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Nostalgia, a walk down memory land is a rarity and a
treasure to be experienced. This reminiscence was made
possible for the ACS Class of '52 when over 40 of us met
to renew friendships at our 50th year reunion on 19
October 2002 at The Tanglin Club.
 The
Setting
It was a memorable night of fellowship, with scholars
such as Chua Kit Leng, Wan Fook Kee, and star sportsmen
such as William Tan, N. Ganesan, Lim Chek Sian, Ying
Yoke Kong, Choo Teow Toh, Siak Chong Leng, Lee Yong
Siang, Lee Ek Tieng and Raymond Nicholas gracing the
occasion. Half of the 1952 school soccer team and almost
the entire Sir Arthur Young Cup relay team were present.
Others from as far as Vancouver and Melbourne flew in
for the reunion. However, the highlight of the eventing
was surely seeing our teachers again.
A Salute to the School Anthem
Appropriately, Lee Suan Yew was appointed the Master of
Ceremonies as he was the class monitor then. When we
rose for the School Anthem, there we were fifty years
later, singing it with gusto, vigour and great joy. One
would have thought loyalists were singing their
battle-cry hymn. Ao majestic, so touching, so full of
meaning - that was how the good old anthem moved the
boys.
Our Teachers' Night
Our teachers then took the limelight, as they treated us
to an unexpected, pleasant surprise best described as
"Our Teachers' Finest Hour".
 All of them, Mr Tan Boon Chiang, Mr Chee Keng Lim, Mr
Lee Hah Ing, Mr Lim Choon Mong, Mr Benjamin Khoo, were
in top form as each took the podium. At 80 plus,
sprightly and looking younger than their pupils, each
spoke with his unique, distinguished style. Their
reminiscences did bring joy and laughter to their
adoring pupilswho are in their late 60's and over 70's.
As
teachers go, they did their fair share of telling "tall
tales" which readily went down as gospel truth.
Years later when we asked our mentors to account for
their little white lies, they readily replied, "Oh,
but look at you today. You have done extremely well".
Little bluffs they might have been but they did bring
about rich rewards on the professional status their
pupils acquired. And in praise of the Class of '52. this
testimony is sufficient record: their teachers were
extremely proud they were in the company of gentlemen,
many of whom had reached the apex of their calling.
Nigh is Falling Nigh
The evening was a resounding success. As the spirit of
camaraderie, of kindred minds set in, Mr Benjamin Khoo
at the piano helped us wind down with some golden
oldies. When the reality of Life, Living and Parting
emerged, all stood up for the Auld Lang Syne. There was
sadness, joy in their voices and in their hearts. But
present was the thought, "God willing, we will meet
again". The Class of '52 will meet for the 52nd
Year Reunion.
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