Centro Escolar Integrated School Graduates Shine Through Rainy Day Commencement Exercise
By Kiel Emmanuel Caballero
June 20, 2024
2-min read
Despite the heavy rain, the celebrations of Centro Escolar Integrated School's graduates proved stronger as they made their final walk as high school students.
Dr. Romel B. Cruz delivered his speech as the guest speaker, highlighting resilience, humility, and adaptability. He urged graduates to learn from failures, stay grounded regardless of their intelligence, and remain motivated in facing adversity. Dr. Cruz also encouraged innovation and flexibility and to be prepared to navigate any situations they encounter.
In her speech, Precious Sabine Pinto, the batch valedictorian, reflected on her early misconceptions about success and learning the importance of personal growth over mere academic achievement. "In elementary school, I believed success was only defined by being at the top. However, I soon realized that fulfillment comes from personal growth and perseverance," she said.
She showed her appreciation to the teachers, mentors, and every member of the non-teaching staff, saying: “You have all contributed to my growth and success, and for that, I am deeply grateful”.
She also thanked her friends who supported her in times of difficulties.
Pinto further expressed her gratitude to her family. She thanked her parents for their guidance and belief in her, and her grandmother for her wisdom and love. Pinto also acknowledged her Papang for his role in her journey, pointing to his sacrifices and knowledge.
She also recognized God, for the gift of knowledge, the supportive network he provided, and the strength acquired from his grace.
In her speech, Pinto called attention to the maturation of perspectives as they approach adulthood, stressing the need for solidarity with the oppressed in global crises like those in Congo, Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen. She urged using their platforms to speak out against injustice and advocate for liberation, highlighting the responsibility of future leaders to take decisive actions.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates singing Your Love by Jim Brickman as a tribute song to their parents and Long Live by Taylor Swift as their graduation song, wrapping up the two-part ceremony, following the Moving Up & Commencement Exercise held in the morning.