Best Turnout Class - Class of 1995

"New initiatives" and "record-breaking" are probably the two best words to characterize the 2005 DOGA Annual Dinner. Held on October 6 at a new venue - the Royal Plaza Hotel in Mongkok - this year's dinner in celebration the school's 145th Anniversary boasted an enrollment of 496 Old Girls spreading across a 63-year age span (from class of 1940 to class of 2003). This record-breaking enrollment is partially attributed to new incentives such as a new crossword puzzle "teaser", a new professional photo-taking session for all classes, a delicious cake for every celebrating year, and attractive souvenirs and Lucky Draw prizes.

With the objective of promoting the DGS spirit of giving, sharing, teamwork and creativity, the Annual Dinner Subcommittee incorporated several new initiatives into the rundown for Old Girls to rekindle their friendships and reminisce the good old times. Following the annual tradition of singing the School Hymn led by Mrs. Christina Chiang and the Diocesan Graduate Singers, MCs Alice Chan and Helen Yien encouraged everyone to share their food based on the alternating serving of fish and chicken dinner on each table. Immediately after remarks made by President of DOGA Ltd. Dr. Vivian Taam-Wong, a newly developed slide show featuring historical snapshots was shown, allowing Old Girls to walk down memory lane while paying tribute to their alma mater.

Class of 1995, which had a historical record-breaking attendance of 36 Old Girls, won the "Best Turnout Class" Award. Being one of the celebrating years, they also got the privilege of having the first-ever "professional portrait" taken. After the welcome speech by Headmistress Mrs. Stella Lau, the evening's professional photo-taking session kicked off. Priority was given to the 10 celebration years - namely 1940, 1950, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, followed by individual classes. Every Old Girl had the opportunity to go on the stage for two minutes to be photographed in front of a beautiful backdrop and behind a giant cake, while at the same time be acknowledged and applauded. With the typically superb "DGS" teamwork and discipline, this session took less than 45 minutes to complete. Everyone seemed to enjoy the photo-taking session and subsequent viewing of the printouts much more than watching games played on stage. The Millennium Cup was presented to the House based on a creative criterion according to enrollment status by "house" - Skipton and Symons ended up co-winning the Millennium Cup. Last but not least, sales drive for souvenir items such as the Teddy Bear, Towels, Key Chains and Wine Holders was extremely successful.

The evening ended on a high note, with Old Girls commending on the new venue, new menu, new ideas such as the celebration years and professional photo-taking, as well as attractive souvenirs and lucky draw prizes. Many thanks to the following people for their kind support and wonderful effort:
- All class representatives for coordinating with their ex-classmates to attend the event;
- All volunteers who helped out with Professional Photo-taking and Souvenir Sales;
- Members of the General Committee, Annual Dinner Subcommittee, and Membership Committee for organizing the event and soliciting prizes for lucky draw and table prizes;

Finally, thanks to everyone who attended the 2005 Annual Dinner in celebration of DGS' 145th Anniversary. Hope you had fun this year and see you all next year!

Much appreciation goes to our Organizing Committee for making perfect arrangment so that we all can enjoy an evening of fine dining and good company.