Faces of the future shine at student awards
An 18-year-old student at St Paul's Co-educational College last night won the South China Morning Post Student of the Year Award, winning praise from the education secretary.
Joanna Yu Tsun-yan beat five other students in the finals, which were held at City Hall and judged by Secretary for Education and Manpower Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, Post editor Fanny Fung and Philip Johnson, general manager of EF Education First, one of the sponsors.
'I'm so surprised. This really is something,' Joanna said. 'I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried my best.'
Professor Li praised the students as future leaders. 'They have impressed us with their contribution to our schools and enthusiasm for serving the community,' he said, adding they had also demonstrated the ability of Hong Kong schools to produce all-round individuals.
'Let no one say the Hong Kong education system is rubbish, otherwise they display ignorance and insult our students,' he said.
On top of their academic achievements and abilities, the students were judged on their interviews with the judges and a panel discussion among themselves on 'How is technology changing the media'. In the interviews, they were asked what they would be doing in 30 years' time.
Joanna said she would be working in business management and donating her earnings to help provide education for students around the world.
Having gained eight A grades in her HKCEEs last year, Joanna is leaving St Paul's under the early admission scheme to study global business at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in September. She is vice-chairwoman of Hong Kong Union of Young Leaders, loves reading business books, plays the piano and sings in the school choir.
Runners up were Fifian Chiang Ka-yan, of St Mary's Canossian College, and Eric Li Lap-bong, of Diocesan Boys' School.
St Paul's dominated this year's awards with Vanessa Lam Wing-yum and one former student, Brian Lo Ka-chung, now of Li Po Chun United World College, also making it to the last six. Last year's winner was also from the Catholic school in Mid-Levels. The sixth finalist was Michelle Vickers of Sha Tin College.
The evening's entertainment included performances by Cindy Lam Yin-yi, student dancer of the year, and violinist Choi Tsz-wing, student musician of the year.
Full coverage of the awards ceremony will appear in Young Post tomorrow.
