Valedictory Address
Haidie F. Figueroa
(WOW, it feels so different holding this mic, standing with these huge number of crowds, and
seeing faces of my love ones).
Before I begin with my Valedictory Address I want you to join me, my fellow
graduates to shout “I MADE IT”. Have you ever wondered why I ask you to join me?
Because, this speech not merely highlights my milestones, journey, and life—this is for us,
graduates of Batch 2024-2025. I was here at the stage to represent you, since I was just like
you too. A normal student, a loving child, an empowered leader, a good citizen and an
individual who’s forging her way to horizon. However, at this opportunity may you allow me
to be your representation of how brave you overcome the rocky path you’ve meet, how
fearless you to try new things along this journey, how blessed you are to have your support
system, family and mentors throughout the embodiment of learnings, and how passionate you
are in every field and experiences you take. For that, I am the proudest to represent all of you,
graduates. Congratulations for making this far!
Through this speech, I would like to express my acknowledgement and greetings to
our highly respected Schools Division Superintendent Mr. Gaudencio C. Aljibe, Jr PhD,
DHum, CESO VI. I am also glad to greet you Mr. Rey F. Bulawan, our Assistant Schools
Division Superintendent. Greetings to you Mr. Felix Ladenio, the District Adapter. A warm
greeting to you Ma’am Edelma O. Blasquillo, our Lavezares 1 District Supervisor. My
respect to our Secondary School Principal IV of my beloved BBCMAIS, Mr. Luisito N.
Fraga. Same respect to our Immediate Senior High School Principal II, Mr. Mario L.
Floralde. To the heads from various departments good evening. To all teaching and non-
teaching staff who are part of this school environment—I am beyond happy to express my
greetings. It’s my pleasure to acknowledge our Guest speaker (my kabaranggay) Attorney
Sunny Cientos. To my family who are there at the crowd, parents, teachers, friends, visitors,
and Batch 2025 graduates—a trailblazing night to everyone.
At this moment, we have just stepped another stair that equivalent of new journey,
new environment, new faces, and novel experiences to happen. A new journey that will serve
as starting point of growth and continuous road ahead of us. For a new environment and new
faces these will be the ‘who and where’ our skills and prowess being hone and shape. Above
all, the novel experiences are sweetest fruit as we step in every stair in our journey. More
than any specific title or achievement, what I truly wish to become is the best version of
myself. I believe that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and every experience, challenge,
and lesson shapes me into a better person. Striving to improve in different aspects of my life
—whether in academics, relationships, or personal well-being—allows me to continuously
evolve and reach my full potential.
Becoming the best version of myself means embracing opportunities for learning,
overcoming obstacles with resilience, and staying true to my values. It also involves being
kind, hardworking, and open to new experiences. I want to grow not only for my own success
but also to inspire and uplift those around me. As I move forward in life, I will continue to
seek growth, push my limits, and become someone I can truly be proud of.
Behind this lady standing in front of you, she was just a child before that always had a
deep passion and love for Science and Math. From their concepts to their real-life
applications, these subjects have continuously fueled her curiosity. This passion led her to
choose the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand as her
academic track in Senior High School. Beyond sparking her interest, she believes STEM will
serve as the foundation for the goals she aspires to achieve in life.
During her Junior High School years, she struggled to determine her interest. At one
point, she even convinced herself that she’s yearning to be an attorney and an engineer—
without fully understanding why. It was only later that she realized this ambition was more of
her family’s dream for her rather than her own.
However, just before officially entering Senior High School, she had one of my most
valuable realizations: my true passion lies elsewhere. My heart’s desire is to wear a white
uniform, gloves on both hands, a stethoscope around my neck, and a protective mask—not as
a burden but as a symbol of dedication. I envision myself walking through hospital halls,
tending to patients, and offering comfort to those in need. These envisions and aims of mine
were built because of the individuals who whisper my name in their prayers and wish for my
success in life—my family, friends, and mentors.
All and foremost, this recognition wouldn’t be possible without his will. His will to
give me the spotlight and milestone I did not ask. One time, I was contemplating why God
continue to give the spotlight even though I did not ask too much for validation and
recognition. After a while, I made a reflection that God did not stop to bless and shower me
with this spotlight because he knows that I am his instrument to inspire others. I think
everyone will agree about my personal quote that is “Validation and Recognition seem like
addiction, the more you have it, the more you want to get and strive for it”. However, in my
everyday walk as a student— I pray for his enlightenment, guidance and acceptance. I always
add in my prayers the word acceptance, because I/we never know what will happen next after
the present time. Our life is not centered by victories, we meet errors and struggles in our life
that we might find it hard to accept.
Believe me or not, my life begins at my Senior High School era. Right before I claim
this statement, I had bountiful of experiences that hit the essence of life. I concluded that life
not merely evolves in lifestyles, it has so much to offer— brings spirit and courage. As I
entered Senior High School, I become more active from various extracurricular activities. All
of you will think that it’s challenging to manage and balance the academics and
extracurricular activities. Yes, it is! It’s like a you’re battling within yourself what to do first
and what should I prioritize. I had met both struggle and growth and I thank for those people
beside me whenever I feel down, lost, and frustrated. But all of those bad phases were part of
the process. Nevertheless, the most important for me is that I experience novel scenarios
during my SHS journey. I won with tears. I loss with smiles. I laugh out of loud. I lead the
highest government of student council. I lost and meet new friends. I walk with confidence. I
qualified back to back for Regional Competition in PaSciDungog Mathkarit. I become part of
pioneering team of TV broadcasting. I excelled in Journalism. I even experience the famous
lyrics from One Direction song “to be loved and to be inlove.
To my mama & papa as you're both God's blessing to me I hope I'll continue to be
blessing to your life also. Mama from my initial breath, I knew your name was written in my
heart—my heart knew already where I belong. I will love you eternity, as you love me
endlessly. I will spoil you with love and hugs as you filled my life with forgiveness and
understanding. Mama, I was praying that you will never get tired hearing my rants and my
dreams. Despite, we had conflict about my course between Nursing and Chemical
Engineering you remain at the middle, advicing me to balance things over passive decision
making. To the man of my life I thank you papa for inspiring in different fields that I applied
as I go outside of our home. Thank you, papa, for supporting me from beginning up until
now. I really admire you papa from being competent and responsible. My success wouldn't
be possible if I were walking alone. I thank you mama & papa for allowing me to open my
passion and interest in life.
As I had always a passion in leading and writing — the Supreme Secondary Learner
Governmen, Senior scout, and The Reaper welcomes me with challenge and commitment.
The SSLG, Senior scouts, and The Reaper family made me realize that if you'll going to
devote your time in studying and you're not indulging in this kind of organization or activities
—you'll end up as individual who's lack in experience in handling academic and
extracurricular activities. To my enthusiasts SSLG family Hayra, Girlie, JC, Anelle, Leona
Miel, Jovic, Ryan, Luis, Samatha, Ashley Angel B., Angel A., DM, Myra, Ian, Rojen, I will
miss you, I hope you will carry something in your lifelong journey and especially to our
SSLG Adviser Ma'am Ramelin B. Villarante, you are more than an adviser, you are a mother
figure to us. I've learned a lot from you. One of your lines that marked in my mind is when
you said na "Kaya ikaw Haidie, tandaan mo kung sino tumulong sayo; kalimutan mo kung
sino kumalimot saimo" and that hits me—you taught me ma'am to value those people who's
genuine and care about you. You also instilled me the traits that leader should possess. To my
the reaper family since grade 8.I can still vividly recall the message I received from ma'am
Nory, she said "Are you interested to take a qualifying exam on blabla at BBCMAIS covered
court. It wasn't stated in the message the type of qualifying exam I am going to take. I just
joined without any preparation. I arrived late and I was shookt because I saw my seniors plus
I only had 1 and 40 minutes. After 5 days of waiting, I received again a message from ma'am
Nory, she said that I was qualified. I was placed at 11th place among 50+ takers. Ma'am Nory
you were a big part of my journey in my journalism. To my former coach, Ma'am Nance
thank you too for believing in my prowess— you were behind of the journey of securing spot
during Division School Press Conference at Pambujan—I am sorry for choosing TVB over
Copy Editing. To my TVBroad coaches ma'am Mary Jane, Sir Ruben, ma'am Ivy—I am full
of gratitude of having you as my coaches. My team couldn't, wouldn't done better without
your support and encouragement. Ate khirvy, Clara, Philip, Hyacinth, and Barbie—I had so
much fun working with you. Hanggang sa muli, Bagwis Balita. To sir mark, mami ernel,
ma'am lorna, ma'am meldee, ma'am leah, sir Kevin—I want to extend my gratitude and love
for you. I wll surely miss your laugh, and chismisan. Being part of Apolinario Mabini Crew
was one of the highlights of my scouting days. A big thanks to Sir Jesson and sir Kevin for
being our outfit adviser—there's no day in my scouting days that I didn't burst out laughing
because of sir Jesson and sir Kevin. Special mention to sir Jonard, my mathematician teacher
and our senior scouters—sir I will bring what I have learned from you for my future
endeavors.
To my JHS and SHS Science teachers I want to express how glad I become your
student—Ma’am Analie, ma’am Welyn, ma’am Anna Kris, ma’am Mary Joy, sir Regor, and
sir Dan. Math teachers—sir Tomada, ma’am Florita, sir Jonard, sir Joel, sir Dionesio. My
Language and Literature subject teachers—ma’am Leilanie, ma’am mae, ma’am nance,
ma’am nory, ma’am marielou, sir ruel, and ma’am mary jane oliverio. To my social science,
UCSP, ICT teachers— sir Rolando, sir ruben, ma’am mary grace mantal and my MAPEH &
PE— ma’am zyra, sir neil, sir Jude and ma’am daditha. These pillars of institutions not only
imparted learnings to me but also to my fellow graduates who are ready to take on their
learnings for next journey.
To ma’am Anna Kris, my teacher, my adviser, and my coach—thank you ma’am Anna Kris
from the bottom of my amygdala (). I thank you for always welcoming me, ate MJ and ate
Kare at your munting bahay. I also thank you ma’am for assisting us Myra & Lawrence—for
giving us the assustance and support in our journey as researchers. To my great mentor, Sir
Danhill Donoga—I always look up tool you sir. You were truly inspiring and empowering. I
thank you sir for uplifting my soul to do better. Secret la nato ini sir, you were my favorite
teacher. I stated at my portfolio that your subject was my favorite among all the subjects. I
think your subject sir has its own magic because I become friends with my most unexpected
people, my research team; Elaisa, Nazaren, Dave, Dan, Alyka, Aya, Elmer, Jake, Leonard, and
Lince and our ampon Janelle—pleaae always remember that if no one's proud of you, I'll be
the one who shout for you and say I am the proudest. To ma'am Marielou, my friends
oftenly called me as ma'am marielou—they saw me in you, is it because I admire you?
Thank you ma'am Marielou for complimenting me. It feels too amazing being complimented
by the one who you look up to. () To the future students of ma'am Joy & sir Joel, please take
care of them—I love their heart and passion. They were best for me. For Ma'am Glecy, I
always love you ma'am. Even after junior high year, I always make sure I can have my time
to visit you. I love you ma'am.
If song will tell our friendship it would be a song by Taylor "It's nice to have a friend" being
with you Hannah, ate Kristel, Camilla, and Angel feels so calm, peace and stable. I never
experience the toxicity like what other relationship had been through. I always feel loved
and valued. Thank you for making this SHS era as my utmost stage of my life.
As I aforementioned a while ago, I said I experience the song of One Direction to be love and
to be in love, Jules Warren Siervo was behind of this line. I was lucky to have him in my life. I
thank God for sending him and become my anchor. When I am with him I meet both calm
and peace. It feels so surreal having the support system I could never ask. I want to send my
Congratulations to your present and future success.
Sslg
Shslo
The reaper
Research
3i
Scouting
Family
Warren
Hannah and friends
teacher
