for guiding me in my path and for their understanding.
Let me give my well wishes to Soon Heng and the 4th EXCO and Student Council Board. Keep the indefatigable spirit in you going and you will work wonders. I deeply applaud your readiness in contributing to the school and selflessness in making the school a better place for all. Bring the Student Council Board to a new height!
With this, I end my speech here.
Thank you!
for a moment i paused, thinking i was about to burst into tears, and cry in front of everyone.
tried my best to stop it. managed to continue on, finishing my speech w/o droplets of water.
people said i made a good speech. well, don't know.
passed on the flag and file.
the curtains closed, finishing our step-down ceremony.
we rushed backstage to change into the last council-tee that we made ourselves.. everyone was nervous about our performance. the dance we had practised so hard.
positions ready, the curtains opened..
the dance was kindda fun. hope we did well enough.
at least we tried making it interesting and doing something different then before.
no more that stereotypic kind of performance, where the sad farewell songs being sung or wadsoever.
when we finished, everyone went hay-wire.
just went around the stage forgetting about the pose we were supposed to do.
as the curtains closed for the last time, we ran together to the middle of the stage with gusto.
did the three-cheers so loudly that no one could stop emotions running high. must have shocked the rest. some of us burst into tears.
guilty, i did.
tears just came running down. couldn't help it.
we went backstage, continuing hugging one another.
geraldine, ashley cried too. not sure about the rest.
even if they didn't, i know their hearts were.
many were speechless. knew it was over.
the years or effort, know come to an end.
we were just to leave our footsteps behind, hoping others would follow.
the investiture ended.
guests went down for reception.
the graduated councillors continued their saga alone.
the others started their new journey.
just went down to join the rest.
remembered that i would be attending to guests in the formal blazer. but this time i was in jeans and tee.
mingled among the graduated people only.
who was i to bother about the guests now, since i have left the student council board and my post.
we just took many pictures. over and over again.
with exco 2003/2004: lianghock, michelle, kianann, shehnas, geraldine, karthi.
went to the same place, same positions as we did last yr. taking informal and formal shots.
with graduated councillors: cleo, ruihan, joel, shumin, yien, jaclyn, joyce, wilson, izhan, clement, khokulan, junrong, annie, ashley, weizhen, yuping, liyan, sarah, grace, scott, nathan, siya.
flashlights, cheese, positions. different places, with different feelings.
with dance instructors: chewyee, lynn.
[shila couldn't make it]
helped us so very much with our dance, boa's no1. hard, but we made it. thanks!
also, with other ppl, like exco 2004/2005,
and other councillors.
felt great leaving, though abit unwilling.
after everything, just crapped and more photo-taking.
went out for dinner together later. one whole big group.
then, just split and headed home.
shared with ashley, with my sis on the bus going home.
talked about the day, the years, the tears.
teared silently a few times that day.
maybe that was what 3 years in the student council made me feel.
proud to be a student councillor.
without my tie i definitely feel uneasy.
dunnoe where to place my hands when i feel nervous.
dunnoe what to meddle when i am awkward.
no more tie.
no more saying 'staying back for council work'.
no more late hours in school.
no more fun.
student council rocks!!!