Fifteen Student of the Year finalists were chosen from 125 candidates after seven hours of consideration by the judging panel for the South China Morning Post Student of the Year Awards.
The judging panel is comprised of three school principals - Diocesan Girls' School Headmistress Stella Lau, Principal Mak Siu-ming of Shun Tak Fraternal Association Leung Kau Kui College, and Principal Norman So of Wah Yan College, Kowloon.
As a second-time judge, Ms Lau was still impressed by the level of involvement by the top students, both in their studies and in extra-curricular activities. Ms Lau said she was pleased to see four of her students from Diocesan Girls' had progressed to the final.
'The students' time management is good,' Ms Lau said. She said a commitment to society and well-rounded talents were essential qualities judges were looking for.
She said students should be sincere in their wish to contrib ute to the community rather than participating in social service for personal acclaim.
Mr Mak said the Awards provided an opportunity for students to gain valuable knowl edge of themselves. Composing a resume and clarifying their ambitions helped students focus more clearly upon their goals.