Last night we attended the La Salle Alumni 50th Anniversary dinner held in downtown Kota Kinabalu. The old boys of class '82 invited the teachers who had taught them in school. The attendees who turn up every year are Datin Hiew who taught Geography, myself who taught English, John Wilfred who taught Physics, Philip Tan, Mathematics, Mrs Yong Su Cheng, Physics and Mr Koh, who taught them Maths. in lower secondary school.
The guest of honor was Mr Martin Chee, a past president who had flown in from Canada. Another distinguished guest was the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin who is also an old boy and of course the patron, Datuk Bro. Charles O'Leary. They made a grand entrance preceded by nubile plumed dancers who also entertained the diners with a number of dances from the sixties through to the current era.
The old boys were merrily drinking and catching up with singing and dancing in their particular spots, many impervious to the happenings down at the front end where the stage was.
Datuk Bro Charles was in his element, hale and hearty, pleased to see the huge turnout and happy to see us there. It was great to see him, large as life each year at this annual function as he is not only the patron but the inspiration that keeps the old boys united as a body from so many years ago. Indeed Bro Charles is an institution by himself. Without him La Salle would not be what it is and I'm sure many old boys' success can be credited to him. Just mention Bro Charles and many 'boys' will look back with nostalgia at the old days which I'm sure hold many memories for them. Here's wishing Bro Charles good health and many more years as patron of the La Salle Alumni. Also a big thank you for Teo Chee Kong and the class of '82 for inviting us each year to this auspicious function. In fact he has already told us to reserve the date for next year's do!
The largest turnout award was won by the class of '82. This is their third consecutive victory. Congratulations and well done!
