ESCOmpetence: Celebrating 

For months, the collective prayers for classes to end more quickly filled the room. But on April 21, as the familiar tune of the processional march echoed throughout the whole Centro Escolar University (CEU) Centrodome, that answered prayer became less of a victory and more of a goodbye. 

As a formal conclusion for the school year 2025-2026, the morning ceremony, filled with proud elementary and junior high school (JHS) Escolarians, was anchored by an inspirational message delivered by keynote speaker Ms. Rickaella Alexandria P. Globa, who was a former Centro Escolar Integrated School (CEIS)  student. Through her speech, she encouraged Escolarians to take every opportunity seriously, as true growth comes when people challenge themselves. “Every opportunity you take [helps] you shape who you become," she stated. “Empowerment happens when competence meets opportunity.” 

Her encouraging words found immediate form through the rows of competent students who awaited the highlight of the ceremony—the awarding of achievements. The elementary and JHS students stood one by one to receive their recognition for extracurriculars, co-curricular activities, and outstanding performance in academics. A loud string of applause echoed through the room, and a sense of pride filled every awardee and relative. 

Their sentiment was mirrored by the Senior High School (SHS) students. In the afternoon ceremony, the same excitement and pride flickered through each fellow SHS Escolarian. Shaping those feelings into words, keynote speaker and CEIS alumna, Ms. Mary Abygail Louise G. Dela Cruz, highlighted that competence is built little by little through trial and error. "Competence is built. Hindi ito ibinibigay sa atin. You don’t wake up one day suddenly you're confident, you’re skilled, and you’re ready for everything," she quoted. 

Taking those words to heart, SHS Escolarians took the stage to receive their awards in extracurriculars, outstanding performance in academics, and academic achievements. For the grade 12 students, special awardees received recognition for their work immersion and outstanding performance in specific disciplines. 

As the event neared its end, Ms. Julia Santos, rank 1 of the Grade 11 batch, represented her peers on stage as she delivered an empowering speech about perseverance and believing. She used her own journey as an example of how the power of believing changed her life. “I am a testimony to the power of believing. So please never get tired of believing," she shared.

As the final applause faded and the students started to scatter outside the campus, the answered prayer finally took shape. With medals hanging around their necks and certificates in their hands, these students walked out of the campus as the authors of another new chapter, as Ms. Globa quoted, “Your future is in your hands.”