300 attend SMK Long Lama alumni reunion dinner
MIRI: Over 300 guests and alumni of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Long Lama, Baram gathered for their first reunion and fundraising dinner at the Dynasty Hotel here on Sunday.
The guests, who appeared jovial the very moment they entered the dinner hall at 6.30pm, were from all walks of life from near and far.
“The idea of this reunion dinner was mooted by SMK Long Lama Alumni Association to reach students and teachers and encourage them to participate in activities to support and strengthen the school’s mission for the benefit of its current students.
“It also seeks to generate sufficient funds for school development plan and social welfare activities,” said organising chairperson James Engan.
The grand reunion dinner was officiated by Telang Usan assemblyman and an alumnus of SMK Long Lama, Dennis Ngau.
Dennis commended the alumni for their initiative and efforts in forming the association.
“The alumni association was formed by former students of SMK Long Lama who now lead a good life as a result of the school. So, I think it is about time for us to give back to our school,” he said.
Dennis pointed out that currently a lot of development is taking place at the school.
“However, there is also a lot more to be done. All these require money and funds.
“Hence, we urge those who are better off financially to contribute whatever we can to SMK Long Lama as this school is very important. Without this school, we can never change the landscape of Baram.
“Your contribution will also help to ensure the school continues to be a platform for current and younger generation in education,” he said.
“To me, SMK Long Lama is very special as at one time, I was also part of this school,” he added.
Dennis said SMK Long Lama today is very different from the time when he and his schoolmates were there.
“For those who have not been to Long Lama lately, I would like to suggest that you take time to go to Long Lama and visit your former school. If you do not want to wait for the ferry, you can plan your visit to Long Lama, in particular SMK Long Lama sometime from April next year.
“We can use the Long Lama Bridge starting April next year. We have been given the guarantee by the contractor. This is a very good sign for us,” said Dennis.
Dennis also revealed that a new activity hall will be built for SMK Long Lama at a cost of RM380,000 under Telang Usan Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) 2019.
“The initial allocation will not be enough to have a very complete school hall. I therefore appeal to alumni to come forward to assist us. The school hall could be named after our alumni association,” said Dennis.
Dennis announced an allocation of RM15,000 from his minor rural project (MRP) grant for SMK Long Lama to carry out its activities next year.
Among the activities held during the reunion dinner was presentation of awards to SMK Long Lama exemplary school icons or individuals who were former students, teachers and associates of the school.
The 10 icons bestowed with the award included Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Kayan paramount chief Temenggong Elizabeth Deng and Dennis.
Other activities included observing a minute of silence for former schoolmates who had passed away, cake cutting and toast, traditional and Hawaiian dance performances by former SMKLL students, membership drive as well as lucky draws.
There were also slide presentations of their schooldays and a golden voice session where Dennis raised more than RM2,000 which will be channelled to the alumni association.
The evening ended with the attendees letting their hair down and dancing to the soulful tunes of Solo Frankie & His Music Machine.
Among those attending the dinner were SMK Long Lama Alumni chairman Guyang Langkau, advisor Tingang Trang, Baram district education officer Mathew Laing and Baram Headmasters Council chairman Samuel Iwat.