Fall, to Fly

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Monday, June 25, 2007

Please read forwarded email below.

Dear Cedarians, Cedar colleagues and ex-colleagues,

"Unite Cedarians unite! We'll persevere all the way...!"Stadium...The National Stadium holds many memories who were there, cheering for their fellow Cedarians for the annual National Inter-School Track and Field Championships, outdoor band competitions and National Day parades, etc. Some of us even ran on it's track, donning either the Singapore Combined Schools or state colours at regional and international sporting competitions. All these have served to build wonderful memories in the deep recesses of our minds and forged friendships with our peers, some of which still hold strong till this day.

Tan Yiwen (Class of '97) and myself are arranging for a photo-taking session for all Cedarians (young and old, past and present), at the National Stadium before the grand old dame is closed for demolition in end-July this year. I have spoken to the officer at the Singapore Sports Council. The details for the photo-taking session are as follows:

Day/Date : Saturday, 14 July 2007
Venue : National Stadium, Gate 1, West Entrance
Meeting Time : 4.15pm
Dismissal : 5.30pm (to be confirmed if we
are allowed to stay a bit longer, as other groups
may also be having their photo-taking sessions

Please kindly confirm your attendance (as we need to inform the SSC of the approximate numbers attending the photoshoot) via email with the following details:

1. Full name
2. Graduation (from Cedar) year
3. Contactable HP no. (in the event of last minute changes)
4. Email address

Please reply by ASAP, by Sunday, 8 July 2007 if possible, via email at poon_pf@yahoo.com.sg (pleaseCC: yiwen@pacific.net.sg, in case I am unavailable due to unforseen circumstances).

Psst...anyone with a really good camera and wants to volunteer to be the photographer?

Please help to disseminate this information!

With sincere thanks,

Yours truly,

Ms Poon Pui Fun
Teacher, Cedar Girls' Sec. Sch. (1988-1994, 2005-to date)
PE Dept.

Tan Yiwen
Class of '97

The email evoked ALOT of emotions in me, because it is Cedar, and it is the National Stadium we're talking about here. And so, I drafted an email to her.

Dear Ms. Poon,

Hello! This is Hong Ruoying, and it has definitely been awhile since the last time we met! I trust that you are well, and that the throwers are doing great under your direction.

Currently, I am studying at Michigan State University - The School of Hospitality Business, and am due to graduate in December! Yes, that’s right… I.am.actually.graduating.from.university! There was a time I couldn't even imagine myself graduating from Cedar, much less university! Anyhow, it’s the summer holidays in the U.S. right now, and I am doing an internship at the Westin Peachtree Hotel in Atlanta. I am enjoying myself, just that Atlanta’s heat is absolutely KILLING ME (hotter than Spore, but not as humid though), and there are many ghetto people and I fear for my life sometimes. Nevertheless, I'm doing great!

I received the forwarded email about the photo taking session from Sokhong, and how I wish I could be there! Unfortunately, I will not be back for the entire summer. In fact, I will be leaving for a study abroad program to India and Dubai at that time. I guess it is too bad for me that I will be missing something fun AGAIN. (I heard about the anniversary dinner a few months ago!)

Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that it’s a fantastic idea to bring Cedarians together again, as the school serves as the only remaining link between most of us. I wanted you to know that I really appreciate the gesture even though I cannot be there. It displays exactly what I love about Cedar - the immense school spirit and pride that we have in our beloved Alma Mater. Honestly, after going to so many places, and attending different schools after the Os, Cedar is still very much a part of who I am. My friends and I are always reminiscing about the good ol' days. Not only do I think of my friends, but I think also of the teachers, canteen food, special celebrations, and YES, even the horrendous jogging sessions I used to dread. And of course, how can I ever forget Track and Field?

The National Stadium holds many memories for not only me, but for my fellow Cedarians as well. Each time I return to Singapore, I find something changing about the landscape. And each time, I wonder, which one will go next? Ironically, I was the one who was always complaining about how dirty and smelly it was! However, with the pending demolition of the Stadium, I cannot help but feel a deep loss. Like you said, whether it was wearing the Gold, Blue and Grey of Cedar, or the Red and White of Singapore, I was there. It is the most unfortunate that the young Cedarians have not had a chance to experience the magic of that place. It is more than a sporting arena, and definitely more than an exercise facility. It is the place where dreams became reality, and where hope, joy, and tears coexisted. It was the unspoken meeting ground for me and my ‘track and field buddies’ who came from different schools, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. The photo taking session will be a wonderful opportunity for young Cedarians to witness the history and legacy they are stepping into.

For 6 years, I worked hard to become the best in my field, until I eventually decided to leave the sport for good. It has been 4 years since my last competition, but the valuable life lessons I learnt, are forever. Track and Field was after all, the very thing that molded me into who I am today. Every single day, I bring these values and work ethic with me, and apply them to the things I do.

Please help me say Hi to all the teachers (esp. Mrs. Lim Kim Choo, Ms. Wong and Ms. Leong - I hope they are still teaching there!). I hope to have a chance to catch up with you and the current athletes the next time I go back. And with the upcoming National Schools Championship, I wish you, and the entire team, all the best. Please also help me convey my well wishes to the other coaches, Mr. Tay and Mr. Seem, if they are still coaching Cedar.

Take Care,

Ruoying
Cedar Girls' School Class of 01'
Track and Field Captain 2001

All you Cedarians out there, go down to the Stadium if you have time ok?? Be part of the legacy. Be proud, be very proud.