Turning Tassels and Saying Goodbyes: Our Graduation Ceremony

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Graduation Day is a special occasion for all of us to my fellow graduates. It's the day we honor our hard work, late nights studying for an exams and projects, and everything we've accomplished and a promise of exciting futures.

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As the day began, we felt a mix of excitement and sadness, knowing we were saying goodbye to an important chapter in our lives. I was also sad because I would be saying goodbye to my classmates, friends and most especially to our adviser, Sir Mandal.

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I set my alarm clock for 3:00 a.m., so my day began early. Our graduation ceremony was scheduled for 6:00 a.m., much earlier than we had hoped. Our ceremony is also early because the junior high will be graduating shortly afterwards.

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It was supposed to take place in the afternoon at the Enan Chiong Activity Center (ECAC), but plans changed, and we had no choice but to go. Many of us were disappointed, but we were determined to make the best of the situation.

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I took a quick shower, feeling both excited and sad. Today marked the end of our time as classmates. We'd soon be on new adventures, but it was still difficult to say goodbye. After I showered, I ate my breakfast and applied my own makeup. I wanted to look my best on this special day. I wore my dress and, as required, paired it with black sandals and put some accessories.

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We arrived at the venue minutes before the ceremony started. The covered court of the school serves as our venue for this graduation. As I entered the covered court, I saw my fellow graduates with happy and excited eyes. The place is packed with bunch parents who are so proud of their sons and daughters because finally the time has come.

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When I saw my classmates, I smiled at them; they looked so happy with our togas and caps as I sat down in my own chair. The National Anthem was sung first, followed by the Naga Hymn, the Sugbo Hymn, and the school song. A brief prayer established a thoughtful tone for the day.

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The program began with the welcome remarks followed by introduction of special guests also welcoming the parents and graduates. Then, our classmate, Virly L. Mellado, who finished second overall, delivered a welcoming speech. Her words were both nostalgic and motivating.

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Following her speech, the awarding of honors began. Only honor students went up to the stage, while the rest of us remained seated because we had already received our diplomas. This was disappointing for many of us because we wanted everyone to have their own shining moment on stage as graduates.

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When it was finally time to go to the stage, we fell in line beside of the stage just like what we practiced. Finally, I heard my name being called, and I had my parents by my side when we stepped into the stage to receive my award.

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Then, I got a medal for being an honor student, and walking back to the stage with my parents by my side made me feel like an achievement as a daughter, and I made my parents proud by having this medal to all the hard work and dedication I fought for this journey.

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After receiving our awards, we returned to our seats and watched the remainder of the ceremony. The most emotional moment was when we sang Taylor Swift's "Long Live" at our graduation. We all felt the weight of the moment, knowing it was our final time together. Our adviser, Sir Mandal, had been with us for straight two years and we would surely miss him. Many of us became emotional as the song ended. We then sang our Alma Mater song as a final tribute to our school.

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The program concluded smoothly, and we gathered each section for class photos. We documented these moments with our families, friends, and teachers, resulting in lasting memories.

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Following the ceremony, we returned to our classrooms to return our togas. We took some more photos and said our goodbyes. We were filled with both joy and sadness as we realized that this was our final year of high school together.

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We all said our goodbyes because in the next school year, we will be enrolled in separate universities, especially since we will be collage students. This is our next chapter, our next journey to gradually achieving our goals.

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Graduation is about more than just endings; it also represents new beginnings. New paths will diverge, and dreams will lead us to unexpected places. The thought of saying goodbye to the teachers who helped us reach our full potential and the friends who became our chosen family created a bittersweet symphony in my heart.

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A new horizon calls; Graduation may be over, but the lessons learned and friendships formed will leave a permanent mark. Accept the goodbyes because they are a necessary part of growth.

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As we embark on this new adventure, we'll always remember the foundation we've laid, the knowledge we've gained, and the unwavering support of those who have stood by us. The future is ours to shape, so we go out there and make it extraordinary!

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To my classmates and to Sir Mandal, it has been a pleasure working with all of you over the last two years! I've learned a lot and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this class. I am so grateful for the friendships I've formed and the memories we've shared. Thank you for everything, and I will stay in touch. I will miss working with you all, but I wish you all the best and good luck to our next journey and each path that we would be taking STEM 12 - Velasco, until then.

MONTEHERMOSO, PATRICIA LUMAINO
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
🏅With High Honors
⭐Rank 20 (Overall)

Naga National High School - Senior High
Batch 2023 - 2024

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But, amidst the celebrations for my graduation, another important date appear in our minds: our father's birthday. To make it a double celebration, my mother purchased food for our small gathering. My sister and I went to our favorite cake shop shortly afterward and purchased a cake.

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That evening, full of laughter, heartwarming stories, and, of course, cake, became more than just a birthday party. It was the perfect ending to a memorable day, a sweet combination of personal accomplishments and family love. It was a true double celebration, a day that will be remembered for the power of education, family, and the deliciousness of the cake.

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You've reached the end of my blog, I just want to express my deepest thanks to everyone who's been reading for so long. Your support has meant the world to me. This blog wouldn't have been the same without all of you. Thank you for following along and see you soon for my upcoming updates! Don't forget to support by reblogging and upvoting. Thank you!

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