5th consecutive Candle Pen streak
Former Associate Editor for Candle Pen’s Publications Department, Jerome Samuel Tan, graduated as the Batch 2024 valedictorian for DepEd Prescribed Subjects, making him the fifth consecutive valedictorian hailing from Candle Pen.
Society holds a common belief that names always have a meaning that is inadvertently lived up to one way or another—and the graduated class of the Grade 12 Spartans definitely proved this thought true throughout their entire journey at Makati Hope Christian School.
When broken down, the Spartan ethos highlights impact by having traits that are built on loyalty, camaraderie, strong willpower, and sheer determination.
Meanwhile, High School is regarded as life’s most merciless academic journey, as the students not only have to focus on their studies, but have to navigate through growing up, understanding life, and fighting for what they want. It’s a perilous path that requires venturing into the unknown, but with a strength that comes from knowing you’re not alone.
High School definitely tested their Spartan spirit, but it is also a test that they all passed with flying colors.
As Tan put it in his valedictory address last June 4, 2024, during their graduation ceremony, “Just like the real spartans, we have the courage and support from the people that allow us to succeed as one.”
In Tan’s speech, he looked back at everything the batch has experienced together—all the way since their Grade 6 graduation to the pandemic to their present, and every valuable moment in between.
He stepped off the stage with not only the recognition of valedictorian, but with additional accolades as well, ranging from excellence awards in HUMSS, Math, and Scholastic to a National Discipline Award.
Yet beyond what is tangible, he does not leave the lower grade levels empty-handed. Like a true Spartan, he left an impact as well to the community through his leadership in the Model United Nations Club and Varsity Team. Despite currently studying Diplomacy and International Relations at Ateneo de Manila University, his presence is still felt as he has undoubtedly left echoes of excellence reverberating through the MHCS halls.
“We are celebrating our graduation, not as an end, but as a beautiful beginning for everyone to achieve great things in life.” Tan highlighted as a reminder.
As the Spartans move on to their next stage in life, the Makati Hope community knows that we can only expect the same great things from them as they embody the power and fighting character of their namesake.
Story by Tara Sabrina Mohammad
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