Last April 13, Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School (ACNSTHS) celebrated its 6th Graduation and 8th Moving Up Ceremony at Ynares Event Center, recognizing the school's graduating class and junior high school completers.

The commencement ceremony witnessed 113 graduates and 105 completers from ACNSTHS, honoring their academic achievements of the current school year. 

Following the awarding, Patricia Mae C. Ludovice, an ACNSTHS Batch 1 alumna with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, gave a speech, thanking AnSci and its teachers for pushing her out of her comfort zone and to always strive for growth.

Moreover, Ludovice also emphasized the possible effect of the current growing usage of powered AI tools like ChatGPT on students' growth and development.

"With patience comes grit and perseverance. May mga bagay talaga tayong hindi naiintindihan dahil hindi pa [ito] lumalagi sa akin. Patience is the key to virtue we're cultivating in our souls and community, it allows growth and development," Ludovice added.

As the ceremony continued, valedictorians Eliezer D. Ganzon and Margarette Jhaye V. Tamisin delivered their speeches, reflecting on their experiences and encouraging their fellow students.

During her speech, Ganzon congratulated and encouraged her fellow graduates to recognize their worth to become role models and to uplift others.

"Huwag mong hayaang maging produkto ka ng mga pangyayari o sitwasyon sa buhay o kaya opinyon ng mga tao, sa halip maging produkto ka ng iyong mga desisyon," Ganzon remarked.

"Maging mabuting ehemplo na ikinararangal ng ating pamilya at bansa. To those who already know their worth, use it to lift others [and] to those who haven't, it's there. There are people who can see how amazing you are,” she added.

Meanwhile, Tamisin took the stage and reflected on her experiences and the challenges she faced as a student of AnSci.

"Dahil sa AnSci, natutunan ko na ienjoy ang proseso at gawin natin palagi yung makakaya natin, kasi para sa dulo, walang panghihinayang, walang pagsisisi. Life will never be in this exact moment again, so let's cherish every second of it," Tamisin stated.

Excellence, Service, Recognition 

During the ceremony, awards and recognition were given to exceptional students, highlighting their outstanding achievements, leadership, and academic excellence. 

Honoring their excellent academic performance as the Top 5 students of their batch, students of Grade 12: Julliana A. Imperial, Irish Reem T. Linaota, Valerie S. Paghunasan, Kirby M. Peralta, and Eliezer D. Ganzon were given cash incentives from the City Government of Antipolo, as well as Elmar I. Ibarrientos III and Lovely Camille C. Miranda, who were named "Natatanging Mag-Aaral" for junior and senior high school, respectively.

Furthermore, to commemorate their service as teachers, a special recognition and awards were given to teachers for their dedication and contributions to ACNSTHS.

The Head of Math Department, Crystal D. Oabina, was awarded as the school's Huwarang Guro Awardee, while the first awardee of Gawad Siyentipiko Most Outstanding Teacher is John Jayson E. Cainlang; while three other teachers, namely Rufino D. Idanan III, Leah B. Juntado, Ma. Kristina T. Buenaventura and Juanita R. Segui were awarded the Loyalty Award to recognize their years of service, loyalty, and love for ACNSTHS and the Department of Education (DepEd). 

AnSci's First

Aside from honoring students' academic excellence and achievements, this year's commencement ceremony also marks a series of firsts in ACNSTHS history.

At the start and the end of the ceremonial rites, Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), together with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) led the entrance of colors honoring traditions and marking the inaugural GSP participation in the color guard presentation. 

Likewise, the award recipient John Jayson E. Cainlang of Gawad Siyentipiko Most Outstanding Teacher also marks the first time a Gawad Siyentipiko Award was given to ACNSTHS teachers.

Additionally, the head of values department Amor N. Reyes led the announcement of Ang Tipolenyo, Book Lovers Club, GSP Club, ICT Club, MAPEH Club, Pendulum Chronicle, Research Club, SMILE Club, SSLG (Supreme Secondary Learners' Government) as the best club awardees for the school year of 2024-2025, a staggering number of the awards' recipients with nine clubs in total.

As the ceremony concluded, the completers and graduates performed the song "Alapaap" by Eraserheads, echoing the lyrics "Ako ngayo'y lumilipad at nasa langit na, gusto mo bang sumama?" capturing the students' free and hopeful spirits, as they look towards the horizon, ready to enter a new chapter of their lives with courage and ambition.