20 roll of honour
Senior Josephian of the Year
Brandon Krygsman
It is the established tradition in SJI to present the Senior Josephian of the Year Award to a graduating student who has displayed all roundability , outstanding leadership and best exemplifies our core Lasallian values of Faith , Service and Community .
Brandon Krygsman joined SJI in 2009 , having completed his education at St Joseph ’ s Institution Junior with a PSLE T-score of 270 and was awarded the Frank James Scholarship for the most outstanding student entering Secondary One from our feeder Primary school . He committed himself whole-heartedly to his Co-Curricular Activity ( CCA ), Canoeing and Legion of Mary as his second CCA . His potential for leadership was recognized early in Secondary One when he was appointed a Prefect .
The sense of community , the passion to contribute and make a difference are very much part of Brandon ’ s psyche . However , having the propensity to be self-effacing , Brandon had to overcome much of his inhibitions in order to lead confidently . Determined and resolute , Brandon positively coped with increasing responsibilities enthusiastically . As a Junior Exco Prefect , he helped to spearhead the inaugural Bookcrossing @ SJI , a school-wide movement to promote and encourage greater readership among the community . Then , assuming the role of Head Prefect and President of the newly formed SJI Student Council , Brandon had to lead not just a large group of prefects but also drive and shape the Student
Council . He was involved in organising and executing various school-based projects , such as Hair for Hope and The SJI Carnival .
Mr Jeremy Liew , Head of Student Leadership and Discipline comments , “ Brandon is a peoplecentred leader who is principled and above all community-minded . Wellrespected by his peers and juniors , Brandon has learnt also that popular decisions are not necessarily the best solutions . He willingly shoulders the responsibility by being at the helm and to be available to his peers , working alongside and yet able to see the bigger picture . No other student leader even comes close to the many responsibilities and tasks that he has had to undertake , often admirably .”
Brandon espouses the school ’ s motto with distinction . He works hard and is centred on his faith and belief . In spite of his extremely hectic
schedule , Brandon has been a dedicated member and President of the service group , Legion of Mary ( Our Lady of Good Counsel ).
Ms Deborah Goh , Teacher in charge of Legion of Mary ( Our Lady of Good Counsel ) and Class Tutor remarks , “ Brandon ensured that he kept to his commitments in his second CCA as much as he humanly could . Even when he could not be present , he would coordinate behind the scene , ensuring that morning prayer went on smoothly and rally members to attend the Saturday monthly Junior Curia meetings so as to be in community with Legion groups from other schools . Extending beyond , he made an effort , with his fellow legion members to visit and pray with the sick in hospital .”
Undoubtedly , Brandon is a self-directed learner and is uncompromising on the high standards he sets for himself . An avid reader and competent writer , his creative and introspective essays have won him school-based , national and international commendation . Brandon has always produced sterling academic results . He received the Rev Brother Fintan Trophy for best overall performance for the End-of-Year Examination in Secondary Two and consistently scored an L1R5 of 6 for all his Upper Secondary examinations . He has also received accolades for his sporting endeavours , winning Gold at the National Schools ’ Canoeing Championship and been a recipient of the SJI Sports Excellence Awards and the School Colours .
Mr Karl Lee , Brandon ’ s Higher Chinese Teacher and Assistant Teacher in charge of Canoeing notes , “ Brandon is a highly capable student who is self-disciplined and motivated . He is unwavering in his commitment to do his best through steady hard work and takes great pride in consistently producing quality work . His willingness to do extra work demonstrates he is a keen learner .”
Yet , with the many accomplishments , Brandon has always placed relationships above all . He is intuitively aware of others and respects and appreciates people for who they are . He is loyal among his peers , concern and compassionate among the less able and brotherly and genial to his peers and juniors .
Woo Jia Jun , his classmate of four years says , “ I have always noticed Brandon having a massive influence on those working with him . Even as he took up leadership positions , he still remains the humble and responsible person who never fails to smile . Despite having duties and studies to be concerned about , he is still able to find the energy to help his friends in need .”
It is evident that Brandon is one that attempts his best to live and exemplify the ethos and values of the school . You have much to be proud of , Brandon , yet your teachers and fellow Josephians appreciate your deep humility and courage to take on challenges with equanimity . We , as a Josephian and Lasallian community pray that you will always remember that the gifts you possess come from a gracious and merciful God who loves you and expects much of you . “ Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given . But even more will be demanded from one to whom much has been entrusted .” ( Luke 12.48 ) Always remember , Brandon , that in the true Lasallian spirit , you must be a brother to all , a man of integrity and a man for others .
The Senior Josephian of the Year is the highest award given by the school together with the Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam trophy . In recognition of his character , work and service , the Lasallian community at SJI proudly confers the Senior Josephian of the Year Award to Brandon Krygsman .