Leadership Night 2013

by Amanda Lee, Junior 1 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Photo Credit: Encik Salleh

Becoming a prefect is a drastic change, and not just in the colour of your blazer. It's not just about becoming the "police" of the school, issuing demerits or keeping students quiet during assembly. As Jamie Kok wrote in her article, Prefectship, it is a decision that affects your entire school life. 

And it's no easy decision to see through. The tough perbarisans, the tougher seniors, the days of going without a free break or lunch ; all these things only a prefect can truly understand.

'Tonight is our night.' Words that never rang truer, spoken by our Deputy Head Prefect, Azmin right before we stepped out to usher parents into the hall. 

‘I, mindful of the duties and responsibilities of a prefect’

Tonight is the night the ‘profects’, looking like penguins and waiters without their ties, take their oaths. It is when they are sworn into the board, and when they officially become a part of the driving force of Cempaka. 

'And always conscious, that upon the bearing of a prefect, rests the tone of the school'

Tonight is the night they step up to continue the legacy, in the absence of the outgoing board. It is then that they receive their new ties, bright red, yellow, blue and green gleaming as they step forward in the spotlight and face an audience of supportive parents, teachers, principals, friends and family. It is one of the pinnacles of their journey ; the unforgettable moment when they receive a single golden collar pin that symbolizes all their hard work, dedication and sacrifices.

'I hereby accept, the office of prefectship. I solemnly resolve to carry out my duties, and bear my responsibilities, to the best of my ability.'

Tonight is the night all the waterworks start up early ; some of which were terribly unexpected and some of which were no surprise. For the first time, you see the seniors facing a different path ahead, while our path continues straight on. You see even the toughest seniors betray a hint of a tear, especially as Sher Lynn takes the stage for her last speech as Head Prefect of Cempaka Damansara.

Tonight is the night when the words 'Thank you' are probably used a hundred times, each one holding a person in gratitude, each one heartfelt and sincere.

Tonight is the night we witness leaders in action, some moving on to conquer new challenges, some just only stepping up to the plate.

Designed by: Wong Sher Lynn

To the newly installed prefects, congratulations. May you wear your tie with an equal amount of pride and honour as was given to you. Expect numerous memories and inevitably good times. Expect a lot of hard work, skipped classes, not-so-pleased teachers, hard decisions, problems and challenges. But face them as Encik Hisham puts it, ‘with a smile on your face’, as you won’t face the problems standing alone. You’ll face it with the entire board standing alongside you. 

To the outgoing prefects, thank you. It'll be a bit weird, not seeing your faces on duty or during assembly. Not weird, heart wrenching probably. You will be sorely missed, but as you said, you are only a call or a text away. We shall strive to maintain your pride in knowing that you were a part of the Cempaka Damansara Prefectorial Board.

To all prefects; incoming, outgoing, the seniors to-be — tonight is our night.

Click here to read Wong Sher Lynn's speech as outgoing Head Prefect of Cempaka Damansara 2013