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ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION • JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2014 ROLL OF HONOUR
SENIOR JOSEPHIAN OF THE YEAR
AARON CHEE YONG QIN ( MICHAEL 403 )
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 and outstanding leadership and best exemplifies our core Lasallian values of Faith , Service and Community .
Aaron Chee Yong Qin joined SJI in 2011 , having completed his education at Anderson Primary School . He has in his four years in SJI distinguished himself as a leader and role model for many of his juniors . He is a bright and self-motivated student who takes responsibility for his actions and demonstrates excellent leadership skills . He has a commanding presence , is good-natured and relates well to his peers . In spite of his high profile in school , he remains humble and is always generous with his time .
Aaron shows a strong commitment to achieving a high standard of academic performance . Sound analytical skills and an inquisitive mind have helped him sustain his interest in the Sciences and Mathematics . He has also worked diligently to improve his command of Languages , striving hard to strike a balance in all his subjects . His efforts paid off as he received the Edusave ( Independent Schools ) Yearly Awards ( E ( IS ) YA ) in 2011 and 2012 . He has ambitions to study Political Science in the future and hopes to serve the community in the political arena .
Beyond the classroom , Aaron has proven to be promising in his Co- Curricular Activities , Track and Field and Cross-Country . He trained consistently and remained dedicated in spite of his heavy commitments as a leader . As Head Prefect of the Prefectorial Board and President of the Students ' Council from 2013 to 2014 , he was an admirable leader . He was always seen as a mentor to the junior prefects , a person to go to for help with the morning assembly , traffic control , maintenance of order during recess and other responsibilities of a prefect . Together with his team , Aaron ensured the smooth running of daily programmes and major school functions . His comforting presence , guidance and reassurance won him the respect of his peers .
Mdm Shanti and Mr Tan Puay Hock , his form tutors , note , “ Aaron is a highly motivated student who handles responsibility well . He is willing to step forward to make change and will consider the needs of his peers in decision-making . As a Head Prefect , he leads by example .”
Aaron also led the Students ' Council from 2013 to 2014 , where he took on projects and spearheaded major school events such as the SJI Carnival , Teachers ' Day and ‘ Hair For Hope ’. He took pains to oversee everything that went on in the Council and tried his best to reach out to the student body , both in the junior college and secondary school . He endeavoured to work with teachers and students to ensure that these major school projects were organised and accomplished well .
Mr Chong Chow Wee , teacher-in-charge of the Student Council , remarks , " Aaron belongs to a rare breed of leaders , leaders who are able to move mountains without a whisper . He leads not through strength or intimidation , but through heart and determination . He lets his heart guide the way and follows through using sheer hard work and determination ; and through that process , he convinces others to stand with him and work together towards the greater good of the school ."
His enthusiasm to serve the Community led Aaron to be part of the Josephian International Education Programme in 2013 , where he was part of a team that went to Cambodia to embark on community work . This programme strengthened his resolve to do his part for the less privileged . He visited Old Folks ’ Homes to help the elderly clean their homes . Aaron was also part of a group that attended the National Lasallian Leadership Convention held in Ipoh . Through this convention , he collaborated with an organisation based in Little India , helping marginalised migrant workers - the Transient Workers Count Too ( TWC2 ). Together with his group members , he had the opportunity to understand the situations faced by workers and how they were exploited by their employers . He then not only reached out to the migrant workers by distributing flyers to create awareness of the organisation , TWC2 , but also personally interacted with them .
Mr Eric Lam , Head of Level ( Secondary Four ), shares , “ Aaron is peopleoriented . He has excellent inter-personal skills and has won the hearts of his peers . He always puts himself in the shoes of others and remains grounded despite his position as a Head Prefect . Despite his heavy responsibilities , he always has a smile on his face and a heart for the less able .”
Aaron has much to be proud of . He is a leader who exemplifies the values and ethos of the school . His teachers and fellow Josephians appreciate his humility and courage to take on challenges . The Lasallian and school community hope that he will never forget that the gifts he possesses come from the goodness of a gracious and merciful God who loves and expects much of him . “ Much will be required from everyone to whom much has been given . But even more will be demanded from the one to whom much has been entrusted .” ( Luke 12:48 ). He must always be reminded to live the true Lasallian spirit - he must be a brother to all , a Person of Integrity and a Person for Others .
The Senior Josephian of the Year is the highest award given by the school 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 Aaron Chee Yong Qin .