by MICHELLE DAYRIT-SOLIVEN 'There's no such thing as too much gratitude'
The faculty members of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon in Cabida n , Sorsogon gathered a profusion of wild ferns, flowers and driftwood from the forest to decorate the school stage as beautifully as they could. For us city dwellers who came to attend the graduation of high school batch 2015, it was a most refreshing sight. Just like the graduates’ proud parents, we were so excited to cheer on the 33 graduating students and thank their devoted teachers.
The first half of the program was a baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Father Cecilio Datar with Father Gerard Deveza. It was a beautiful celebration of thanksgiving. The second half began with the processional of candidates for graduation presented by school directress Sister Odelia B. Golloso, SSDH and confirmed by Elena D. Hubilla from the Department of Education in Sorsogon City. So moved by the ceremony, the benefactors and their families were so thankful, because the heartfelt joy they received that day was worth more than what they had so generously given.
Highlights of the graduation were the opening prayer, which was sung to our surprise by the school founder and honorary administrator himself Father Gerard Deveza. He is fondly called Tatay by all the students from Kinder to high school who love to recall the life story of this simple priest who first became a busy radio station manager, then a humble healing priest who began building a mission school for these underprivileged children in 2003.
The welcome speech of salutatorian Jonelyn C. Veloso warmed our hearts as she said, “May we carry on the responsibility of touching other people’s lives as our selfless mentors have shaped and molded us. May we continue to recognize the hard work and sacrifices of all our parents. May we continue to show our respected and beloved parents that their lives of sacrifice have borne fruits, for their utmost love and care have been our motivation.”
The very engaging and generous comedian Jon Santos took time out from his busy schedule to be the commencement speaker. He began his speech with impersonations of Sen. Miriam Santiago, former President Joseph Estrada and Aling Dionisia Pacquiao congratulating the graduates, which first brought them tears of laughter before bringing them tears of inspiration. His precious advice to the graduates was, “Be still, relax, but don’t chill. Whenever you have questions and don’t know what to do, drop all your electronic gadgets. Go to a quiet place. Ask God in prayer and He will answer you. But you will only hear Him in deep silence.”
Class valedictorian Anneka E. Paguirigan made the entire congregation of the Sister Servants of the Divine healer so proud as she responded with a valedictory address entitled “There’s no such thing as too much gratitude.” She didn’t fail to acknowledge all her teachers, friends, benefactors, the sisters and the entire Divine Healer Academy family who helped her and her classmates on their way to graduating. This brave and hardworking young lady will be taking her ter t iar y educat ion in Bicol University as she was top qualifier for entrepreneurship in its School of Business Economics and Management.
“This graduat ion of ours is the time to show our deepest gratitude to all the people who have been part of our journey to reach our goals in life. Our graduat ion means GRATITUDE. Thank you po. Salamat po. Dios mabalos po,” Anneka said in her speech.
Congratulations to all the graduates of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon!