ACS (Independent) kicked off the celebrations at the Astroturf with a parade involving 8 of the school’s Uniformed Groups and led by Cadet 2LT Kevin Tan. After the arrival of the Guest-of-Honour, Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong, the school held a badgepinning ceremony, in which parents of academic award recipients presented their children with commemorative ACSSG51 badges, before the parade ended with a performance of “The Best is Yet to Be”.

The celebrations continued in the Centre for Performing Arts 2 with an address by Mr. Hodge who highlighted the stellar results of the 2015 International Baccalaureate and O Level cohorts, the upgrade of the school track and the completion of the Junior Block. Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong then shared memories of his school days and his thoughts on the ACSian identity.

Other highlights include video presentations of our rich history and the fabulous performance by the 130 Voices choir, accompanied by the ACS (Independent) Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mr Benjamin Yeo. Comprising students, parents, teachers and friends of ACS, 130 Voices was formed specially to commemorate 130th Founder’s Day. The choir was trained by Mrs Elaine Wan with help from Mrs Grace Foo, Ms Grace Ng and Chan Yi Fang, and music scores were rearranged by the school’s alumni members, Darren Ang, Matthias Oh and Jonah Ryan Kwek. What was heartening was the overwhelming support for the choir from the school’s Parents Support Group which had close to 50 moms and dads taking time off their busy schedules for weekly practices. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, befitting the special occasion. The beautifully arranged music brought the congregation to heightened worship of our wondrous God Almighty who, by His Grace and Faithfulness, has led ACS through 130 years and will surely continue to protect and lead the school in the years to come.

Edited from contributions by Aaron Jeyararaj (Yr 6) and Mrs Cynthia Chew (Parents Support Group)