STC stages F2F send-off

THE LEAF NEWS TEAM

STC STAGES F2F SEND-OFF

After two years of virtual moving up and graduation ceremonies, graduates and completers of Sta. Teresa College marched back on stage for their completion ceremonies and commencement exercises, with the theme “STC Living the Mission, Celebrating the Tradition.”

On June 7-8, 471 grade 6 and grade 12 graduates, as well as grade 10 completers, attended a separate face-to-face ceremony at San Lorenzo Ruiz Hall.

“I have been privileged to participate in the graduations of other catholic schools in USAL and it is really comforting to see those completers and graduates. You make our catholic schools proud,” Rev. Fr. Carlo Magno C. Ilagan shared in his homily.

He remarked that the face-to-face graduation is a happy time of the year, a day of thanksgiving and praise to Him because all the things being celebrated are all praises from God.

In addition, the ceremony was streamed on STC’s official Facebook Page, allowing graduates and completers abroad with their families to feel engaged even if they could not go home to attend in person.

With parents’ approval and Batangas’s alert level at 1, indicating that things are gradually returning to normal, the school pursued conducting face-to-face ceremonies for the students.

“It is sad to think that we would not be able to push through with face-to-face [completion ceremonies] for the third year, so we decided that even without the announcement of DepEd yet that we will be allowed the F2F graduation. I, Fr. Carlo, and Sir Manalo already planned for it,” Dr. Violeta C. Ramos explained.

Senior High School In their final farewell to the alma mater, 165 grade 12 students donned their caps and gowns to celebrate the end of their basic education journeys at the 5th Commencement Senior High School Exercises.

John Michael C. Garcia led the batch and received the following awards: Presidential Medal for Excellence, Alumni Association Medal for Excellence, and Family Council Excellence Award. Looking back, Garcia also completed junior high school as the rank 1 of their batch.

“The world we are about to enter seems to be intimidating, every new discovery may make us feel small, may make us feel as if we are missing out on so much and that we have to catch up on so many new things,” Garcia remarked in his thanksgiving speech.

STC STAGES F2F SEND-OFF

He also encouraged the graduates to help each other through ups and downs, “Together, let us step into a new land. Not just using others for our mere benefit but also being of service to others.”

Meanwhile, Jerome M. Ceralde bagged the Presidential Achievement Award for his participation in high-level academic competitions.

He also received the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award in recognition of his participation and devotion of time and talent in community affairs. The award was conferred to him by Engr. Christian Aranas, Gerry Roxas awardee of batch 1997.

Grade School In the 72nd grade school commencement exercises, 88 grade 6 graduates received their diplomas as a reward for their hard work throughout their elementary journey.

As the rank 1 of their batch, Roald Enzo S. Torres received the Presidential Medal for Excellence, the Alumni Association Medal for Excellence, and the Family Council Excellence Award. He was also awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics.

“Another year of virtual class, new platform, why not? Harder lessons, even harder performance tasks, bring it on. Batch 2021-2022 was ready to face head-on what was in store for us,” Torres uttered during his thanksgiving message, reflecting on their journey amid the pandemic.

Aside from Torres, Khyla Moria C. Atienza also graduated with high honors. Additionally, both got Special Recognition for Active Participation in Academic Contests.

Junior High School As they move up to their grade 11 journey, 218 junior high school completers wore their sablay and held their certificates of completion at the 7th Junior High School Completion Ceremonies.

Carl John C. Garcia topped the batch; as such, he received the following awards: Presidential Medal for Excellence, Alumni Association Medal for Excellence, and Family Council Excellence Award.

In his speech, Garcia pointed out that their journey, an achievement made through small but concrete results, is not the end but the beginning of something more meaningful in life.

“Dream, believe, plan, act. When we do all these, we can and will accomplish great things, or even greater things, “he added.