Teachers who dedicate their lives to their profession are often remembered long after their retirement by students and the community they served.
One such educator is the late Datuk Anthony Reynolds Peter, a respected teacher from SMK La Salle Klang.
His contributions will be recognised with a posthumous award during the 33rd Old Lasallians Association of Klang (Olak) reunion dinner on Nov 22 in Setia Alam, Selangor.
Olak vice-president Datuk Surendran Menon, one of Peter’s former students, fondly recalled his teacher’s influence.
“He was strict, but he always gave us opportunities to share our ideas,” said Menon, who served as head prefect in 1979.
“When I proposed forming a prefects’ board, he listened and allowed me to implement it.
“He was an all-rounder, dedicated to academics, sports and especially discipline. He received the Tokoh Guru award close to his retirement.”
In recognition of Peter’s legacy, a meeting room at the school has been named in his honour – Bilik Mesyuarat Datuk AR Peter.
This year’s reunion dinner is expected to attract around 500 former students.
Olak president Ho King Min (Class of 1972) said funds raised this year would be used to upgrade the school hall’s public address system, estimated to cost over RM250,000.
The association also plans to repair the air ventilation system in one of the school blocks.
“Last year, with funds raised from the dinner, we managed to instal two large fans worth RM38,000 at the school square and contributed RM15,000 to upgrade the field,” said Ho.
Organising chairman Charanjit Singh said the reunion dinner was a chance for alumni to give back.
“We aim to support the school and its students as much as possible without overlapping with the PTA’s role.
“All funds raised will be used transparently and go directly towards school needs and student welfare,” said Charanjit.
Sponsorships of tables are set at RM1,500, RM3,000, RM5,000 and RM10,000.
Those interested in attending the reunion can contact Charanjit at 016-223 7453. — By SHEILA SRI PRIYA
