ROLL OF HONOUR
Senior Section
Lasallian Distinguished Leadership and Service Award
Maretta Simon
( TG606 )
Maretta is a rare gem in SJI . She possesses a strong and discerning personality which distinguishes her from others . Optimistic and open-minded , she conscientiously tries her best at everything she pursues , be it her academic work , leadership experiences , or community service . Innately charismatic , Maretta has the ability to rally her peers in the many events she has spearheaded as the Vice President of the 5th Senior Student Council and in her CAS committees .
Maretta is able to build relationships across the various levels of the student body and student leadership . As the VP , she has mediated conflicts through open discussions , winning her peers ’ respect for her openness to criticism during dialogues and her mature perspectives in those attempts to settle differences . Furthermore , throughout her time in the Council , she has shown the true essence of being a servant leader . One of her biggest highlights was when she became the overall in-charge of the six days Orientation Camp for the incoming juniors . By organising games and choreographing mass dance performances , Maretta eased the Year 5 students into the SJI community .
Extending her thoughtfulness beyond school , she sympathises with the marginalised in her community . She co-founded project iHearU alongside her other international friends to teach abused migrant workers dance and sing , and facilitated sharing sessions once a week after school as a way to lend a listening ear as well as empower them . Maretta has touched lives in her own original way , learning to be more accommodating as she came to understand her community better through the plights of others . While she has blossomed in her ability to lead , she stays humble and understands how to connect with people with tenderness .
The positive attitude and appreciation she has for new ideas drives Maretta to be an open individual many would love to work with as she is equipped with an array of useful intellectual and socio-personal skills that are precious in any global community . Even with the amount of commitments she has , she prioritises well and works on study strategies to maintain good time management . She is sensitive to others and is very good natured . As an individual , Maretta did not just make the difference , she was the difference . Her
international perspective , her sincerity in encouraging and sharing knowledge , as well as her resilience and optimism in learning anything , surely makes her an adaptable individual who is able to take on great challenges in her future educational endeavours .
Andre John Rodrigues , a fellow council member shares , “ When I first met Maretta , I knew that she was someone who was very organised , graceful and someone who always had her priorities straight . After working with her closely in Council Exco , I realised that her greatest hallmark is the immense care and love that she has for everyone around her , and I greatly appreciate her companionship and friendship in SJI . A true Servant Leader .”
Maretta ’ s Tutorial Group teacher , Ms Lynette Lin , aptly describes her , “ Known for her cheerful disposition , courage and strength , Maretta is the epitome of modern leadership – one that remains rooted in values yet progressive in mooting new ideas .” With her charm , candour , unabashed optimism and unwavering spirit , Maretta has garnered the respect of her cohort and the esteem of her teachers . While summoning the strength , faith and grace to overcome personal challenges , this daughter of SJI has , without a doubt , left an indelible mark on the school .
JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2018 35