Celebrating SG’s 59th National Day at Hwa Chong

Written by: Cayden Ng Kei Chun (24S74)

Edited by: Megan Lim (24S6E)

Photos courtesy of Studio Ardent

National Day Parade at High School Terraces

Hwa Chong celebrated Singapore’s 59th National Day on 8th August 2024, a day abundant with activities that unified students and staff alike through our shared appreciation for the nation. The day started off at the High School Terraces, where the school’s uniform groups performed a coordinated march-in and flag party. A sea of students donning red and white flooded the terrace steps. Despite the blazing weather that day, the parade’s grand visuals and rhythmic marching raised our spirits, setting the mood for the day ahead. 

C1s then moved on to their classrooms, where a special lesson on Singapore was conducted. From games such as “Guess the NDP song” to NDP song singalongs and skits revolving around our national identity, the activities strengthened students’ appreciation for the safety and sense of belonging that Singapore provides us. During the lesson, this year’s National Day Message for schools was broadcast. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing reminded students about the importance of unity amidst conflicts among larger countries. He emphasised that we are not too small to determine our own fate, and that together, we can shape our own future. He concluded with an encouraging quote, “let us remember that while we may not be united by a common past, we can choose to be united by a shared future.” Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_ACLNAQeCc

The festivities did not end there. The National Day Carnival in the Inner Plaza, Wings and Area outside Auditorium comprised of a series of booths run by various councils and CCAs. VIAC, Green Council, HCSC, OESC, HACAS, FacComm, Studio Ardent, and First Aid all set up booths consisting of Singapore-themed games, trivia and challenges for students to get into the National Day spirit. Countless food booths were also scattered throughout the carnival, offering a wide variety of snacks like cotton candy, churros and even local snacks like Muah Chee and Kacang Puteh. 

National Day Concert

The bustling atmosphere was infused with music from the National Day Concert. A crowd of students and teachers gathered around the Central Plaza to watch a variety of performances. Amongst them, the Ares FacComm danced to a mashup of NDP songs and rioHC serenaded us with a medley of iconic NDP tunes. The riveting performances had students hyped up with the National Day spirit which lasted long after the concert ended. Despite the end of the celebrations, everyone left filled with patriotism and excitement for the upcoming National Day Parade.

Students in high spirits