Written for My Former Student

On behalf of everybody present today, I want to start this speech with a message to someone special;

Dear God,

Thank you for letting the sun rise, the birds sing, the students move as the clock ticks. Thank you for  sending our parents , teachers, guests in our way. Thank you for  hearing our prayers and responding to them all the time. and thank you for everything not mentioned here.

I am grateful to be given this chance  - to deliver a message - to be chosen as the valedictorian, is not the case but to stand here as a student  to my teachers, a son  to my parents, a buddy to my peers, and a believer of God.

To my fellow students, we have reached another milestone in our life and we are all glad to celebrate at the finish line, but trust me! This is not the end of the road. We are set to sail again and learn something more. For to finish high school does not mean we go on our own way and get married nor find ourselves doing household chores and live a carefree life. We are challenged to start  sailing and dock at College Graduation's harbor safely and loaded. We will do better if we study harder, be more patient, strengthen our faith in God and understand life's hard lessons.

To our parents, we love you forever, and life may be hard on us, yet we will stand side by side. We may not become doctors, but we will try our best not to cause you heartaches. We may not become lawyers but we will do our best to become law-abiding citizens. We may not become business executives but we will be disciplined enough to become responsible individuals. You may not hear us say 'SALAMAT at MAHAL NAMIN KAYO' but we will make sure you know and feel it. We may have limitations but these do not mean we do not have expectations to achieve.

To our school director, principal, and teachers you let us feel that we are part of this big ministry. Your encouragement, advices, concern, hardwork, considerations, and patience made us who we are right now. Someday we will pass on these gifts for the next generation.

To the rest who are here today, there is nothing sweeter than be accepted and welcomed. Your presence is overwhelming and by this we are overjoyed. You extend your hands to connect with us, you step another step to reach us and you help us more empowered.

Thank you and may we continue our journey on the the same boat. God bless!