Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School (ACNSTHS) held its 7th Moving Up and fifth graduation ceremony last May 31 at the Ynares Event Center, honoring the students moving up from junior high school and the graduating class of 2023.

With the theme "Kabataang Pilipino para sa Matatag na Kinabukasan ng Pilipinas", the commencement exercise witnessed the 98 grade 10 completers and 82 graduates from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand.

Mrs. Rosanna Ortiz, Principal II and the school head opened the rites with opening remarks, commending the completers and graduates for their hard work, and giving gratitude to the parents, School Parent-Teachers Association (officers, teachers, and the city’s education department officials.

“You have reached another milestone in your student life,” the school head stated. “ Remember class [students]: true strength lies in one's character and not in the position that is being held.”

After giving her speech, the ceremony proceeded with the awarding of diplomas and medals to the completers and graduates.

Facing Challenges

Valedictorians Skylee Mannag and Evita Lorreine Haban take pride in facing their fears and challenges as they reflect on their experiences in AnSci.

In her speech, Evita Lorreine Haban highlighted her struggles and how she made her manifestations come true through her hard work.

“Naniniwala ako na lahat ng biyaya, tagumpay, o ano pa mang mga bagay na natatanggap ng isang tao ay dumadating sapagkat ito ay nararapat para sa kaniya,” Haban expressed.

Mannag “takes pride in being an AnScian” as he continues to face all hardships despite the fear and struggles being the highlight of his school year.

“Sa kabila nito, patuloy tayong bumabangon nang four a.m or five a.m, depende sa schedule ninyo, tuwing umaga para harapin ang araw-araw na mga hirap natin bilang AnSci students,” he stated.

"From experience sa mga laban sa labas ng campus at sa mga nakasama kong galing sa ibang school, I [therefore] conclude that Ansci students perform significantly better in terms of work capacity and productivity," he added.

Haban and Mannag also gave their deepest gratitude to their parents, teachers, and friends who have helped them throughout their journey.

Exemplary Achievements

During the rites, scholarships and awards were given to the most outstanding students and teachers, recognizing their academic excellence, leadership, and service.

Two students from grade 10 and 12, namely Medz Angelus Testado and Julius Robert Intia, were named as the “Natatanging Mag-aaral” and awarded with a plaque and cash incentives; while students Felicity Rhian De Viana and Jan Xerohj Olivo were named as the recipients of the Agimat Leadership Award and were also given with cash incentives and a certificate.

Moreover, students from grade 12: Haban, Ashera Dexene Bautista, Jaztine Russel Amador, Raphael Neil Crisostomo, and Kendric Lemuel Eli Dedase were also awarded as the top five outstanding students of the batch and were given cash incentives from the City Government of Antipolo.

Meanwhile, the award committee head Crystal Oabina headed the announcement of Supreme Secondary Learners Government (SSLG), Pendulum Chronicle, and Ang Tipolenyo as the best club awardees for the school year 2023-2024.

Furthermore, Junior High School (JHS) coordinator Rufino Idanan III was named as the school’s Huwarang Guro Awardee; while three other teachers, Crystal Oabina, Maria Ayessa Joy Lopez, and Precila Leyble were lauded for their years of service in the Department of Education (DepEd) during the event.

As the event came to an end, the completers and graduates performed a song by Eraserheads ‘Huwag Kang Matakot’, assuring each other that wherever destiny will take them, they will always have their friends from AnSci to accompany them.