Think about diamonds, it is the best known gem, touted as the “king of gems”.

It
is adored and valued for its brilliance and for being the strongest and hardest mineral on
earth. However, with such brilliance comes a price. Before diamonds become the
epitome of beauty everyone is seeking for, they undergo immense pressure with long
years of collecting minerals and deposits. Standing before you in this podium, with this
view in front of me and with all these eyes I’m looking at, I can confidently say I am
seeing brilliance.

To the RVM Sisters, to our School Principal; Ma’am Estrella V. Layno, to our
SHS Coordinator; Ma’am Pamela G. Dalman, distinguished guest, the ever supportive
parents, my fellow graduates, associates and friends, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me all
welcome you to Class 2018-2019 Graduation Ceremony with heartfelt greetings and
renowned salutations. A Good Afternoon to all!

Today, we have here the life giving forces of Saint Michael’s college basic
education department. The people who enriched us with knowledge and whose
teachings left imprints of values in our hearts. In behalf of Class 2018/9, I’d like to thank
all of you, for all the encouragements you showered us and the challenges you put us
through. Because of which, we were able to showcase our abilities and discovered
potentials we thought we don’t possess. Indeed, a good teacher talks, a better teacher
explains but a great teacher inspires and this institution is blessed to have teachers like
such. (rots kaau ka mims. Plastic hahahahahaha)

Our parents too are here, ever so proud to share this moment with us. We are
truly and beyond grateful for the unquantifiable things you’ve done for us. The truth is,
none of us would be here today wearing a toga – none of us could have made it here
without the help of our parents. We are here because of the profound and loving
individuals who supported us.

Of course, this would not be a graduation ceremony without my batch mates. I

believe all the beautiful moments in life are usually the ones that require a lot of effort
from the beginning. The years we spent here in Saint Michael's College was filled with
glee and agony, joys and tears. Truly, the journey leading to this day made us proud of
ourselves and also made us question ourselves, it brought challenges that nurtured and
molded us into a more responsible person. It’s just sad that this would be the last time
you see these faces all together in one place because this day also signifies parting
ways to pursue growth and discovery. We would end this day by walking away from the
place where all the friendships were made, where camaraderie was ignited and where
victories and defeats were shared. The corners of this school bear witness to our long-
hours of hard work and sacrifices. Nevertheless, goodbyes are not bad; it is welcoming
change and entering into a door of boundless possibilities and horizons. We still have a
lot of milestones to surpass and goals to achieve and let no fear and criticism hold us
back; let us be our own victor.

In this regard, today we celebrate the fruits of our labor, the beauties of diamonds
under pressure. As we have lived the ways of a true Michaelite- as individuals of Faith,
Excellence and Service. Please join us as we pay tribute to the enduring hardwork of St.
Michael’s College Senior High School Class 2018/9. I welcome everyone to this most
awaited moment.