Virtual graduation shares different life stories

Many students would have wanted to go on stage to get their diploma, but the pandemic hindered them from their once-in-a-lifetime ceremony – graduation. While some are saddened, many took the opportunity to savor the moment with their family and loved ones.

The virtual graduation of Holy Cross College shared precious seconds in the spotlight via Zoom and Facebook live stream. Graduates wear their toga and cap while at home. Certificates and medals are awarded by their family members.

Two graduates from the Junior High School completers caught the attention of the audience while they took the virtual stage. Siblings Florens Dionne R. Cunanan and John Lauren R. Cunanan both Junior High School completers graduated while traveling to Cavite to visit their grandfather.

Mrs. Cunanan said the siblings insisted they attend the virtual ceremony. “Yung mga bata gusto po talagang mag attend, kaya inayos po namin yung van (L300). Sabi ko sakanila iraos natin ito mga anak minsan lang kayo gagraduate. Dala naman po nila yung toga nila,” she said.

Most students share their moments with family at home, some students share their medals with parents and some students share the moment with their family overseas via video calls.

These captured moments proved that graduation is a symbol of success that needs to be celebrated even during the pandemic. HCC President Atty. Dennis C. Pangan emphasized students achieved success because they lived up to the core values of Fides, Caritas, and Libertas and of course through the support of their families.

“Sa pandemiya na ito mayroon tayong isang matutuhan, nakikita niyo sa TV at sa internet ang mga heroes na sina Paw Patrol, PJ Mask, Happy Hatcher and latest yata si Santiago. Oo mga heroes iyan pero ang mga bayani ng pandemiyang ito ay inyong mga magulang. Ang tunay na mga superheroes ay inyong mga magulang at mga kapatid na tumulong sa inyo para makapagtapos,” Atty. Pangan said.

The graduation speeches of the graduates and completers highlight overcoming struggles of the new normal in education. Students realized there is no shortcut in life and education is the ladder that can help them achieved goals.

Atty. Pangan pointed that HCC goes beyond and finds ways to help the youth, especially during this crucial time. The school with a heart advocates quality education for all and encourages the parents to enroll their children even as low as P500.

“Walang mahirap o mayaman sa mga estudyante ng Holy Cross College, kumpletong bayad, hindi kumpletong bayad, kulang ang bayad, kalahati ang bayad tuloy ang graduation, lahat kasali, lahat sasali sa graduation. Sa Holy Cross College hindi usapan ang pera, pero hindi po naming sinasabing mayaman kami. Isinasabuhay lang po naming ang sinasabi naming Caritas. Ang pera kayang bayaran, ang utang kayang bayaran, pero yung panahon base nga sa Kartilya ng Pilipinas ‘ang nawalang panahon o oras kailanma hindi mo mababalik.’ Hindi niyo kayang bayaran, hindi niyo kayang bilhin ang ngiti ng mga batang ito na nagsitapos sa graduation na ito,” Atty. Pangan emphasized.

During the 3-day virtual ceremonies, 22 pre-elementary students attended the moving up ceremony while 43 grade 6 students graduated from the Integrated Basic Education.

Despite challenges brought by the pandemic, 195 grade 10 students completed their Junior High School. On the other hand,  683 Senior High School graduated from their different academic tracks (HUMSS, STEM, ABM, GAS, TVL).