Graduates leave with competence, character at 9th SHS Commencement Exercises
Graduates leave with competence, character at 9th SHS Commencement Exercises
JCSGO Christian Academy (JCA) conducted its 9th Commencement Exercise on April 8 at the Seed Dome, where 79 Senior High School students officially graduated under the theme “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character.”
The said program opened with the processional march, followed by the entrance of colors, national anthem, and a praise and worship segment led by the SHS David’s Music Ministry and violinist Marguelle Asuncion.
Yana Aviel Domingo, a student-journalist awardee, then introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Matthew Salazar, an alumnus from Batch 2019, who challenged graduates to rethink leadership beyond titles and recognition.
In his message, licensed Professional Food Technologist Salazar emphasized that leadership does not come after graduation but is formed through real-life experience.
“You don’t need to feel ready to start—you become ready through action,” Salazar said.
Moreover, Vherylle Gee Palecpec, Best in Communication Arts and High Honors Awardee, opened the ceremony by looking back at what the batch went through and how they still made it to graduation.
“Despite everything it took, we’re here,” Palecpec said, encouraging the students to acknowledge each other’s journey.
Meanwhile, the official declaration of graduates was led by Principal Ms. Cynthia C. Genon and SHS Academic Head Ms. Linnie B. Bergante, confirming that all Grade 12 students had completed the requirements under the K to 12 curriculum.
Recognition followed, with diplomas, loyalty awards, and academic honors given to graduates. Special awards such as Best in Research, Best Innovative Product, and Student Journalist, and more, were also presented, alongside service awards for teachers and staff.
In the commencement address, Bianca Ysabel Del Rio, Science Excellence and High Honors Awardee, shifted the focus to the people behind the graduates, pointing out that success is rarely individual.
“Before we celebrate our names, let’s celebrate their labor,” Del Rio said, referring to parents and guardians who supported students through the years.
Graduates later performed their batch song, “Stronger” by Mandisa, inspired by Joshua 1:9, before reciting the Pledge of Loyalty led by Gold Loyalty Awardee Ronnie Saturnino and the Alumni Pledge led by Alumni Association President Ms. Aaliyah Vien B. Mangindra.
Furthermore, the JCA Hymn and JCA Song were performed, followed by an Audio-Visual Presentation (AVP) entitled ‘Balintiyak’, as a tribute to the parents.
Closing the program, Marguelle H. Asuncion, Social Science Excellence and High Honors Awardee, encouraged graduates to carry their character outside the institution and recognize the value of others in their journey.
A day after the event, Ms. Bergante described the experience as both exhausting and fulfilling, “Nakakapagod ngunit napaka-fulfilling makita ang tagumpay ng aming mga mag-aaral,” she highlighted.
She added that while a short break is needed after a series of events, preparations for card distribution and the upcoming school year are already underway, including adjustments for the new Grade 11 curriculum.