See how they shine

2003-05-30 8:24 p.m.

Wednesday was track and field day and being loyal NJCians, we had to stay back until 6:00pm to support our houses. They sun was blazing, scorching the entire field and the athletes, and even the bottles of mineral water passed around could not cool us down. Orderly chaos was the theme for the day, with the Track and Field Organisers scurrying around, barking out orders to one another. Students were engaged in a myriad of activities, some warming up and stretching, others practicing for the cheer leading held later while the majority had to be cajoled and at times dragged to cheer for their houses. Cheers became battle cries, while additional sound was provided by the oh so willing PA crew.

What exactly is Track and Field day? The plain answer by students would be to watch the fastest runners and the tallest high jumpers vie for some prize. To those muggers out there, it would be a time to escape to the sanctuary of their home and study or migrate to the canteen away from the noise pollution.(Yes Chih Hung, you did that). To one who had experienced four Track and Field meets back in his secondary school, it is just another day when House Representatives try their very best to united their "clans" and make them scream their loudest so that those on the track do not feel left behind.

No offense to Sherry, Ruo Hui, Liqing or any of the other House Reps. You guys did your best. The cheers may sound childish and idiotic sometimes, but you succeed in getting every one to work their vocal chords. Getting over 200 students to unite together and scream "Lignum...Lignum!" or "Aerius all the way!" is no easy task. As a Patrol Leader in scouts, it was mentally and physically draining to even command a small patrol, let alone a large contingent. I've been through all the hell and fire that you guys did to make Wednesday a success.

Well, back to the events. The two highlights of the day were the staff race and the cheerleading competition. The former saw our usually strict teachers flexing their muscles as they sprinted, jumped and hopped across the min obstacle course set up by the Track and Field members. Students set their sights on their favourite teachers, like Mr. Dane Lim, whose green shirt stood out amongst the crowd. 02A04 went wild as he hopped over miniature hurdles. The Cheerleading competition was one not to be missed. The intricate steps and moves could only be compared to our Western Dance moves and the crowd roared every time some girl was hoisted up by the rest. I personally thought that Aerius House did a tremendous job for their own cheer leading act.

So, who shone on that day? Was it Aerius the top House? Was it Solaris, who probably enticed the Sun God to compete with its radiant yellow glare? Or was it everyone who bothered to come down?

Philosophical questions? In Hard Times, Dickens portrays the character of Sissy Jupe as a shining light and a guardian angel. She is described as "a sunbeam" and Louisa later calls her a "loving heart". The action of laying her head on Sissy is a biblical action.

Who are the saints and angels in this world? Who are those who shine out and set examples for others to follow? Who are those that ought to be admired?

The new Humanities, Pre U and LEP scholars were presented in front of the school today and yesterday. I wonder what 02A04 was thinking, were they fuming that they were not shown to the student body last year?

We all shine, house reps, councillors, exco members or students alike. To quote Mr. Gilbert Lee "You are all geniuses in your own right!"

previous - next