Reliving old memories, and making new ones: Student Council Reunion 2024

Written by: Tan Wen Li, Glenda (24S6K)

Edited by: Megan Lim (24S6E)

Participants of the Student Council’s Reunion

On the night of 3rd August 2024, the hall in Hwa Chong’s college section was bustling with activity. Members of the 1st to 51st Hwa Chong Student Council (HCSC) had gathered for a long-overdue Student Council reunion - originally held every five years, it had been postponed by a year due to the pandemic. 

Booths displaying Student Council memorabilia, such as old records, magazines, or council flags, were set up along the hall, providing older attendees with a dose of nostalgia. Meanwhile, newer members took the opportunity to enlighten themselves on the history of the council they were in; it’s safe to say that was well-received by everyone present. And of course, what Hwa Chong celebration would be present without a photobooth? There was no shortage of props, ranging from the cute to the quirky, which were made full use of. 

Once everyone started feeling peckish, attention turned to the wide array of delectable food available: besides a buffet line, there were other delicious local options made on the spot, such as laksa and ice kachang. While eating at the tables, attendees also discovered cards at their seats that they could write their best Student Council memories on for another dose of nostalgia! Their stories were shared in a heartwarming segment, as everyone reminisced on the bright points in their tenure as Student Councillors. 

To lighten the mood up, this was followed by a vibrant game show segment, hosted by members of the 51st Student National Engagement Committee (SNEC) Claris Poh (24S6G) and Sheng Yichou (24A11). Finally, to wrap up the evening, came what HCSC is best known for: a lively SODACHE! Attendees sang along to Hwa Chong classics, including 只为那爱我愿, 钟声依旧, and 细水长流 (all composed by ex-Hwa Chong students), before performing well-known cheers such as 山歌 and Rock You. Emotions were running high, and even after the mass photo taking that was supposed to close off the event, many stayed until late into the night to chat with new friends, or to catch up with old ones.

One of the many groups of attendees

In an attendee, Xu Shaozhe’s (24S69) words, “Meeting seniors batches before us was such an enriching experience as we got the chance to exchange meaningful stories and useful insights”. Indeed, the Student Council reunion provided attendees with an invaluable opportunity to learn from each other, and it wouldn’t be an understatement to say that many left already looking forward to the next reunion in five years’ time!