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JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2016 • ROLL OF HONOUR
Senior Josephian of the Year
NEIL BHARGAVA ( ML 404 )
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 .
James Allen , a well-known 20th century British philosophical writer once said , “ The more tranquil a man becomes , the greater is his success , his influence , his power for good . Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom ”.
In many ways , Neil Bhargava is the very embodiment of these traits . Anyone who knows him would agree that he is an unassuming , quiet gentleman who stands out with his unwavering support for the SJI community .
Neil joined SJI in 2013 , after having completed his education at SJI Junior . He overcame personal challenges to not only be a shining example and inspiration to his peers and juniors as Head Prefect but also the President of the Student Council in 2016 . He also took on other leadership roles such as Peer Support Leader , with humble grace .
Unquestionably , Neil is a talented , intelligent student with charisma , confidence , strong values and respect for others . He shouldered his various responsibilities with much pride and contributed much to the school through various projects such as the SJI Carnival .
Mr Chong Chow Wee , teacher-mentor of the Student Council remarks , ‘ Neil has always expected nothing but the very best from himself . His calm nature and demeanour has helped him to weather any storm with great perseverance . This has also made him a source of inspiration and strength for many of his peers . When things do not go according to plan , Neil can always be relied on for quick and effective solutions . His steadiness under pressure definitely sets him apart from the crowd ’.
Neil approaches his learning with an inquiring mind , diligence and conscientiousness . He utilises class time in a productive and determined manner . Despite the drive to achieve his personal best , he remains humble and never lets his abilities go to his head . As Mrs Amy Chua , his Mathematics teacher puts it , ‘ Neil is an excellent and steady role-model to his peers , always well-behaved and excels in his work . Self-driven and intensely resilient , he is unafraid of hard work and strives always to give his best in any given task . He undertakes new challenges calmly and exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in and out of the classroom .’
Most importantly , Neil respects and shows the ability to empathise with others . These , together with dedication and contribution to the wider school community , won him the Lasallian Student Award and Teo Cheng Guan Scholarship in 2014 and 2016 respectively .
Neil ’ s personal strengths are as impressive as his intellectual accomplishment . He truly demonstrates a growth mindset and at the same time , he inspires and supports those around him . Ray Yeo , his schoolmate , notes , ‘ Neil always takes the initiative to lend a helping hand to anyone in need . When I arrive early in school , I would see Neil helping other prefects in their duties or simply offering assistance to anyone who approaches him .’ Neil ’ s selfless demeanour is an impressive strength that will continue to serve him well in the future .
As Captain and a key member of the SJI Canoeing team , Neil has played a vital role in bringing the team to several championships , including the National Junior Canoeing Championships , the National Inter-Schools Canoeing Championships and the National Inter‐Schools Dragon Boat Championships where several awards were won . Mr Fong Kok Hoong , teacher in-charge of Canoeing reveals , ‘ Neil was very outstanding even when he was in Secondary One . His presence and influence among his peers already made a significant difference then . He was purposeful and resolute and always advised his peers to be more attentive during training sessions . He did it in a way that would not offend his peers and yet able to relate to them to make them cooperate with him . He led by example in his understated style . He was elected Captain in Secondary One and Three , garnering a lion ' s share of the votes . As a Captain , he led the team to emerge the Canoeing National Champions in the ' C ' and ' B ' Division in 2014 and 2016 respectively . This is a feat no other Canoeing Captain has ever attained . With Neil walking the talk and taking charge of the team as a true servant leader , the SJI
Canoeing team has achieved much !”
Neil is more than a student leader ; he is a role model , an inspiration and more importantly , a friend . He has proven himself to be a true Josephian and an exemplary individual .
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 Neil Bhargava .