Our Assistant School Principal II, Sir Jemperly Y.
Lorilla, esteemed guest speaker, distinguished
guests, GPTA officials, teachers, faculty and staff, parents, friends, fellow students, ladies and gentleman
a pleasant morning to one and all.
As I reflect on our journey throughout the high school years, I am reminded of a quote by Ralph
Waldo Emerson: “ Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a
trail”. This quote perfectly describes our batch, as the spirit of our class- a group of individuals who have
dared to forge our own paths, overcome obstacles, and leave an indelible mark on our school.
Two years ago, I entered these halls as nervous freshman, feeling shy and unsure of what strand
I would take on. And a thought pops in my mind, “ what if mag H.E. ko, master man pod kog luto-luto, or
mag AFA nalang ko kay para mag work abroad sa Japan kay dagkog sweldo”, and most of my friends and
teachers said that “ Mag STEM di ay ka, kaya lagi na nimo, but as I think of it, I said to myself that “mag
ABM nalang ko kay gusto ko makabalo unsa na ang balancing-balancing”. Also, one thing that comes to
my mind and my heart on that day is my eagerness to learn and improve my skills and knowledge. So,
here am I now a graduate from the ABM strand.
My life is not as good as you think. We are neither rich nor poor; we are just merely facing life and
its ups and downs. To have a better life, my mother decided to work abroad, and my father decided to
work in Iligan City. I and my brother left under my grandparents’ guidance. As a student, I also faced
different challenges, given the fact that my parents are not physically present to uplift me. I have faced
struggles; both in academic and personal phase yet chose to emerge stronger for the people who believe
in me. I have learned that life is a tapestry woven with both joy and sorrow.
To our dedicated teachers, thank you for your tireless efforts in imparting knowledge, nurturing
our potential, and shaping us into the individuals we are today. Your passion for education has ignited a
spark within us that will continue to light our paths in the future.
To our beloved parents and families, who have supported us through thick and thin, your love and
encouragement have been the foundation upon which we have built our dreams. Even in the worst times,
you are always there, supporting us to fight together. We are nothing without your love and care. Our
success has been built on your love, sacrifices, and faith.
To my fellow graduates, it has been an honor to experience this journey alongside you all, to learn
from one another, and to grow together. I will always treasure our memories and friendships. Our
sleepless nights and efforts have now paid off. Even though we have completed the task given by the
Department of Education, always remember that grades do not define us, because we define ourselves.
Our camaraderie has made this journey even more meaningful.
To our alma mater, it is with great pride, honor, and gratitude to have spent my Senior High
School Years here. I am proud to be an alumnus in this institution, and I look forward to stay connected to
this incredible school for years to come.
Above all, as we graduate, my heart overflows with gratitude to the one Almighty and Holy God.
Thank you for providing, protecting, and transforming all of us during our time at San Andres National
High School. Thank you for the obstacles and challenges that you have given us to be the individuals we
are today.
As I end, leaving the words of the great Nelson Mandela,” it always seems impossible until it’s
done”. Class of 2023-2024, let us go forth and prove that we can turn the impossible to possible. Let us
leave our mark on the school and inspire those who will come after us. Congratulations, and may the road
rise up to meet you. Well done, batch mates and Long Live, San Andres!