Hi everyone! I am Ryan, an HTPS alumni from the class of 2015. I am studying law at University College London and the University of Hong Kong after graduating from Diocesan Boys’ School in 2021. I am very honoured to be invited to write for my alma mater’s 70th anniversary.
The school’s education left a profound and lasting impact that shaped the person I am today. Two adjectives I often describe myself with are “passionate” and “confident”. HTPS played a vital role in nurturing these characteristics. During class hours, we were encouraged to read and expand our horizons through the school library’s collection. As a 6-year-old dinosaur enthusiast, I would borrow books about prehistoric times and marvel at the various diagrams of the ancient creatures. Although I did not pursue archaeology as an academic discipline, my point is that the school’s culture fostered inquisitive students who took the initiative to learn. Outside the classroom, I was involved in the school’s drama teams. From overcoming stage fright to shouldering increasingly prominent roles in the team, confidence is in every step of the journey. I use confidence not merely as an expression of belief in my own capabilities and preparation, but also that in the teachers and other team members. It was in the drama teams I found a valuable sense of community and belonging. Here I must express my deepest gratitude to the teachers and staff involved in the school library and drama teams, for their effort greatly contributed to my fruitful experience at HTPS.
The crown jewel of the HTPS experience, however, is moral education. One of the earliest and most important lessons I learnt is honesty. A particular incident which came to mind was my first English dictation in primary one. I was informed about the dictation but forgot to study, so I took out the study material and attempted to copy down the words tested during the assessment. Ms Yuen (now Principal Yuen) came to my desk and patiently explained that what I was doing was dishonest and would harm the fairness of the assessment without placing excessive blame on me. The seemingly trifle incident was one of the most memorable and crucial gifts I received from HTPS, and I must give credit to where it is due and say a big thank you to Principal Yuen for her teaching.
The teachers and staff I mentioned are only part of a long list of people to whom gratitude is owed. For now, as HTPS approaches its 70th anniversary, I sincerely hope the school can continue providing excellent education to students and nurturing talents for many more years to come.