14/04/2026
ππππππππππ | Soaring Beyond Horizons: LC's SHS Graduation, JHS Moving-Up Rites
On April 7, the Leyte Colleges Secondary Department held its 9th Senior High School Graduation Exercises and 11th Junior High School Moving-Up and Recognition Ceremony at the LC Activity Center San Jose Campus, honoring the academic accomplishments of students for the School Year 2025β2026.
The ceremony commenced with the entrance of colors, followed by the acknowledgment of the graduating and completing candidates, together with their parents and guardians, faculty members, guests, and administrative officials. Guided by the theme "Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character," the event honored three Junior High School completers and six Senior High School graduates. The invocation was led by the Leyte Colleges Chorale, setting a meaningful tone for the program.
Head of Operations and Academics, Dr. Josefa Yasmin A. Moriel, delivered the words of welcome, extending her warm greetings to the graduates, completers, student achievers, parents and guardians, faculty members, guests, and school officials. In her message, she highlighted the significance of the occasion as a celebration of perseverance, growth, and excellence, commending the students for their hard work and determination throughout the academic year. She also recognized the vital support of teachers and families in guiding the learners toward success, and encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence as they move forward to greater opportunities and responsibilities.
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Atty. Joseph A. Gamez, School Administrator, delivered a formal congratulatory message, commending the students for their hard work, perseverance, and excellent academic achievements. He acknowledged the important support of their families and teachers, noting how their guidance and encouragement helped the students grow both personally and academically. He reminded the learners that graduation is not the end, but a stepping stone toward new opportunities. He encouraged them to keep moving forward, striving for higher goals, and reaching for greater success in the future. He also emphasized the importance of staying true to their values, working with determination, and facing new challenges with confidence and a positive attitude.
For the presentation of candidates, Erika P. Estola, Secondary School Principal, formally introduced the students who completed Junior High School and those graduating from Senior High School.
After the presentation, Dr. Delilah M. De Los Santos, Education Program Supervisor (EPS) of the Schools Division of Tacloban City (SHOD), led the confirmation of candidates and addressed the audience with an inspirational message, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth. She officially affirmed the students as completers and graduates, recognizing their hard work and dedication throughout their academic journey. Dr. De Los Santos encouraged them to take pride in their achievements while remaining humble, to set higher goals for themselves, and to use the knowledge and values they have gained to make a positive impact on their communities. She also reminded the learners that success comes with responsibility, urging them to lead by example and continue striving to become competent and principled individuals in all aspects of their lives.
The distribution of diplomas and certificates of completion was carried out by Atty. Joseph A. Gamez, School Administrator, together with Erika P. Estola, Secondary School Principal. They presented the diplomas to the graduates and the certificates to the completers, offering their congratulations and acknowledging the students' hard work, dedication, and achievements throughout the academic year. Their participation made the recognition of the students' accomplishments even more meaningful and memorable.
Following the distribution of diplomas and certificates, the ceremony proceeded with the presentation of special awards, recognizing students who demonstrated outstanding excellence in various fields. The Leadership Award was presented by the Dean of the College of Education and the Principal of the Secondary Department, Dr. Bernardita Gomez-ArceΓ±o and Ms. Erika P. Estola, honoring students who exemplified strong leadership, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. The Publication Award followed and was awarded by the Leyte Times Publication adviser, Mr. Ivan S. Lacbayo, and Ms. Erika P. Estola, recognizing excellence in campus journalism and dedication to the school publication. Meanwhile, the Athletic Award was conferred by Jomilene Y. Campo alongside Erika P. Estola, celebrating exceptional performance, discipline, and sportsmanship in athletics. These awards highlighted the diverse talents and achievements of the students beyond academics.
The ceremony then continued with the Message of Gratitude delivered by Kenneth Troy A. Regala. In his heartfelt speech, he expressed sincere appreciation to the school administration, teachers, parents, and fellow students who became part of their journey. He concluded his message with a meaningful reminder to his co-graduates and fellow learners:
"As we enter a new chapter in our lives, remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out. If you ever feel lost, let yourself be carried by the wind β trust that it will take you somewhere, someday."
Following this, the Pledge of Loyalty was led by Janice C. Hamto, as the graduates and completers solemnly affirmed their commitment to uphold the values and principles instilled in them by the institution.
The program continued with the graduation song, "Saranggola" by Ben&Ben, which filled the venue with emotion as students reflected on their journey and the memories they shared. This was followed by a heartfelt tribute to the parents through the song "Everything I Own" by Bread, expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering love, sacrifices, and support.
To conclude the ceremony, the graduates and completers sang the Leyte Colleges March, filling the venue with a sense of pride and unity as they honored their alma mater, followed by the class pictorial, where the graduates and completers, together with their advisers, the school administration, and distinguished guests, gathered to capture a moment that reflected their joy, pride, and shared accomplishment β marking a memorable end to a significant milestone in their academic journey.
|π·: F. Pelayo, A. Conopio, via K. Regala, J. Hamto, Leyte Times
