This document is the speech given by the Grade 6 adviser at the graduation ceremony of Kalasan Integrated School. The adviser recognizes the accomplishments of the graduating class, acknowledges the challenges of the pandemic, and wishes the graduates success in their future educational endeavors. The adviser then formally presents the 19 graduating candidates, 10 males and 9 females, to the school head.

1. Our indefatigable Schools Division Superintendent,
Dr. Ma. Liza R. Tabilon, our charming and energetic
Education Program Supervisors, our intelligent Public
Schools District Supervisor, Sir Romeo P. Zason,
performing School Principal of Kalasan Integrated
School, Mam Janet T. Cordova, Barangay Officials
headed by Captain Ramil N. Roma, supportive PTA
officials and members, headed by Mr Ronald A. Tayros,
patient teachers especially our Class Adviser Sir
Raymond Christopher P. Ong, beloved parents, guests,
fellow graduates, the amazing Class of 2022.

2. All of us were ready to leave elementary, getting excited and ready
as we are about to embark and face another school year, after taking
our last class in an e-learning environment we’d never imagine ourselves
in: THIS PANDEMIC.
Today, in our upside-down world, let us heed a simple advice from an
upside-down world author, Dr. Seuss. “When something bad happens,
you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy
you, or you can let it strengthen you.”
I always thought our class memories would be defined inside a
normal classroom environment with some corny 20/20 eyesight
metaphor. Instead, COVID 19 came in a clutch. Who would have
expected that a virus would make our last year in elementary
different. Imagine your family with you in a classroom.

3. Sadly, we were not able to experience some activities that we
normally do during a school year. There were no after school pranks
with some of our friends who are still enrolled in modular learning.
There were no going to “sari-sari store” or canteen to buy our favorite
foods. And there were no more “kulitan” with our teachers during and
after class because of social distancing. And there were no more last
goodbye hugs to each and every one of us in our usual end of the year
party.
However great, these losses do not define us any more than the one
loss defines a nearly perfect game or season. We’ve pushed through
our schools being split and many of us having to shift gears in a new
school system after this year. We’ve pushed through missing all school
interactions and even a proper last day of school.

4. Instead, this graduation recognizes the entire
admirable body of achievement of those receiving their
certificate of completion today. We celebrate what got us
here: seatwork, homework, projects, recitations, and quizzes.
This pandemic did not erase our childhood achievements.
Nor did the pandemic destroy our spirits and talents. It
simply diverted them to new pursuits.
Like Tik Tok dances.
And video call gone wrong.
And movies and chill with family.
And realizing mortality was not just something in a textbook.

5. I can say that I have learned more relevance in
these last year than I have the past 6 years of
elementary. This pandemic has truly taught me
the value of me and the value of growing mentally,
as well as respecting others wherever they are.
We may face global Covid 19 crisis but it will
never be a reason for us to stop to step forward.
Let us use it to be a blessing to others. Thank you
and May the Lord bless our future academic life.

7. Our energetic Schools Division Superintendent, Mam Ma.
Liza R. Tabilon, active Education Program Supervisors, the
ever-handsome Public Schools District Supervisor, Sir Romeo
P. Zason, to our ever dynamic and hardworking principal Mam
Janet T. Cordova, who are with us today, patient teachers of
our Alma Mater especially our class adviser Sir Raymond
Christopher P. Ong, supportive Barangay and PTA Officials ,
respected board of visitors, loving parents, friends, ladies
and gentlemen, good afternoon.
In Jeremiah 29:11, God said: “For I know the plans I have
for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to
give you a hope and a future.”

8. Today marks the 39th graduation ceremony of Kalasan
Integrated School, and once more, a fresh new batch of
finishers will be sent off its portals on towards the different
high schools to start a new chapter of their lives. Although
many will still stay in Kalasan, many others will choose a
different school for their desired school. It is a bittersweet
feeling to leave our Alma Mater.
For most of us, the six years of coming to school early, or
beating the familiar voices of our teachers every start of the
period, the resounding voices of pupils echoing the ground, the
fun camps, sports fest and daily classes with our beloved
teachers, and even friendships—all these will come to pass, but
the beautiful memories will always remain.

9. Some of us may find their best
experiences in Kalasan as we have slowly
grown into better individuals—more
learned, more knowledgeable, more
mentally and emotionally developed and
spiritually equipped, with the guidance
and painstaking teachings of our adviser
and subject teacher.

10. Though others may find heartaches in not
achieving what they desire —where some may
find some circumstances as unfair or
difficult, or there are not so good
relationships within the community—be
reminded that the main objective is to not
give up on your dreams, and to not believe
that failure is permanent, or that there is a
finish line to success.

11. I may not have some of what I wished to achieve, yet
there are so many other good things that I have
unexpectedly gained. Sometimes, we plan and work on
things to reach a particular goal. It is good if we gain
positive results, but sometimes better opportunities are
given to those who have experienced failures because it
motivates them even more not to give up in pursuing their
dreams, and it makes them more appreciative of their
achievements. Maybe because they are continually striving
and working hard, but I would like to say more so, because
it happens in God’s perfect will and perfect timing.

12. So learn what we can learn, in every lesson, and in
every occasion, and in every experience. Use each
learning to make ourselves better in the sight of God.
God knows ultimately what is best for you and me.
So, today marks the culmination of several years of
our hard work, of days of studying hard and learning
our lessons, yet, let us not forget that even as we find
ourselves in trying situations, we did enjoy many times
and many moments in this school. It has been and will
always be a part of our growing up years.

13. Today is a day of celebration, recognition of our achievements and
victories, of commemorating how we labored through and enjoyed
our younger years. Through the help and guidance of our parents, the
often unperceived hard work of our teachers and the nurturing
atmosphere of our Alma Mater, finally, we have reached our initial
goal.
So in this moment of celebration, where achievements are
recognized and honor is given to whom it is due, it is with great
pleasure that I welcome you all to another milestone of Kalasan
Integrated School.
Welcome, to the 39th graduation ceremony of Kalasan Integrated
School for the academic year 2021 - 2022! Congratulations to us all,
graduating pupils. May God bless us all, and Good Afternoon!

14. IN MY CAPACITY AS THE GRADE 6
ADVISER OF KALASAN INTEGRATED
SCHOOL, IT IS MY HONOR TO
PRESENT 19 CANDIDATES FOR
GRADUATION OF WHICH 10 ARE
MALES AND 9 ARE FEMALES TO THE
SCHOOL HEAD MAM JANET T.
CORDOVA