GEORGE TOWN - It was a historical moment for one of the country's second oldest schools when for the first time in 171 years, St Xavier's Institution (SXI) held a graduation ceremony for its fifth formers, who would exit formal schooling next month.
Some 120 Form Five students from SXI attended the historic ceremony at the City Bayview Hotel, just across the school along Farquhar Street.
Already etched as one of the heritage buildings in the Unesco World Heritage Site, the school founded in 1852, held the graduation ceremony with students, all donned in conventional robes and mortarboards.
Former head prefect and school magazine editor Datuk Hitendra Joshi, who retired as an industrialist, was the guest of honour, along with principal Goh Hong Peng and school board chairman Victor Tan.
Class of 1975 urged the SXI graduates to live up to the school's calling and underline the motto of "Labor Omnia Vincit," (labour conquers all), a De La Salle Brothers calling, which has echoed in the brotherhood's institutions of learning the world over.
One of the organisers, Constantine Gerard said the event was mooted to inspire the students, a group who had endured the pandemic and its consequences.
He said the event was also part of efforts by the school to ensure students receive a deserving send-off from SXI which they can cherish.
The school's popular marching band was also present.
The school has produced several notable graduates since it was established by the La Salle Christian movement in Penang.
Among them are two former finance ministers Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Penang's first Chief Minister Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee and DAP iconic leader Datuk Seri Utama Karpal Singh, as well as rubber magnate Heah Joo Seang. - The Vibes, November 4, 2023.
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