The Next Chapter:
Moving Up and Moving Forward 

On July 4 and 5, 2025, the National Teachers College (NTC) campus hosted the hybrid Moving-Up, Graduation, and Recognition Ceremonies for students from Kindergarten to Grade 10, under the theme “A Unified Generation: Standing Together for a Renewed Philippines.” While all participants with active roles attended in person, the events welcomed both face-to-face and online attendees, embodying the flexibility of NTC SmartClass’s learning approach. 

The ceremonies officially concluded the school year, celebrating students who successfully advanced to their next grade level, a testament to their resilience in a dynamic learning environment.

The K-6 ceremonies commenced with an invocation led by Jaqueline Anne Roma Palisan and the Philippine National Anthem performed by Franehla Gamis. Gracelle Gin Jimenez San Pedro then delivered a heartfelt welcome address onstage, setting a tone of gratitude and excitement.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Chief Academic Officer Mark Sy could not attend in person. Demonstrating the adaptability of SmartClass, he shared a prerecorded message, congratulating the students on their milestone and encouraging them to embrace the next phase of their education.

The recognition, moving up, and graduation ceremony followed, with each student called individually to receive their awards. The highlight of the event was the confirmation of elementary graduates, as Grade 6 completers took the stage—officially marking their transition to high school.

The Academic Coordinator, Mr. Louie Lumangaya, introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Noel Villareal, a WorkForce Development trainer, whose empowering speech earned enthusiastic applause. 

The ceremony continued with a toast by SmartClass Program Lead Ms. Jhanine Barateta, followed by an inspirational message from Christine Chloe Martinez. 

Students then recited the NTC SmartClass loyalty pledge, led by Lorenzo Miguel Perenno, before performances of the Grade 6 graduation song (Light Up by Harry Styles), the Kinder moving-up song (On My Way by Sabrina Carpenter), and the NTC Hymn. 

After closing remarks from NTC SmartClass faculty, the K-6 ceremonies concluded, leaving families and students with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

The following day, July 5, the Grade 7-10 Moving-Up and Recognition Ceremonies unfolded under the same hybrid format, though all participants with roles attended in person.

The program opened with an invocation by Grade 10 completer Sapphire Kylee Jao, followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Shawn Mclayne Estrellado. Rianne Danielle Laurito then delivered a heartfelt welcome address, expressing gratitude to subject matter experts and parents for their unwavering support.

Once again, Chief Academic Officer Mark Sy addressed the crowd via a pre-recorded speech, celebrating the students’ achievements—especially the Grade 10 completers, who had reached a pivotal academic milestone.

The awards ceremony commenced, with Grades 7-10 students recognized for merit, leadership, and proactiveness. A prolonged round of applause erupted as Grade 10 completers stood to honor their parents’ dedication.

Messages of Gratitude and Inspiration

Following the pledge of loyalty led by Marian Eunice Mercedes and Sean Azriel Caino, a hush fell over the auditorium as the entire Grade 10 cohort rose for their moving-up anthem. Lian Kaleigh Monsalud and Lancelot Lim stepped forward, their opening notes of Taylor Swift's "Long Live" transforming the space into a cathedral of shared memories. What began as a song quickly became something far greater, a living testament to every mentor, parent, and classmate who had shaped their journey.

As the final chord resonated through the space, the ceremony transitioned to honoring the Homeschooler Support Committee officers, whose sacrifices had helped build this moment. The subsequent photo sessions captured beaming smiles, but the true picture had already been painted in song.

As the ceremonies concluded, students departed not as finished products, but as forces in motion. They carried more than awards; they carried unfinished dreams, resilience, and the fire of becoming.

The world may try to define them, but they had already decided: they were not meant to fit in boxes; they were meant to break them.

And the most thrilling part?

Their journey had only just begun.

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