Creative spirit
WHAT DO A VISUAL artist and a dancer have in common? They always have an audience in their minds and shine on stage.
At a glance, Student Dancer of the Year, William Chan (above, left), may be mistaken for being Michael Jackson. The 17-year-old moved with glamour, and you could feel the beat during his performance at the South China Morning Post Student of the Year Awards 2002/2003 prize presentation ceremony held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts on Saturday.
'Once on stage, you have your audience in front of you,' William told Young Post, after he thrilled spectators with his five-minute hip-hop and jazz routine.
Nobody could tell he has only been dancing for two years, with much encouragement from his teachers at St Joseph's Anglo-Chinese School.
'Dancing also broadens my view. On stage, we look at the world from a different perspective,' he said.
Student Visual Artist of the Year, Yip Lai-man (above, right), 18, of Jockey Club Ti-I College, also appeared a different person when she wore an environmentally friendly outfit for a mini-catwalk.
Her futuristic design was aimed at reminding people of a greater galaxy, and of our responsibility to protect our planet, she explained.
To share her artistic tips, Lai-man added: 'Keep closely in touch with what's happening around you. It's the source of ideas.
'Reading newspapers and surfing the internet are my suggestions.'
'A Defining Moment in Hong Kong's History' was the topic of a 25-minute open discussion at the Student of the Year Award final. The six finalists made use of the opportunity to show off their critical thinking and their ability to express themselves.
Many current issues, including the controversial Article 23 legislation, were brought forth.
One of the judges, Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun, was impressed by the 'terrific' performance of the participants.
Donald Wong Ho-lun (right), 18, of St Paul's Co-educational College, was one of the three runners-up. The others are Chiu Kwun-sau, 17, of Queen's College, and Kay Seto King-lune, 18, of Li Po Chun United World College.
The open discussion was followed by individual interviews with the judging panel.
A sharp analytical mind helped 18-year-old Elmy Leung Wai-yue (right) of Yew Chung International School win this year's South China Morning Post Student of the Year Award.
In the centre is Tsui Ka-ling, 17, one of the finalists, of Po Leung Kuk No 1 W.H. Cheung College. Chiu Kwun-sau (left), 17, of Queen's College, was one of the runners-up.
Percussionist Chan Chun-hin, 16, of St Paul's Co-educational College, played the xylophone during the award ceremony. The Student Musician of the Year also performed two other piano solo pieces.
