City College brought its annual student-run carnival and open house to new heights this year, all for a good cause.
It was a school tour with a difference, at the highly-anticipated City College carnival. Held on Dec. 10 and 11, the event featured familiar highlights such as the photography exhibition and flea market, as well as the return of last year’s horror house. Organized to raise funds for the City College bursary fund, the extravaganza attracted 350 people over two days.
Photo exhibition
The main highlight of the carnival was the photo exhibition. Showcasing the talent of the photography club members and teachers, the photos aptly captured this year’s theme, Around The World. Prints of the photos were available for sale, with all proceeds going toward the bursary fund.
Student photographer Yeo Baowen, 18, led visitors through the gallery with detailed descriptions and insights. “The photos focus on the unexpected moments that bring us joy and happiness as we travel; the things we don’t usually notice,” explained Yeo.
Meanwhile, a studio set up outside provided families and individuals with professionally-taken shots, with props provided to enhance the photo-taking experience. Ngiau Chee Wei, 30, was pleased with his visit. He said, “The photography exhibition was very professional. I had my family shots taken and they make very meaningful mementos to keep.”
Horror House
On the second floor, the latest star attraction of the carnival awaited its “victims” entering the sinister “St. Paul’s College.” A friendly human guide was on hand to take visitors through the spooky room. The ghoulish “spooktacular” made its debut only last year, but proved immensely popular among the visitors. The entire concept was dreamed up by the students, who also played the part of the undead scaring the wits out of visitors.
Tristan Goh, 17, a “ghost” and City College 2010 graduate said, “The entire preparation process took about one month. I also helped with the decoration of the place, which took an entire day. It was tiring but fun, especially when you hear people scream and run.”
Carnival
The carnival was also a time to spread some early Christmas cheer. Twenty kids from a Muslim children’s home were treated to free tickets and a day of fun by Selena See, a teacher and counselor at the school. See, in her late twenties, shared, “This was a good opportunity to bring some joy to others. It was very fun for the kids and they really enjoyed themselves. At the end of the day, they even got to shake hands with the ‘ghosts,’ which made their day.”
Across the hallway, a crowded room pointed out the location of the flea market, with half a dozen stalls displaying their wares at bargain prices. The food street, inspired by Taiwan’s Shilin Night Market, offered plenty of popular finger food for those feeling peckish.
Alumni Performances
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| CN PHOTOS: Trudy Guo |
If food was not enough to calm frazzled nerves, one could also sit back and enjoy one of the many student and alumni performances spread across the campus, including renowned beat-boxer Terence Tan, Live And Loaded finalist Erika Liana, and many more talented performers, all having a connection with City College. Said first-time performer Gwendolyn Janelle Tan, 18, “This opportunity has definitely given me confidence to perform!”
Catherine Wong, 51, mother of a first-year student, enjoyed the chance to see the school. “Through this carnival, I could visit the school and talk to teachers. I am looking forward to next year’s carnival, which I believe will be bigger and better,” said Wong.
The carnival attained what it set out to do, raising a total of S$7,500, with orders for photo prints still pouring in. Joli, 31, faculty head and chairperson of the carnival’s organizing committee, said, “The students enjoyed themselves thoroughly in preparing and running the entire event. It is a wonderful platform for them to showcase their talents and learn important skills for life. We are glad to be able to engage them positively and in a unique way.”
Jacqueline Lim, 21, who helped out as a deejay-cum-emcee, enjoyed the opportunity to take part and would be more than happy to do so again. Lim says, “I’m deeply touched by the purpose of this event [to provide bursaries for the students]. And it’s been my honor to work with such an awesome team!”
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