May 6, 2025

Where do we go from here? It’s a question that echoes in the halls of our high school, a question whispered on the wind as we prepare to leave behind these familiar walls and step into the vast unknown.

Happy morning to our beloved President, Engr. Roderick Malibiran, our dedicated School Principal, Dr. Leonora T. Malibiran, honorable guest speaker, Dr. Jay – Are Tayao, esteemed faculty and administrations, proud and supportive parents, and of course, my fellow graduates. Welcome to Graduation of Batch 2024-2025!

My name is Marianne A. Cepeda of STEM 12-Amity, and I am humbled to stand here and have achieved this unexpected distinction. First and foremost, I thank God for guiding me on this journey. Seeing my Grade 10 valedictorian inspired me to pray for academic success. I worked hard, prayed consistently, and achieved top ranking in Grade 11. Facing new challenges in Grade 12, I continued to pray and work hard, trusting in God’s grace and my own efforts, and succeeded again. This proves that hard work combined with faith in God yields amazing results.

I used to doubt I could be valedictorian, questioning my abilities. But inspired by my competitive online friend, Joshua (“Wanta”), whose success fueled my own belief, I achieved it! Now I have something to be proud of, too. I’m grateful to my STEM 12-Amity classmates, including Annie, for creating a supportive family atmosphere. I’m lucky to have such a trusting section, and I appreciate the support of Kyle, Jed, Justin, Kim, and Enjil. Thank you all for motivating me, helping me overcome self-doubt, and believing in me. You’ve helped me become resilient.

My heartfelt thanks to my GSG family for their support and invaluable leadership experience. Balancing multiple roles was challenging, but we succeeded and forged many friendships. Thank you to the students who respected us, and to future leaders: Ma’am Michelle and the GSG 2024-2025 will support you.

My heartfelt thanks to the faculty and administration—Sir Carlo, Ma’am Areane, Sir Aljon, Sir Jomari, Ma’am Pau, Ma’am Gail, Ma’am Val, Ma’am Wena, Ma’am Mich, Sir Edriel, Sir Joseph, Sir Christopher, and Sir Doms—for your invaluable support and guidance. Thank you also to Ma’am Sam, Ma’am Jena, and Ma’am Kath for your readily available support. I couldn’t have achieved this without you.

My deepest gratitude goes to Ma’am Ella, our adviser and the mother of STEM 12-Amity, for her unwavering encouragement and belief in me. Her support gave me the strength to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.

To my amazing family—Ma, Pa, and Edcel—thank you for your unwavering support. I know it wasn’t easy, and sorry po if hindi po ako gaano tumutulong sa bahay, kung puro aral lang po. Naalala niyo po nung sinabi ko pong hindi po ako umaasang ako ang valedictorian? Joke lang po talaga yon, sorry po. I am here, facing towards you and proudly saying “Ma, Pa, valedictorian na ako, graduate na ako!” I know na you’re not hearing sweet words so often sa akin but I’m gonna say “I love you and thank you so much”

and now…going back. Again, where do we go from here?

As we stand at a crossroads, celebrating our high school journey, remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Embrace the path ahead, knowing that, as Robert Frost reminds us, it “asks to be lived, not planned.” Doubt and uncertainty are natural; they fuel courage and resilience, as Winston Churchill noted. Strive for a balance of practicality and passion; choose a path that ignites your soul. Seek guidance, but trust your intuition. Choose your friends wisely. Carry the lessons learned here—academic and personal—with you. Embrace challenges, and never lose sight of your dreams. Congratulations, Class of 2024-2025! The future is yours to shape. Remember Helen Keller’s words: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”