ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY – Senior High School Laboratory – Class Valedictorian Althea R. Caranain, shared her resilience and dedication to finishing her education amidst silent battles, during the recently concluded 108th Commencement Exercises on May 16, this year.
Almost two-hundred 12th grade students have officially marched and were proclaimed as graduates of Batch 2026.
“We showed up every day carrying dreams, expectations, responsibilities, and silent battles that not everyone could see,” Ms. Caranain affirmed.
She has also spoken about their batch of almost losing hope to reach the finish line of their senior high school journey.
“Some of us struggled quietly. Some lost motivation along the way. Some felt lost while trying to figure out who they wanted to become. But even through those moments, we kept moving forward,” she added.
Further, the keynote speaker, Mr. Ceferino J. Rubio, also affirmed that the future of the students isn’t tomorrow – it is now.
“As you usher yourselves to the next chapter of your lives, I can only say and hope, that you too, whom I consider as the beacon of hope, can help share this with the younger generation that tomorrow is now and don’t wait for tomorrow to prepare for your future. Do it now!” Mr. Rubio stressed.
He also shared the ingredients of success and encouraged the students to be a beacon of hope for the next generation.
“The best ingredients to success are never ever stop learning, reading, and accumulating experiences, because once learned, it becomes one’s asset and once acquired, it becomes one’s sole property. Maintain discipline, keep learning, work hard, stay determined, and remain resilient — these are the ingredients of success,” he added.
The graduates were genuinely proud not only of reaching this milestone, but of everything they overcame just to graduate.
“We faced, we overcame, and we conquered. We are finally here, not because everything was easy, but because we chose not to give up,” the valedictorian exclaimed.
At the latter, the graduates honored the love and sacrifices of their parents, who supported them relentlessly and continuously until they achieved their dreams. (JRA/ABC/Public Information Office)