Graduation Ceremony 2009

A Milestone to Remember … SMK Taman Desa’s 1^st Graduation Ceremony 2009

2 October 2009 was a memorable and historical day for SMK Taman Desa as it hosted and celebrated its first ever Graduation Day Ceremony since the school was established 29 years ago.

The Graduation Day Ceremony marked the completion of secondary school education for the Fifth Formers and the end of pre-university for the Sixth Formers before they sit for their SPM and STPM Examinations respectively. The students would then either continue with their academic pursuit or embark on a career. It was also a day for the students to reminisce about the wonderful times they have had in SMK Taman Desa. The ceremony was also aimed at providing them with nostalgic and meaningful memories of their school days later on in life. However, most importantly it served as an avenue to encourage and motivate these students to achieve excellent results in the upcoming public examinations.

The ceremony began with the academic procession led by the guest of honour, the PTA Chairman, Mr. Chang Kim Loong, AMN, the PTA Vice–Chairman, Mr. Koh Swee Hyong, the school’s administrators, form teachers and the school counsellor, into the Arena Wira with the Fifth and Sixth Formers proudly bringing up the rear. The graduating students looked very grand in their graduation garb, complete with robes and mortar boards.

Immediately after the rendition of ‘Negaraku’, speeches were delivered by two representatives from the graduating class of 2009. Cheng Yee Theng (6AS) represented the Sixth Formers while Ew Gene Wern of 5S1 represented the Fifth Formers. In their reflections both expressed heartfelt thanks to their teachers who have been instrumental in guiding and helping them in successfully completing their pre-university and secondary school education respectively.

Mr. Steven Leong, an alumnus from the graduating class of 1994 was the next to address the audience. He encouraged the graduating students to work hard and prepare well to face the upcoming SPM & STPM Examinations. He also urged them to return to their alma mater sometime in the future to render whatever support and assistance they can, besides using the opportunity to keep in touch with their ex-teachers and friends.
This was followed by Mr. Gan Peng Kheang, the Principal, who gave the welcome address. Finally, Mr. Chang Kim Loong, AMN, took to the podium to deliver his inspiring speech and subsequently launched the memorable Graduation Day ceremony.

The ceremony culminated with the scroll presentation, commencing with the Sixth Formers. The respective form teachers were called upon to announce the names of their students to receive their graduating certificates. When the names were called, each student had his/her photo and motto displayed on a huge screen adjacent to the stage. As the graduating students went on stage to receive their scrolls from Mr. Chang Kim Loong, AMN, they looked a picture of happiness and pride amidst the clapping and cheering of the audience. Parents and family members alike who attended the event could be seen snapping numerous photographs of their loved ones receiving their scrolls.

Finally, the recipients of the Principal’s Gold Medal Award and Silver Medal Award were announced. These two awards were presented to deserving students based on several criteria, namely Academic Achievements, Co-curricular Participation & Achievements, Personality, Conduct and Contributions to the school. Mr. Chang Kim Loong, AMN presented the Gold Medal to Ong Xuan Zhi (5Sc. 1) for her outstanding and exemplary achievements in co-academic activities as well as contributions to the school. Mr. Gan Peng Kheang, presented the Silver Medal to Ew Gene Wern (5Sc.1) for his excellent academic achievements and commendable participation in the English Language Society as well as the Police Cadet.

The Graduation Day Ceremony ended on an exuberant note, with shrieks of laughter and shouts of jubilation from the students as they gathered together and snapped photographs with their loved ones, teachers and friends. Truly, this event would be etched in the annals of SMKTD’s History for posterity.

Special Mention:
Also present at the ceremony were invited guests Mr. Richard Lu, alumnus from the graduating class of 1983, who had earlier shared passionately to encourage the Christian students during the prayer and blessing ceremony, Ms. Lee Siau Tun, Mr. Tan Jiann Shin and Mr. Vincent Mok , alumni from the graduating class of 1994, PTA Committee Members and proud parents and family members.

Our profound and heartfelt thanks to the PTA Chairman of SMK Taman Desa,Mr. Chang Kim Loong, AMN, for having officiated the ceremony.

Once again congratulations to all the graduating students of SMK Taman Desa. We wish you every success in the upcoming examinations. Our prayers and best wishes go with you in all your future undertakings.