Perhaps, many among us have heard our parents say that it would give them great joy when they see us walk up on stage to receive our diplomas. Now that we finally have it, what does our diploma really mean to us? Sure, it’s the striking conclusion of all our hard work and efforts during our four years of stay in ********** High School. It is merely a piece of paper and yet, we would cherish it.
Well, beneath its importance lies a deeper meaning to it. It contains the memories shared, the laughter’s enjoyed, the tears shed, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned. This is what makes the diploma, a cherished possession. The past is the reflection of our present, and the present is the molder of our future. Each of us was once just a young dreamer in our own ways, but what might separate us from other dreamers?
“Per et Espera ad Astra!”, a famous line I would quote from the one of the greatest composers of human history, Sir Ludwig van Beethoven which means “Through struggle to Victory!”
Through struggle. It is not a wonder why high school life is considered the best experience in one’s life. It is when we are awed by the changes that take place in our body, when our eyes could see a different view of things we used to ignore; it is also the time of our many firsts: our first “love” and our first heartbreak, first “independent” decisions, first feelings of success and the joy of the feeling of belongingness. Yet, this is also the time of ‘great struggle’. The clash between politicians and administrations, the oil deregulation, the cost electricity, the stability of water supply, unemployment, and even which TV channel is better and more credible, ang Kapuso ba o ang Kapamilya, sumali pa nga ang Kapatid. This is a generation of battles. We have, in our young minds and hearts, witnessed this struggle. Things could be harsh and situations could worsen, but we, the young, are fixing our gaze into our own beacon of hope.
Some may be skeptic of what we could do, by what we could contribute especially to the fast deteriorating values of society today. Our answer is quite simple. Yes, it would be a tremendous task to bring about transformation in society, but through our collective efforts it is never too hard. I always believe that once you’ve experienced transformation in your mindset and in your character, you will not be able to contain, it will radiate like a beacon across the dark ocean.
And yes, this is the transformation we experienced at SMHS, the anticipated and expected change, the fruit of our parents and teachers’ hard work. We have learned that in order to conquer a vast ocean of aspirations, we must play our role with dedication, determination and discipline. But is this enough to bring about change in society? Perhaps, to bring about transformation, we must learn to stand by and be willing to defend the principles our parents and teachers have taught us.
‘Ang tao ay nilikha ng may karunungan, may paninindigan at may pagmamahal. Ito sana ang maging gabay natin sa pagtahak ng landasin sa pagtupad natin sa hangarin nating pagbabago para sa ikalulugod ng karamihan at sa pagsulong ng ating komunidad.’
But this challenge, my dear fellow graduates does not end when we leave the portals of **HS it is just the beginning of a much longer journey. Let us not tire of seeking and aspiring for transformation, for knowledge and for excellence. Life is a cycle of successes and hardships and the greatest gift that we could give ourselves it to learn from our experiences.
I have seen graduates of **HS who successfully finished their degrees and have brought laurels to our Alma Mater. They have dared to fight their way to success.
To Victory. This is now the challenge that is on our shoulders. And our best weapon is our Education. SMHS have put knowledge on our minds, enhanced the skills of our hands and nurtured the love and compassion in our hearts. Let the values and the morals shared by our mentors, be our guide.
This afternoon marks our first victory; we have surmounted the challenges of high school life! So allow me to acknowledge in behalf of our batch the two major players in the Football league of our lives:
THE STRIKERS, our teachers headed by our principal, Mrs. Rubirosa C. Sagum and with special mention to our class advisers. Thank you for pushing us for the best, thank you for seeing the potentials in us. Thank you for sometimes kicking us hard enough to get back on focus, thank you for the care and compassion you have given us and thank you for walking with us through this journey of High School life.
THE GOALKEEPERS, our dearly beloved parents, thank you for nurturing us with your love and your support. Thank you for guiding us and raising us the way we are now. Thank you for the gift of family and of togetherness. You are our keepers and we are directing all our efforts to make you proud. Salamat po na kasama namin kayong nangangarap ng magandang kinabukasan.
Finally, the end of this commencement program will signify the closure of the book of our journey as high school students. We carry with us the legacy of our predecessors. We bring with us the gentle yoke of our teachers to keep us focused as we continue our quest and we keep in our hearts the love and care of our parents, it will be our source of strength and courage to face all the challenges of life.
We are all partners in making transformation happen in our society. Our Teachers, our Beloved Parents, ******* High School: for all that we have been, we owe it to you, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. And for all that we shall be, YES! We dare and we take on the challenge! We are ready. We are skilled. We are excited. As what the mighty would say: “BRING IT ON!”
Thank you very much. Congratulations Batch 2011 and Good afternoon.
- A valediction delivered last April 4, 2011
(jerichotorres)
