ROLL OF HONOUR
SENIOR JOSEPHIAN OF THE YEAR
YIP EN SHEN RUSSELL
“ The secret of life , though , is to fall seven times and to get up eight times .”
Paulo Coelho , Alchemist
It is the established tradition in SJI to present the Senior Josephian of the Year Award to a graduating student who has displayed all round ability , outstanding leadership and best exemplifies our core Lasallian values of Faith , Service and Community .
Yip En Shen Russell joined SJI in 2010 , having completed his education at St Anthony ’ s Primary School with a PSLE T-score of 262 and was awarded the Edusave Entrance Scholarship for Independent Schools ( EESIS ). He committed himself to his Co- Curricular Activity ( CCA ), Guitar Ensemble and Legion of Mary as his second CCA . His potential for leadership was recognised early in Secondary One when he was appointed Class Secretary and Prefect .
As a leader and Head Prefect who perseveres in the face of criticism and the most challenging problems , one who is committed to finding the best solutions with his peers and juniors , Russell has been a role model . His determination to work through tension and complexity towards resolution has won him the respect of those who work with him . His contribution to the school goes beyond organising the SJI Carnival , Hair for Hope fund raising event and facilitating the Lasallian Leadership Training Camp . In fact , Russell has contributed to the school in many ways that are intangible as well . He has shown through his personal leadership style what it means to be a Lasallian and Josephian .
He has put others , the Prefectorial Board and the school before himself always and displays a strong commitment in fulfilling his role as the Head Prefect to the best of his abilities . By virtue of his role as Head Prefect , he is also a member of the Student Council and is responsible for the planning and execution of student-led school events , looking after the welfare of students and building school spirit . Intuitively more comfortable with small-group interactions , Russell had to overcome much of his inhibitions in order to lead confidently . Resilient and determined to impart positive leadership , he embraced his increasing responsibilities calmly yet with tenacity so as to support the student councillors and prefects to ensure that projects and plans undertaken were accomplished well and with meaning .
Mr Jeremy Liew , Head of Student Leadership and Discipline commented , “ Russell is humble , earnest and genuinely wants to improve school life for students . As Head Prefect , he desired for the Prefects to go beyond merely performing duties to finding meaning in what they did . Hence , together with his Executive Committee members , he initiated Heartworks , a project that would allow Prefects to commit to community service and improve the quality of school life .”
Russell is also respected by his peers and classmates . In spite of his leadership position in school , he is never conceited and is always willing to listen to the ideas and opinions of his friends . Throughout his four years in SJI he has remained humble and approachable ; a good friend and classmate who is ever ready to lend a helping hand .
Mrs Janet Kwok , his Class Tutor remarked , “ Russell ’ s most endearing quality is his humility and willingness to learn from his mistakes . His resilience and ability to remain resolute and principled through adversity are also admirable . As a student leader , he fully understands the difficulty as well as the impossibility of pleasing everyone . Nonetheless he will not stint on his time in providing a listening ear to all ”.
Hubert Yeo , his schoolmate since their St Anthony ’ s Primary School days said , “ When Russell interacts , he does not enjoy small talk . Instead he is usually more interested in getting to know people on a deeper level . He is one who treasures relationships greatly and will take pains to work through with you any trouble that you may be facing .”
In addition to his leadership ability , Russell has consistently performed well in his studies , attaining excellent grades and achieving various academic accolades . He received the Rev Bro Sigbert Trophy in 2010 and Rev Bro Fintan Trophy in 2011 for best overall performance in the End-of-Year Examination . He was also awarded the A * STAR Science Award ( Upper Secondary ) in 2012 for his strong aptitude and interest in Science and Mathematics . His success in the academic realm as well as in the various aspects of his school life reflects his ability to prioritise his responsibilities clearly and remain balanced .
Ms Koh Dee Yong , Russell ’ s Higher Chinese Teacher shared , “ Russell started attending Higher Chinese classes only in Secondary Three and has been doing consistently well since . He is sincere when he gives his word and will always try his very best once he has said he would .”
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 conferred the Senior Josephian Award to Yip En Shen Russell .