form the backbone of student leadership in VS and play an instrumental role in rallying and organising the student population. Awards In 2009, Victoria School was awarded the Ministry of Education's School Distinction Award (SDA). Victoria School has also attained various CCA awards, such as the Sustained Achievement Awards for sports, performing arts, and uniformed groups in recognition of its consistently high performance in national competitions, sports meets, the biennial Singapore Youth Festival and other events. Victoria Advisory Committee The Victoria Advisory Committee (VAC), formed in 1968, set the direction and advice on the future of Victoria School and Victoria Junior College. The principals of VS and VJC and the President of the Old Victorians' Association sit on the committee. Victoria Chorale Formed in 1988, Victoria Chorale, which comprises Victoria School and Victoria Junior College's graduands, is one of the top semi-professional choirs in Singapore. It has won numerous prizes at many prestigious international competitions, including gold medals at the Choir Olympics. Old Victorians' Association The alumni body, Old Victorians' Association (OVA), was established in 1941. It serves as a channel for former students of Victoria School and Victoria Junior College to associate with their alma mater. The OVA supports the schools' activities, assists needy students, and promotes sports, social and cultural activities among association members. Previously alumni returned on Victorians' Day, the first Saturday of March, to play games, eat school canteen food again and catch up with long-time schoolmates. The OVA men's and women's hockey teams play in the Singapore Hockey Federation hockey leagues. In 2009, OVA organized the inaugural combined VS and VJC gala concert, with a 260-strong cast comprising both students and celebrity alumni, at the Esplanade Concert Hall. In 2011 and 2016, OVA organized the Victoria School 135th and 140th Anniversary Celebration Dinners at Tyrwhitt Road's former VS campus. Notable alumni Recipients of the President's Scholarship, Queen's Scholarship or State Scholarship Presidents of Singapore Yusof Ishak, first President of Singapore Devan Nair, third President of Singapore S. R. Nathan, sixth President of Singapore People's Action Party members of parliament (MPs) Abbas Abu Amin, former MP for Pasir Panjang GRC S. Dhanabalan, former Cabinet minister and MP for Toa Payoh GRC Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, MP for Mountbatten SMC Ong Chit Chung, former MP for Jurong GRC Sha'ari Tadin, former MP for Bedok and Chai Chee Teo Ser Luck, former MP for Pasir