SPEECH OF THE OUTSTANDING JHS COMPLETER

When I was a kid, I happened to bump into one of my classmates in Kindergarten who was reading this
book that seemed kind of "iffy" at first glance. I was intrigued, so I borrowed and read it. I was greatly
held spellbound by this short story written by Aesop, the Father of Fables, entitled "The Crow and the
Pitcher", It is familiar, ain't it? This story encapsulates the story of this thirsty crow who found a pitcher
with a little water inside it during the drought or wet season where Birds couldn't find anything to drink,
putting pebbles down the container to make the water rise until it was good enough for him to drink. At
first, I found it ridiculous, as I found the bird "hardly trying", but what's engraved in my memory is how
the moral altered my outlook in life. There's no such thing as "hard and difficult" if we choose to
persevere and continue in any uphill battle. Everything can be possible if we keep going and dream
more.

To our School President, Ma'am Lita S. Salcedo, to the Board of Trustees, to our guest of honor, Atty.
Einstein M. Ona, to the School Administrators, beloved parents, friends, and relatives and to my fellow
completers, a pleasant and blessed evening to all of you!

I am deeply honored to have been given this opportunity to speak and so much overwhelmed to be able
to stand before you. And it is a turning point in our lives, a milestone to look upon. It is truly ours!
Another phase of our journey has finally unclasped. And today, together with all my classmates and
batchmates, we celebrate the triumph after the years of zeal and endeavor that lit all the trials that have
come our way, all the challenges that we encountered, and now the success that we strive for. And I
wholeheartedly congratulate us, we've done it, all the hardworks has finally paid off,
CONGRATULATIONS GRADE 10 HIGH SCHOOL BATCH 2023!

We cannot deny the fact that this school year has been far too tough and difficult for each of us. Being
significantly afflicted by the dark past and imprisoned in a cagelike world is more arduous than we could
ever imagine, as we are taken aback by the memories that once overshadowed in the course of our
lives. But for us, as students, the pandemic has been a nightmare; we have had to experience shortfalls
and this emptiness that was brought on by the surge of COVID-19. The face-to-face classes, public
activities, social gatherings, and traveling, as we may all remember, suddenly faded and were eventually
gone. The COVID-19 came in clutch, and it turned our world upside down. It seemed numb; people are
lost; everything has been a tragic experience. Especially in the aspect of education, our graduating batch
has experienced a different one this time; we encountered oddness that is much more different than we
used to and is different from the ones that preceded to us. And indeed, the system of education that we
have now is not exactly what we may have envisioned. Having said so, we find it hard to cope with the
new learning system as we are more accustomed to modular and distance learning.

Perhaps we might have experienced a global pandemic and missed almost everything, yet what matters
most is how we make the most of it. Though we've come through a lot of difficulties before, we never let
those memories ruined our dreams. We still manage to amplify our voices and stride our feet to finally
reach the peak of success. Those obstacles that blocked our way have never been a hindrance for us to
overcome all the knots ahead of us. We still provided excellence and quality education as the students,
teachers, and school administrators managed to adapt to changes. And still, we made a big comeback
this school year, and it is something to be remembered. Despite the aforementioned conflict, structure
and victory were still upheld in our school in order to be globally competent, competitive, and confident.

Throughout this school year, I really learned that the power of perseverance is one thing that is small yet
vital for our lives. It is the beacon of light that will guide us to ultimate success. It is the power that we
hold and live that is definitely the foregoer that builds a pathway towards the summit that we once
dreamed of. It has been and will always be a great molder of one's life. We might fall sometimes, but we
can never withstand the power that perseverance holds. It will help us learn and do better. It will help us
to be committed throughout, to have faith that everything is possible, and to tramp along the roadway
of our desired goals. We might dream of being an engineer, a teacher, a doctor, or an architect. At a
very young age, we dream and desire, but there's always a doubt that we 'can't' and 'won't'. Only if we
imprint this significant formula in our minds; goals + perseverance= success, that entails the aspects
building the steps towards reacihng our goals. In our lives, we have made a mixture of mistakes, failures,
triumphs, and disappointments. Those are proof that we are trying. Those are wrong attempts that open
the door for another step. As Taylor Swift said in her song "You're On Your Own, Kid", "everything you
lose is a step you take". That is something that I want you all to hold on to; there's a silver lining that is
waiting beneath the cracks made by the past's failures. There are times of falling down, yes, but those
are opportunities for growth that we should seize. I want you to be a believer, not just a dreamer. Just
look up, be passionate, do everything you want with enthusiasm, be resolute, be steadfast, be set on,
and be unflinching. These words are just the pillars that prove the fiber of tenacity and eagerness for
more that makes us the best version of ourselves.

As I remember from that post in Facebook, "MALAYO NA NGUNIT MALAYO PA", I realized that no matter
how far we"ve gone yet, there's always "next'. As I mentioned earlier, today is another day to
remember. But, fellow moving-up completers, today is not the end; instead, it is another beginning. It is
the stepping stone that will broaden the horizon and give us the prospect of a much better future ahead
of us. It is a milestone to look forward to and another chapter to open. Just continue reaching the stars
with our bare hands and let us envision more beyond the horizon. We don't know; we're not certain
about what lies ahead, but what I'm sure of, is that a new page will be turned with every bridge burned.
It's not a lack if we stumble; what matters most is how we overcome the setbacks that we once trudged
through.

These achievements are just the fruit of my labors after restless and tiring nights. It is the proof of my
hard work and determination. I want to thank all the people who has been with me through everything
that I've been through, those who never misses to give their 100% support in me, pushing me to all sorts
of discovery, and for shaping me to a person of vitality. To my Inay Annabel and Tatay James, who were
always there with me no matter what happens, I couldn't have done all of these without you. To my
family, maraming salamat po! To Ma'am Jennie Macasaet, for building a safe and comfortable home for
us, Grade-10 Artemis, and to all my Grade-10 Subject Teachers, Ma'am Marlene, Ma'am Maura, Ma'am
Manilyn, Sir Archie, Sir Eugene, and Sir Dindo, maraming salamat po, for all the guidance and
incomparable passion in teaching us, your dedications are very much appreciated. To all my maams and
sirs who became part of my junior high school journey, maraming salamat po. To my Alma Mater,
Tayabas Western Academy, I have learned so much thing as I continue reaching for my dreams. To my
friends, who have never forgotten me and are continually supporting me no matter what, thank you all.
Especially to God, for all the blessings you've bestowed upon me. He gave me trials and obstacles that
made me a better person. And most importantly, to this person named Jay Jay, for holding onto himself
and for how I have grown out throughout the years.

Let us unleash ourselves and prove ourselves more. Be ardent in everything that we are doing, as we are
supposed to do. Let us continue to dream more and widen our visions as we unfold another notable
phase of our lives. Spread your wings and never hesitate to have higher hopes. Always remember that
"a bend in the road is not the end of the road". Once again, Thank You and Laus deo.