Flag Raising Ceremony Students’ Sharing 2025-8-21

Jadon and Oliver, students from Form 5 Juniper, talked about the success of the 2024-2025 NBA Champion - Oklahoma City Thunder. They highlighted the victory is achieved not by talent alone, but through essential values like teamwork, determination and discipline. They also encourage all students to apply these principles of hard work and consistency to their own academic and personal goals. 

Written by Jadon Wan and Oliver Yu (Form 5)

\Jadon: Good morning, Principal, teachers, and our fellow students. I’m Jadon from Form 5 Juniper.

Oliver: And I am Oliver, also from F5 Juniper. 

Jadon: As this is my first time doing a sharing in front of everyone, I would like to share my passion with everyone - basketball. 

Oliver: Ha? Are you serious, Jadon? I don’t think it is appropriate. 

Jadon: Wait a minute, Oliver. Let me finish it first. I would like to talk about a basketball team, which is a true example of teamwork, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Guess which team I am referring to. 

Oliver: I have no idea! 

Jadon: It’s the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 2024-2025 NBA champion.

Oliver: Ah, I see! I myself enjoy watching sports for the excitement and entertainment, but as spectators, we often forget about the hard work, discipline and consistency of the athletes. 

Jadon: Exactly, Oliver. The Thunder's journey to the championship was not just about talent; it was about how the team came together as a unit, supporting one another both on and off the court.

Oliver: Yes! Let’s start with teamwork. In the NBA, just like in life, teamwork is extremely essential. Each player has a specific role, and when they work together, they can achieve their dreams. Take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an example. As the star player of the team, he not only showcased his skills but also uplifted his teammates, encouraging them to play with their strengths. Not to say that he also won the league MVP and Finals MVP in the same season as well! His ability to pass the ball, create opportunities, and trust his teammates made him a player with over 6 assists per game in the finals. The way that he impacts the game and makes his teammates involved in the game was crucial.

Jadon: That’s a key point. Trust is fundamental in any team. The Thunder players built a strong bond throughout the season, which translated into their on-court performance. And let’s not forget the discipline it takes to reach that level. The Thunder players trained rigorously, adhering to practice schedules and maintaining their physical fitness. Discipline in training is what allows them to perform at their peak during games.

Oliver: Right! They had to make sacrifices, and that’s time spent in practice instead of hanging out with friends, for instance. Their dedication to their skills is what makes good players stand out as great ones.

Jadon: Consistency is another vital aspect. The Thunder didn’t win every game, but they showed up every night with the mindset to improve. They learned from their losses, made adjustments, and kept pushing forward. 

Oliver: That’s so true! It’s easy to celebrate victories, but true champions learn from setbacks. This season, they faced tough opponents, like the Timberwolves, Nuggets and the Pacers in the finals, but their resilience and determination shone through.

Jadon: This teaches us a valuable lesson: chasing our dreams requires not just talent but also hard work, discipline, and the ability to learn from our experiences.

Oliver: Absolutely! Whether it’s in sports, academics, or other pursuits, we should strive to support one another, remain disciplined in our efforts, and stay consistent in our goals.

Jadon: As we begin this new academic year, let’s take inspiration from the OKC Thunder. Let’s work together as a team, support each other’s dreams, and remain disciplined in our studies.

Oliver: Remember, success doesn’t come overnight. It’s built through consistent effort and a commitment to improvement. Let’s chase our dreams with the same passion and dedication! For all the form 1 students, you have 6 years to grow and develop. You will be the next MYP one day just like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander! It took him 6 years as well! 

Jadon: Not only to the Form 1 students, but to everybody as well! With persistence and hard work, you could be the next MVP too! We hope you are inspired by listening to our sharing today. 

Oliver: Have a fantastic year ahead! Thank you!