Held at the SHS Covered Courts, the XUJHS Seniors Batch 2023 finally had its most awaited Commissioning Ceremony on May 26 from 6 AM to 11:30 AM.
A total of 425 commissioned students filled the entire court after surviving their way to the end and being able to listen to an uplifting message from the guest speaker, an XUHS alumna of Batch 2016 and St. Francis Xavier Awardee (SFX), Ms Angelika Mari Gultia.
"As you transition into this new chapter, try to think about what both sides have you seen so far. Take time to appreciate how you've come so far and at the same time, take time to see that you didn't come this far to only come this far. And, only you can turn that for yourself," Ms Gultia said in her speech.
She also highlighted the phrases "change bring chances and chances prompt choices," and "change for the good, chance upon the unimaginable, and choose the difficult," as encouragements and advice to all completers.
Grade 10 commissioned student and academic achiever, Jamilah Anne Macasimbar shared her feelings as well in an interview by PAGASA. "I feel elated and kind of emotional. I must say that my JHS was not an easy road. There are times in which I felt like giving up. However, with perseverance, passion, and dedication, I was able to make it. All my achievements would not be made possible without the support of my beloved teachers, classmates, and the friendships I have built in my JHS years. As I was able to survive the school year and make it to the Commissioning, I will certainly carry all the lessons I have learned in JHS as I embark on a new journey as I enter senior high."
Along with the guest speaker, the esteemed President of Xavier University, Fr Mars Tan SJ, University Vice President, Dr Dulce Dawang, XUJHS Principal, Dr Pamela Pajente, the rest of the school administration and the proud parents also joined the solemn event to express their heartfelt congratulations.
Among the parents of the Commissioned students was Mrs Colleen Arcadio, who was feeling proud and happy for her daughter who worked hard for the past four years in junior high -- adjusting to different setups due to the pandemic and facing the struggles of time management and finishing school requirements.
The Commissioning Ceremony started with a mass, followed by the awarding of Magis and Academic Awardees, and finally, the Commissioning Rite.
One Republic's "I Lived" truly encapsulates the ups and downs, broken bones, and every second owned by the XUJHS Batch 2023, just to be where they are right now.
Photos by Lito Homonlay