OLPS celebrates 6th Senior High School Commencement Exercises
Johnel Raceline Tiña | Staffer | The OLPSian Times
Our Lady of Peace School held its 6th Senior High School Commencement Exercises, which included a baccalaureate mass and OLPSian-Paulinian Ambassador Awarding Ceremony, at the Antipolo Cathedral on June 1, 2023.
The entrance procession was led by the graduates along with their parents. They were then followed by teachers, the Grade 12 advisers, coordinators, and heads.
A baccalaureate mass was presided over by Most Rev. Francisco De Leon, D.D., together with Rev. Fr. Glenn William Relucio, Rev. Fr. John Paul Buenafe and Rev. Fr. Keith Buenaventura to formally begin the event.
Following this were the entrance of the colors and the singing of the national anthem. The host of the ceremony, Mr. John Carlo Royeca, then called on the batch salutatorian, Ellener Anne Ramona Martinez, to deliver her opening speech.
In her speech, Martinez stressed how all of the efforts every student has exerted are significant as they have led them to achieve and reap the fruits of their labor.
“What is important is not only having the chance to stand here and raise our flag of pride for being able to reach this destination of achievement, but also to acknowledge the journey that led us to what we have now,” she stated.
Martinez also expressed her appreciation for each parent for the never-ending sacrifices they continue to make to be able to give their children a bright future.
Assistant Principal and Academic Head, Dr. Jorge Pacleb, PhD, and MAPSA Schools Superintendent, Rev. Fr. Glenn William Relucio, PhD, led the presentation and declaration of the 172 senior high school graduates of the Academic Year 2022–2023.
The Grade 12 advisers then called on the names of the completers to award them their diplomas, medals, and certificates. Rev. Fr. Relucio led the distribution, while Dr. Pacleb and Mr. Briones assisted him.
Aside from being academic awardees, a number of students were also given special awards, such as the: Loyalty Award, Campus Leadership Award, Outstanding Research Award, Campus Journalism Award, Excelandia Highest Achiever Award, OLPS Blue Nightingales, and OLPS Blue Marching Condors.
Afterwards, the batch valedictorian, Vanne Eurik Balansay, was called onstage to deliver his address of gratitude.
Balansay extended his utmost gratitude to his batchmates and to all the people who’ve helped them during their stay at the school. He also shared his experiences and struggles during his journey to becoming the batch valedictorian, as well as lessons he learned while making the most of the school year.
“I would say “golden” is the perfect summary of all our efforts and hardships — the journey of an OLPSian-Paulinian,” He added in his speech.
Succeeding this, Sr. Erleen Adanza, the Center for Christian Formation (CCF) head, along with Dr. Pacleb and Mr. Federico Zapanta, the OLPS Alumni Association (OLPSAA) president, recognized the OLPSian-Paulinian Ambassador Awardees, Mr. John Kier Fatalla and Mrs. Nica Regine Lico-Jaucian, for their remarkable achievements and outstanding contributions in their respective fields of endeavor.
Furthermore, guest speaker Mr. Pedro Regalado Jr. gave an inspirational speech about graduation being the mark of a new beginning. A new chapter of their lives is yet to unfold.
He also gave advice and tips to the graduates in order for them to reach their goals and dreams with a positive outlook.
To officially conclude the program, the senior high school graduates recited their pledge of loyalty to their alma mater, followed by their induction into the OLPSAA, and finally by the singing of the OLPSian Hymn.