SINGAPORE - The group of pupils from Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS), who were on an overseas expedition to Mount Kinabalu in June when a quake struck, were awarded the TKP Braveheart Award in their school on Thursday morning (Nov 19).
The pupils, teachers and guides were caught in a 6.0-magnitude earthquake while on the trip on June 5.
Of the team of 29 Primary 6 pupils who went, seven died on the trip. Two TKPS teachers and an adventure guide from an external company were also killed during the quake.
The seven were also given the award posthumously, with representatives collecting the award on their behalf.
Of the 22 remaining pupils, one was not present on Thursday, when the school's annual prize giving ceremony took place.
Principal Caroline Wu said the award recognises the courage and resilience displayed by our students during the Sabah quake.
"In the crisis situation that ensued, they had conducted themselves commendably, displayed their individual strengths and determination, and teamwork amongst themselves and their teachers," she said.
She added that during the quake, the pupils "helped, supported, and encouraged one another down to safety".
Pupil Leong Wan Ting, 12, who received the award on Thursday, said she was often distracted in class after the incident, especially because her classmates were among those who lost their lives.
"Sometimes I'll think of them and I won't be able to hear what the teacher is saying. But our teachers have been very supportive," she said.
"I still feel sad when I think of the friends I've lost. But I'll continue to work hard for them," added Wan Ting, who hopes to go to Cedar Girls' Secondary next year.
