With the theme “Honoring Timeless Traditions and Modern Innovations,” Quezon National High School (QNHS) officially kicked off its 122nd Foundation Day celebration featuring series of events including the ceremonial Coconut tree planting, academic competitions, and Palaro ng Lahi.

The festivities began with a mass at the gymnasium, led by Father Ramil Esplana, who reflected on the rich history of QNHS during his homily.

Following the mass, the opening program was energized by performances from the QuesinHayaw Dance Troupe and the SPA Vocal. 

On Behalf of Principal IV Joseph Hinanay, Cynthia Tadong, Secondary School Head Teacher VI of English department, delivered a message for the opening program. 

“As we commend our 122nd  anniversary, we also look to the future. We are committed to raising modern innovations while also preserving our timeless innovations. Let's come together to celebrate the past and embrace the present and vision for our future for QNHS, ” Tadong said.

In addition, Alumni President Engineer Rosendo Razon said that the students should embody the school’s values of courage, perseverance, and compassion. 

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining school traditions while embracing change while assuring the alumni's continuous support for the school.

As part of the celebration, students from various grade levels participated in academic competitions, showcasing their intellect, passion, and creativity. 

The winners of their respective curricular elimination contests competed head-to-head, representing their grade levels.

In the Battle of the Brains, Jhames Rianne G. Razo of Grade 11 STEM Francium emerged as the champion with a total score of 27 points. He was followed closely by Joshua Albert R. Ricohermozo of Grade 10 STE Einstein, who earned 25 points, and Josh Gabriel A. Simbulan of Grade 11 STEM Beryllium, who placed third with 20 points.

Meanwhile, the Spoken Poetry Competition took place at the Filipino Center in the Annex Building. 

After a gripping contest filled with wisdom and artistry, three students rose to the top - Kammy E. Iftikhar of G11 HUMSS B claimed third place, Michaela Altovar of G10 Narra secured second place, and Queen De Ramos of G7 Erudite secured the gold.

"Nagulat po ako since first gold ko po ito dito sa Quezon High since grade 7 pa lang po ako and this is not the only competition na sinalihan ko, yung sa iba hindi ako nanalo kaya po tuwang tuwa ako na naka-gold ako dito," De Ramos said.

Poster Making, on the other hand, was divided into 3 Brackets with Bracket 1 having contestants from Grade 7 and 8, Bracket 2 with Grades 9 and 10, and Bracket C with Grades 11 and 12. 

Bracket A's Mark Lester T. Maralit of Grade 7 SPA-Amorsolo was hailed as the 1st Place winner, with Rayner B. Sazon of Grade 7 SPA-Amorsolo following as 2nd Place, and Grade 8 SPA-Obusan's Gencel U. Inciong as the 3rd Placer. 

Meanwhile, In Bracket B, Zoe Zeppeline Macaraig of Grade 9 SPA-Avellana clinched 1st Place, Grade 10 STE-Newton's Zander Dick C. Magnaye won 2nd Place, and Marquin Zyrus R. Castro of SPA 9- Avellana achieved 3rd. Finally, Bracket C had Sophia Nicole D. Reyes from 11-Arts and Design Track as its 1st Placer, Izzy Mae B. Salao from STEM 11-Dubnium as 2nd, and Louise Yesenia O. Gariguez from STEM 11-Fracium as the 3rd Placer.

For essay writing contest, participants were given 60 minutes to write and finish their essay which centers on this year’s foundation anniversary theme. 

Arwen Mies Valdeavilla from Grade 12 HUMSS Athens clinched first place, Gwyneth J. Fajardo from Grade 11 ABM Dollar placed second, and Chriscel Holgado from G10 STE Einstein ranked third.

For poem writing,  Ma. Ashley Zafirah Sadio of Grade 10 SPJ Elysium finished in first place, followed by Joshua Espolon from Grade 11 STEM Astatine, while Dana Mae Barquilla of G10- Pili won third place.

Ian Benedict Roxas, QNHS faculty shared how the festivities liven the school. 

“The school atmosphere was very lively. You can see that the students are enjoying and having fun with the different games and academic competitions,“ said Roxas.  

“This is actually the first time after a long time that the school had a celebration for foundation day. As an alumni myself, this is really something sentimental for all involved.”

Meanwhile, for Eued Aceron, a Grade 10 student, it was fun that the school had an event like this after the intramurals especially it was his first time to experience the Foundation Day this lively.

“Nakakatuwa siya for me na meron tayong ganitong event after ng intrams and dahil din nagp-prepare ang seksyon namin kanina ng tarpapel para sa stallion sobrang chaotic pero maganda naman yung kinalabasan and nakakaproud na nakita siya ng buong grade level namin,” Eued Aceron, Grade 10 Student  

The celebration continues with more activities, embodying the spirit of honoring the school’s enduring traditions while embracing new innovations for the future.