For this year's National Day Celebrations in Millennia Institute, the National Education Council sought to maintain tradition while injecting a novel element to commemorate our nation's 43 rd birthday.

As according to custom, we started off with a marching parade, consisting of our very own Uniform Group members, the Student Council and the Sports Council. Having trained for weeks, they sure did do the school proud by displaying their precise marching and their swift movements. Students and teachers alike were captivated by the sight of an aero modeling helicopter fly-pass with the National Flag, as well as its corresponding performing stunts, a first in MI's history.

The performance segment in the hall did not disappoint as well. To start off the show, our Symphonic Band played two joyous pieces that signaled the start of the second half of our commemoration. This was followed by the Mascot Competition, for the Pre-U Ones, who dressed up as various icons or characters to highlight the characteristics and uniqueness of Singapore . And needless to say, the entries were interesting indeed. Animations were shown too, to reinforce the message that together, all of us play a role in determining Singapore ' future, just like the generations before us have done. The elderly, under the Project Sphere also joined in the fun and presented a dance item.

Next was the game show “Who wants to be a millionaire, MI style”. Modeled after the popular ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire', questions pertaining to Singapore 's history, culture or places of interest were posed to the participants. Through this avenue, it was hoped that the school learnt more about our country. A guest performance held the school in awe next – it was Mr. George Lim and Ms. Hong Xiao Hui singing a National Day song, to which the whole school joined in chorus. They then continued the sing-a-long with more National Day songs. To round up the whole event, a cake-cutting ceremony was held for Singapore , with a surprise invitation to students and teachers born on 8 th August to join in as well.

We wish one and all a very happy National Day! =)

Dinesh Nair (07A6)