The highest honor, the Board of Education Award, went to Marjorie Ann Cuerdo, who also received the Leadership/Principal Award.
Arlrose Atienza got the second highest honor, the Commissioner of Education Award.
The rest of the top 20 students: Ajette Joyce Manabat, John Paul Aglubat, Dayanara Flores, Kelly Demapan, Mon Alvin Morera, Julius Inocencio, Leila Hicking, Danica Bianca Guevarra, Angelo George Limes, Lee Anne Yarobwemal, Renzie Jyla Cunanan, Clariza Mae Magat, Royze Ann Banados, Kathleen Ann Dantic, Emelyn Feria, John Myrick Martin, Koryn Charmaine Aguon and Jade Mangubat.
Frank Gu was the first honorable mention while Melody Margare Johnson was named second honorable mention.
Cuerdo, in her speech, encouraged her fellow students to use what they have learned in school “to give ourselves a bright and happy future.”
Atienza, for her part, talked about her experiences in school and how she overcame the challenges she faced.
“There are many contributing factors that helped me successfully get to where I am right now. They are my family, teachers and friends,” she said, adding that she got her strength from them as they serve as her inspiration to strive harder.
She told her fellow students not to forget that everyone is not alone in their undertaking because they have always their family, teachers and friends to help them.
“We must bear in mind that hard work is all about perseverance — we must keep trying and focus with a goal in mind: aim for the moon and shoot for the stars,” she said.
Hopwood Jr. High School principal Christine T. Masga told the students that they now have the key to their success which they should carry always wherever they may go.
“Learn from your memories and be responsible for your future memories. What I ask of you today is to never forget to be great citizens, true friends, courageous, determined, ambitious, humble, thankful, thoughtful, and most importantly respectful to your family and friends,” Masga said.
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan led the presentation of certificates with Board of Education Chairwoman Lucia Blanco-Maratita, Masga, the Public School System leadership team, and teacher Donald Mendiola.
