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ON THE RIGHT PATH: Charity event walkACSwalk was the first walkathon held by ACS(I) to be wholly organised by students. The committee was led by Kong Man Sheng. -- PHOTO: AARON GOH
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YOU could call Anglo-Chinese School Independent (ACS [I]) student Kong Man Sheng the boy who made good.
Two years ago, the 17-year-old Year Five student, who is in the school's International Baccalaureate programme, nearly failed his examinations because he was going out with friends instead of studying. He would also talk back to his teachers, making cheeky remarks even while being disciplined.
These antics almost got him expelled from ACS(I) when he was 15.
But last Saturday, he made history at the school by heading a committee of fellow students to organise a charity walkathon. The event, called walkACSwalk, raised a total of $10,000 for the ACS(I) Pocket Money Fund and the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
It was the first walkathon held by the school which was wholly organised by students.
The walkathon - organised by Man Sheng and a team of 24 other students - attracted 700 ACS(I) students and teachers, and was the first event in ACS(I) to be fully organised and executed by students.
"We wanted to help students who are facing financial difficulties at home after their parents were retrenched due to the economic recession," said Man Sheng, who began planning the walkathon three months ago.
The event included a 4km walk around the school premises at 121 Dover Road. A carnival with food and game booths awaited participants back at the school.
It is a personal landmark for Man Sheng, who decided to turn over a new leaf after he was threatened with expulsion.
He now has an above-average score in his studies and is on the school's swimming team.
ACS(I) principal Ong Teck Chin said: "His life is an encouragement to youths who made mistakes and want to change for the better."
Man Sheng said: "Charity work is very fulfilling. It showed me that the joy of giving is better than that of receiving."
jtchen@sph.com.sg
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