by Glaiza Salanio and Joaquin Yulo

The Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) Strand and General Academic (GA) Strand of Batch 2024 gathered together in Ateneo Junior High School covered courts on Friday, May 31 to celebrate their graduation ceremony with the theme “Paglalayag.”

The commencement kicked off with a Baccalaureate Mass officiated by Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ, the university president, and fellow Jesuit priests.

During the homily of the mass, Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari “Jonjee” C. Sumpaico III, SJ, the Vice President for Basic Education, invited everyone to magnify the experience of God, who “is present for us and with us.”

“What will be your magnificent for today is your continuing narrative of how the Lord moves you as you journey on, as you sail on,” Fr. Jonjee said.

“Remember these moments for as you do, you make present once again the marvels that the Lord has shared with you,” he added.

After a short recess, the processional began, prompting the beginning of the graduation rites, wherein students and formators marched to their seats.

Formalities, including the singing of the national anthem and the introduction of the graduation ceremony took place before Alyzza Reign Arididon of 12-Beyzym, Batch 2024 salutatorian, expressed her gratitude and greetings towards her fellow batchmates. 

“Ikatlo, ating pahalagahan ang komunidad ng Ateneo Senior High School sapagkat dito natin nakilala ang ating mga kapwa mag-aaral kung saan tayo nakatagpo ng matibay na pagkakaibigang magtatagal matapos man ang pag-aaral natin sa ASHS. Ang Ateneo rin ang nagbigay sa atin ng oportunidad na makatamasa ng kalidad na edukasyon lalo na sa mga katulad kong iskolar, nang sa ating maging tao para sa kapwa, at nagturo sa ating maglingkod nang tapat sa komunidad,” she said.

The awards for honorable students of each strand, the Luis “Moro” Lorenzo Sportsmanship Award, and the Horacio V. Dela Costa SJ Award for Distinguished Leadership were then given.

Subsequently, Batch ‘24 valedictorian Janelle Dzane Fornea of 12-Carvalho  was introduced and gave her speech, centered around her journey and unique experiences in the ASHS, as well as tackling concepts of strand stigma.

“Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na maraming maling akala kapag ikaw ay mag-aaral ng GA—na ito ang strand na tapunan ng mga nag appeal, mga atleta, o mga pasang awa. Mga stigmang napatunayan ko at ng mga kapwa ko GA na malayo sa katotohanan,” she noted.

She ended by saying, “Sa pagtungo sa ating paglalayag sa di katiyakang kinabukasan, maging isang kaagapay habambuhay at liwanag sa kadiliman.”

In addition, Engr. Victor Agbayani, a servant leader and a professor at the Ateneo School of Government and the John Gokongwei School of Management, delivered a speech that encouraged students to realize the significance of their life choices, referencing Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”

“Frost tells us the many big and small choices we make in our lifetime will make all the difference. As persons for others, we are reminded to consider the impact of our choices on our fellow men, especially the less fortunate,” Engr. Agbayani expressed.

“Pray to discern what your true duty is, what road you must take for the greater glory of God,” he ended.

The diplomas were awarded, and the graduates were appointed to the Ateneo Alumni Association immediately afterwards.

The event concluded with Batch 2024 singing the school hymn, “A Song for Mary,” and the recessional.