Words of Gratitude

It was not so long ago when our journey began. For most of us, we entered LNHS with nothing more than a dream, and today, together we stand as survivors armed with knowledge, skills and values to bring this dream closer to reality. To others, graduation may simply be equated as the end of the tunnel, or a breath of relief, or an exultation over freedom, but after years under the nurture of our alma mater, we know it is much more than any of these. Life is an open road, and though we’ve studied its highways and byways, we were never left without a roadmap. Our mentors, parents and colleagues have constantly been our guide. All paths, all encounters lead here – an ultimate direction, a bend on the road.
To our dearest teachers, you have done more than words can express. We understand we were far from perfect students, and that more than once, we have brought you much pain, frustrations, and even rage. Today we show you our sincerest gratitude for molding our characters and for showing us that there is still much to learn. Your firm guidance will always be appreciated, for we now realize that like greatness, nothing grows well under the shade of a large tree.
To our beloved parents and families, the true foundations of who and what we have become, you deserve to share every honor we receive today. You have continuously strengthened and inspired us, without which we would have never come to reach this moment. You have all given much to see this day, and we hope that in some way we have made you proud.
To our classmates, our colleagues, our friends, who have grown with us and in us, you have colored this journey with laughter, pains, joys and conflicts. Time has come and gone swiftly, and when one glances back at the past that belongs to you –that are you-, it’s a blessing that we have shared a few of the most memorable years of life together. These ties shall remain strong wherever life may lead us.
And to our almighty Father, the beginning and end of all things, we only stand here today because You called us to enter and guided us on our way. Thank you for the blessings and the opportunities. All the glory is offered back in Your name.
It is – and always will be – an honor and joy to have been part of this family.
Thank you, and good afternoon. Valedictory Speech
Distinguish guests, beloved teachers, proud parents, fellow graduates, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good day to all of you…
Graduation day…. this is our moment in time. We have been making a countdown. 5 days more to go, 4 more days to go, 3, 2 and one more day to go before graduation. Yes, wee have been excited for the last few days. And now, the final hour has come. We now have a sigh of relief. Thanks God! No more assignments, recitations, projects, exams, tasks that are too taxing for everyone of us. My fellow graduates, this is not yet the end but just a beginning of another phase in the lifetime quest for learning. Let us bear in mind the knowledge and skills we acquired with which our supportive parents, dedicated teachers and thoughtful classmates equipped us with, will be our weapon for further struggle in life. We will be facing the more delicate, sacred and gargantuan tasks of nation building.
There was a very young eagle, curious than the others, moved to the edge of the nest, lost his balance and fell to the ground. He was unconscious for a while but woke up soon to find himself in a family of a chicken. He saw the chicks, scratching the grounds and picking up some grains to eat. He tried to do the same to satisfy his hunger but found himself, almost a failure.
The next morning, he looked up in a blue sky, which was so inviting. It seemed to tell him, “Fly to me, this is where you belong.” He tried to imitate the birds in the sky, but he would always fall down to the ground.
Few days later, looking again, he saw some eagle flying. Something inside him, motivated him to try spreading his wings again up and up. He came soaring to the sky. Then, he said, “Now i know, my home is in the sky and I AM AN EAGLE”.
Like that eagle, I’m sure that most of us have found our own identities. We are Filipinos. We owe our existence to our Almighty Creator that we’ll love one another and care for our beloved country. Each one has a duty to keep ourselves growing, the way our Creator wanted us to be.
Let me quote a line from Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios. “Querida Filipinas, oye el poster adios!” “Beloved Philippines, let your name be proclaimed in the world!! It has been Rizal’s dream that we Filipinos must be proud of our race. Taas Noo, Kahit Kanino, Tayo ay Filipino authored by President Fidel V. Ramos. We really can’t deny the fact that we had great men who almost conquered and made name in the world. To enunciate, the prowess of our athletes like Nepomuceno, Velasco and Espinosa. The great artists like Lea Salonga and Nora Aunor, the names of Sarah Balabagan ang Flor Contemplacion, the award given to us during the 108th Tournament of Rose Parade and the success of APEC. These and many more justify that we as Filipinos should have that pride and not be ashamed of our race.
Friends, let us join hands to continue the good deeds of sung and unsung heroes and the great men of our nation. The future depends on us. Start to help in building our nation and let us not be burden our society.
I know that most of us are from poor families. But it can’t be denied that education opens the door for the better future. Secondary education is not enough so we have to take anothe leap for brighter tomorrow. Let this be our guiding words. If there’s a will, there’s a way. Poverty is not a hindrance to success.
We Filipinos are conquering the world. Let’s continue rekindling the flames of torch of victory. Do you still remember the poem that we took up in our First Year? Let me recite that poem..
LIKE THE MOLAVE by Rafael Zuleta da Costa
Not yet, rizal, not yet, the glory hour shall come
Out of the silent dreaming from the seven thousand fold silence
We shall emerge saying We Are Filipinos
And no longer be ashamed
Sleep not in peace
The dream is not yet fully curved
Hard the wood but harder the blows
Yet the molave will stand
Yet the molave monument will rise
And God will walk in brown legs….

Friends, let’s keep moving. I thank you.

Good Afternoon Honored Guests, Ladies, Gentlemen and Students -
Our high school years seem to have passed in a flurry of activities: courses attended, grades attained, extra curricular activities, social events and lesson learned. It is hard to believe that the next few months will see the Graduating Class of 2013 facing new horizons and challenges.
Some of us may stay closer to home, some may move slightly further away and yet others may find themselves in a totally different places.
Where ever you may find yourself and what ever challenge you may have chosen to follow and explore - hold true to what shaped your yesterdays; acknowledge and appreciate what you are today and dare to be all that you can be tomorrow!
As the Graduating Class of 2013 we need to express our gratitude for the wonderful opportunities that we were exposed to. Our thanks must go to all the staff and the management of LONOYNHS. We are privileged to have attended this school. Lonoy National High School offers an outstanding education - of that we have no doubt. As we make a relatively smooth transition into life beyond school, I am sure that the fine education that we received will stand us in good stead - time and again.
Our thanks must also extend to our parents and guardians. You have remained committed to our education, but more importantly, you have remained committed to us. You have stood by our sides, even when things may have seemed a bit rocky - steadfast and constant - stability in a time of turmoil, hesitancy and our quest for independence.
Today, we stand on the brink of a new chapter in our lives. Take a moment to reflect on everything that we have achieved. Take a moment to look back and to see and appreciate just how far we have all come. Today is our opportunity to acknowledge our accomplishments.
Some may have achieved more than others with relative ease. Some may have had to work harder...may have had to dig deeper to find the resolve to continue to meet the challenge - and perhaps some may have let opportunities pass them by?
Either way, today, you need to acknowledge where you are. You may find that your high school years were years well spent. You may find that you regret some of the opportunities that you allowed to slip by. Acknowledge them, accept them and then prepare to move on...to tomorrow!
You need to dare to dream to be all that you can be tomorrow.
Dale Carnegie said, "The person who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to DO and DARE!" This is the challenge that lies before you this afternoon. Dare to be all that you can be.
Dare to chase your chosen career -
Dare to excel -
Dare to go the extra mile -
Dare to show compassion -
Dare to make your mark in the world -
Dare to have empathy -
Dare to be the best you can be... and then DO it!
Overly simplistic? Probably. Within our reach? Definitely!
My thanks and fondest best wishes go with you one and all.