31 October 2008.

The seniors of the school, who also happened to be the graduating class for the year, were gathered on that particular day for one last time before they sat for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Examinations. It was a day that promised a lot of laughter and tears. It was a day that officially marked the end of their schooling days together. It was a day that undoubtedly, they would remember for years to come.

Teachers, being merciful (one of the rare occasions, may we add?) did not give the Form Five students the daily revision work for their upcoming examinations; instead they allowed them to do as they pleased, within boundaries of course, until it was time for the 2 pm ceremony. Hence said students were seen rushing around taking photographs with not only each other, but with the juniors and teachers as well. Cameras firmly in hand, some blatantly ignored all propriety and shrieked to whoever they wished to speak to across the corridors and up and down the staircases. Others could be seen talking at an impressive rate, their conversations full of the phrases "do you remember" and "don't forget that time when..." A few stayed inside the classrooms, talking among themselves quietly. The similarity between them all was that their conversations, though apparently light-hearted, had a perceptible tinge of sadness, that feeling of "I can't believe it really is the end of school".

When 1.30 pm arrived, we Fifth Formers, having made full use of their free time earlier, made their way to the hall for the ceremony. Teachers ushered them to their seats, which were according to their register number. Being early, the students proceeded to "entertain" the teachers with sly imitations of certain teachers who will remain unnamed and this brought the hall to peals of laughter (yes, even the teachers themselves!). Form 5 Commerce then presented a huge handmade card from their members to all the teachers, thanking them for everything they had done for the students. It was a nice touch that ended the pre-ceremony fun, for after that, the ceremony began.

Our beloved Chairman, Datin Freida, was present to hand the students their testimonials, as well as to wish them a very warm good luck for the SPM examinations. That done, the Valedictorian for Class of 2008, Nur Alia bte Johari from Form 5 Science, gave the traditional address. It was a heartfelt speech full of wishes, advice and expressions of gratitude. A few Fifth Formers leaked tears, yours truly included. Datin Freida then gave a short and moving speech to the graduating class, and it was clear we all would not forget her kindly, wise words to us.

The ceremony over, our Vice-Chairman and Chairman-Elect, Dr Rizal, invited the Class of 2008 to adjourn to the swimming pool area for a photograph session with all the teachers. Following which, those who had been in Cempaka since reception or since Standard 1 were invited to the I.T. Centre for another photograph session. If anyone had happened to chance upon either session, they might have been amused by the "free pose" photograph we all insisted on!

Testimonial Day ended on a happy but thoughtful note, with us Fifth Formers realising sadly that school really was at an end; that our days here as a student had quietly but firmly ended. That it would be time for college, something new and completely different from what we knew.

Good luck to the Class of 2008 for their SPM results, and as for the juniors, enjoy those schooldays while you can! For our dear teachers, don't miss us too much, for we'll be back for visits!