JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2016 • ROLL OF HONOUR 19
TRISTAN MAXIMILIAN SMITH ( FN 402 )
Tristan Maximilian Smith is an eloquent and charismatic student . A natural leader who is innovative and adaptive , he follows his instincts but is always guided by a strong sense of duty and an unerring moral compass . Always adopting a positive attitude towards his work , he shows that he can be trusted upon to complete it to the best of his abilities .
Well-liked by his peers , his sincerity and amiable personality is what draws them to look up to him as a role model . He is steadfast in his resolve and takes to any task with competence . He demands the best from himself . He can be tough and firm yet always fair .
As a dedicated and faithful President of the Legion of Mary ( Seat of Wisdom ), he is grounded in his religious values and devotes time to growing his faith in Catholicism . An active and strong believer , he contributed much through the organisation and facilitation of Catholic camps amongst Christian schools . Mrs Sandra Lee , his teacher in Legion of Mary remarks , “ Tristan ’ s heart is very much in his Legion of Mary Praesidium , Seat of Wisdom . He leads in prayers and sharing sessions and rallies his peers to listen to each other during meetings . He has helped to organise camps for Catholic boys , working behind the scenes to ensure that programmes are run smoothly .”
Tristan has established a sound record of Co-Curricular Activities in SJI . In 2016 , he was 2nd Runner-up in the Akira Swift Track Meet and 11th in the Nationals Track and Field event . Mr Loqman , the teacher-in-charge of Track and Field , has this to say about him , “ Tristan always brings his cheerful and positive personality to training that creates great rapport among his peers . As an individual , he is a
passionate and dedicated athlete who strives for success . His caring and wonderful character makes it a pleasant experience for his team to work with him .”
Within the class , he takes pride in his role as the Green Ambassador . Beyond the class , he was hand- picked to become a Peer Support Leader and Facilitator and his contribution was instrumental to the smooth running of all camps . As a Prefect in his early years in SJI , Tristan worked his way up and never forgot what it was to give back to the Lasallian community .
Ms Lynette Lin , who worked with him in the Fintan Fraternity , remarks , “ Tristan is a capable Captain who has presence amongst his peers . When he is tasked to do something , he will make sure he sees it through . He is someone who translates words into action . Despite wearing many hats as a leader , he takes time to care for his peers , family and school . He truly exemplifies what it means to be a Man for Others .”
In his later years in SJI , Tristan joined the Student Council where he represented the school community as the Fraternity Captain . He was a key decision maker in many school events and planned the 2016 School Carnival together with the Council .
Jeremy Silva , his peer in Student Council , remarks , “ Tristan takes pride in carrying out his duties and always ensures that he gives his best in everything he does . When the Council wanted to come up with a football tournament for the school , Tristan took the initiative to prepare the proposal . He is also a very approachable person who is able to reach out to his peers , offering them a listening ear when they need someone to talk to .”
Tristan is an all-rounder who is dedicated and commited to excellence . His four years in SJI have seen him blossom into a gentleman who is inspiring to others . His unwavering commitment and his good nature will see him go far in life .
VEDANT CHAUHAN ( ML 402 )
Vedant is an exemplary role-model and his potential for leadership was recognised early in Secondary One when he was appointed Class Chairman and Prefect . As Deputy Head Prefect in 2016 , he persevered in the face of criticism to confront the most challenging problems with a commitment to finding the best solutions with his peers and juniors . His determination has won him the respect of those who work with him . His contributions to the school go beyond organising the SJI Carnival , Hair for Hope fund-raising event and facilitating the Lasallian Leadership Training Camp . In fact , Vedant has contributed to the school in many ways that are intangible as well . He has put others , the Prefectorial Board and the school before himself always and displays a strong commitment to fulfilling his role as the Deputy Head Prefect to the best of his abilities .
By virtue of his role as Deputy Head Prefect , he was also a member of the Student Council and responsible for the planning and execution of student-led school events , looking after the welfare of students and building school spirit . 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 .
Vedant has persevered in spite of the many obstacles placed in his way . He has never given up and has always chosen to face his difficulties with a strength and tenacity that is admirable . While he is often critical of himself , he allows it to be a reflective practice and habit that helps him to develop even further .
Vedant was also respected by his peers and classmates . In spite of his leadership position in school , he was never conceited but 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 .
Vedant is one of the very few who can claim to be a true Lasallian leader . Through his actions and his words , he has constantly placed the values of Faith , Service and Community before himself . To him , those words are more than just values to be gained , they have become a way of life . He embodies the very notion of what it means to be a Lasallian and his selflessness truly makes him a well-deserved recipient of the award .
In the words of Robert K . Greenleaf , “ The servant-leader is servant first . It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve , to serve first . Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead .” I am proud to affirm that Vedant is a testimony to both .