ALUMNI OF THE YEAR 2022

Every year, Tanglin shines the spotlight on outstanding alumni who make their mark on the global community. This year, we honour Charlotte Harris (Cohort 2009) as the Tanglin Alumni of the Year 2022 for Excellence in Community Engagement. Read on to find out why.

If you are a rowing buff, you’d know all about the Talisker Atlantic Challenge. For those who are unfamiliar with it, it’s an ocean rowing challenge that takes participants more than 3,000 miles west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. It may sound like a daunting challenge to a layperson, but our very own alumna, Charlotte Harris, took it on last year with much grit and determination – embodying the kind of values that Tanglin aims to nurture in its students.

And that’s not the most impressive part. Although they had no prior rowing experience, Charlotte and her rowing partner Jess managed to cover more than 3,000 miles from Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockland in 45 days and became the fastest women’s pair to row across the Atlantic. On top of that, Charlotte helped to raise £100,000 for local charities in the UK.

Craig Considine, CEO, said, “Each year, we receive nominations from family members, teachers and fellow alumni of worthy individuals who are making an impact through their professional work in sport, art, or community engagement. When choosing the Alumni of the Year, we reflect on the qualities that that person has showcased through what they have done and it’s evident that these are the same values that we try to instil in every student who comes to Tanglin. Many of Charlotte’s teachers at Tanglin remember her as being active, always full of ideas, rallying others for various causes. Her amazing feat in 2022 not only set a world record, she has also used it to make a positive difference for the vulnerable communities where she lives.”

Indeed, Charlotte has showed that you can achieve amazing things if you are determined about your outcomes. Mhairi Aluthge-Donna (Assistant Head of Faculty in Business & Economics at the Senior School) who has been nominating worthy alumni every year, told us why she decided to put in Charlotte’s name for the award.

“I remember Charlotte very well from her time at Tanglin. The school was smaller then and I either taught or knew most of the students in the cohort well. Charlotte could be heard before she was seen, and her presence was always known around the school. She had bags of enthusiasm and plenty of energy, and she has gone on to use her positivity and drive to not only row the Atlantic (a feat on its own) but break the world record for the fastest female pair. Moreover, combined with her rowing partner Jess, she has raised money to support Shelter UK and Women’s Aid which is a truly phenomenal feat and one which will truly make a difference! An outstanding recipient of Alumni of the Year!” ■

Want to know more about our Alumni of the Year 2022?

Then read her story in Issue 36 of The Voice . In the meantime, visit alumni.tts.edu.sg for the latest alumni-related news.