Baybay Alay Lakad Foundation scholar leads VSULHS graduates

Mary Grace Z. Saldino, a scholar of the Baybay City Alay Lakad Foundation, led in this year's batch of 114 graduates of the VSU Laboratory High School (VSULHS) who received their diploma on March 28, 2011 at the VSU Gymnatorium. In her valedictory address, Mary Grace acknowledged the Baybay City Alay Lakad Foundation Scholarship for helping her financially in pursuing her secondary education. "I am proud to be a scholar of the Foundation because it is very instrumental of what I am today. May you continue to help less privileged youth in our society," she stressed.

Being the class valedictorian, Mary Grace offered her medals to her parents who were always there to provide their unconditional love and moral support throughout her journey in high school. She thanked her parents for molding her to become a better person. She also acknowledged her aunt who supported her financial needs especially when she underwent an operation.

Mary Grace appealed to her fellow graduates that their high school will not be the end but the beginning of their journey. "Let us aim for more and do our best to achieve our goals. I hope to see myself someday to be everything that I want to be. And I want to see you all someday successful in every path you take," she quipped.

According to her, "Success does not mean from rags to riches. Success means fulfilling our goals in life."

On the other hand, Dr. Ruben M. Gapasin, Director of the National Abaca Research Center based at VSU, served as the commencement speaker. Dr. Gapasin emphasized that commencement rites marks the culmination of years of hard work and study, planning, preparation and investment, not only in terms of material resource but time as well. He reminded the graduates that the knowledge and skills they learned and values developed comprised the major building blocks of their education. "The choices you made, the relationships you have cultivated, the attitude you developed in school and work during your secondary education will develop the pillars and walls for your future," the guest speaker said.

"This is the beginning of the next phase of your student life. Your college life will offer you new environment, new challenges, new horizon, and new perspectives," Dr. Gapasin added.

He pointed out that college life is totally different from high school life. "You have to work individually and exert much effort because your professor expects much from you." He said.

He emphasized to the graduates that no matter what they become in the future, never, never to forget the people who helped you become what you are.

Aside from being the Class Valedictorian, Mary Grace received medals for the Highest Honors, Dean's Award – Highest Academic Rating, Mercury Medals of Excellence in Science and in Math Awards, Best in Communication Arts (Filipino), and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Gold).

Karelle B. Rabe (Salutatorian) also received medals for the Highest Honors, Gerry Roxas Leadership Award, SBO Leadership Award, English Club Leadership Award, Best in Agriculture, and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Gold).

The other honorees and awardees were: (With High Honors) Lutchmae Anne O. Mendiola – Best in Communication Arts (English), Best in Homemaking Skills Award, and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Gold); Alecsa May S. Celaya – Home Science Leadership Award, Best in Social Science, and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Gold); Rabigh F. Kangleon - Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Silver); Alanna Joyce C. Jimenez – Sports Club Leadership Award, Filipino Club Leadership Award, and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Silver); Jan Fritzie C. Mangubat - Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Silver); Jobet Romar D. Gentallan – CAT Leadership Award, Outstanding Math and Science Society Member Award, and the Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Silver); Henry P. Añora Jr., Zhea Lace S. Fernandez, Khristine Mae M. Espinosa, and Noreve Jean O. Malacora - Governor Jericho L. Petilla Medal of Academic Excellence Award (Bronze); Marissa B. Barbosa, Virgel P. Santo, Christine S. Villamor – Outstanding SBO Member Award, Kim Loise H. Reston, Camille R. Hernandez, Jan Joshua M. Pomida – Journalism Award, Math and Science Society Leadership Award; and Febbey Ley V. Belenson; and (With Honors) Jirah Joy A. Poliquit, Mari Neila P. Seco, Feliciano L. Sinon Jr., Kristelle Ahn C. Suner, Kimberly A. Bersabal, Sarah Lee S. Bandiable, Erwin L. Navales, Mark Allan N. Balbarino, Mary Deanne M. Lagapa, Micah Mae E. Morbos, Angelica M. Latras, Gezel Ann N. Vequizo, Caryl Faith S. Vergara, Patricia Roelle D. Go, Desiree B. Polistico, Apple L. Saturre, Ruth Ellaine B. Baquerfo, Angelica D. Valida, Nneka Mailee C. De Los Reyes, Marie Elma C. Fernandez, Honey Grace N. Tripoli, Christian Flores, Maria Vina A. Galano – Home Science Outstanding Member Award, Girlie Mariel B. Suba-an, Ma. Kennia C. Tolentino, Andrenita M. Lapeceros, Mary Stephanie D. Mamaril, Roslyn T.Solano, Niño Marlou L. Bengalan, Bianca Therese P. Ymas, Roche Claisse B. Cuadra, and Mariane Irish D. Aguda.

The Special Awardees were Henry Alexis G. Hortelano- FFP Leadership Award, and Louie Gyril B. Nuñez – Sports Award.

The high school graduates rendered their graduation song entitled "Wind Beneath My Wings" which concluded the 82nd VSU Laboratory High School Commencement Exercises.

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