The valedictorian’s address: ‘Doing a common thing in an uncommon way’

The lifetime journey of a high school graduate makes a fascinating valedictory speech at the end of the school year.  In the past 47 years. Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center, with her five schools, complete with preschool, grade school, and professional high school, has thoroughly enjoyed listening to their valedictorians’ declarations.

“I cannot help but wish that the current political candidates could match their sincere and meaningful messages.”

Sierge Miel Agapito, Pampanga High School class valedictorian – focus on excellence

“Booker T. Washington once said and I quote ‘Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.’  I believe that as O.B. Montessori students, we received an education considered to be different and strange compared with other schools.  I remember when I was about to enroll as a Casa student, way back in our old school in Villa Gloria, there were two things that I said to myself.  “What are they doing?”  I said this because I did not see students studying rather working with unique things, which they call ‘materials.’  Different materials such as Pouring Juice, Pink Towers and Brown Stairs, Board of Powers and the likes.  As a young child, I viewed these different materials as fun to play with, but I did not know the reason why we use them because I was young.

“As I advanced to the elementary level, things were pretty much similar as before. We still had materials arranged in our classroom or as we call it our Prepared Environment.  Our curriculum was still unique. I remember a time when my cousin from another school was studying her lesson about grammar. I told her that a noun is symbolized as a big black triangle. I was not even finished explaining when she laughed.  She even asked me what other things I study.  I answered back proudly, “Some stuff like the Cosmic Organization Chart, the Fundamental Needs of Man, the Leaf Laboratory, the Great River, Clock of Eras and such.” Again she laughed thinking that I was ridiculous and she showed me her different books. Our conversation turned into an argument until I came to tell her that “This is our way of learning things.” This was the time when I realized that we did common things (studying) in a special way (Montessori Curriculum), therefore we EXCELLED.

“I finally understood the philosophy of Maria Montessori’s “Seipsum Facit Persona - Man Makes Himself.”  We were the ones who taught ourselves to learn different things.  Our teachers were only there to guide us.

“When I was in high school things began to change. We did not have any materials anymore. We also have new classmates coming from different schools like Asian Montessori Center, St. Scholastica’s Academy, and others.  We competed to show who the best were.  Sad to say, most of them had higher grades than me. A former batch mate even said “How did this guy become a salutatorian?”  (I graduated as the batch salutatorian when we were Grade six).  As I heard this, I became sad. But this did not stop me from studying and striving harder.  I looked back from my past and decided to continue “doing things in a special way.” That is what Montessorians do. I learned facts by reading the newspaper and current events especially the weekly Philippine STAR columns of Dr. Preciosa S. Soliven and Mrs. Sara Soliven-de Guzman. 

“I learned a lot even from our elective subjects like Spanish, French, CAT, Accounting, Law on Persons. I realized here that learning is not only about memorizing facts. It is learning to become a responsible and self sustaining adult. 

How I see you in the next 10 years

“It is in fact a crossroad as we step out of this institution. We all have hopes, dreams and aspirations. I just hope that all these will be fulfilled. I can see doctors like Theodore Tuazon, Justin Sandik, Ariel Belmonte, Kyle Pineda, Sofia Libunao and Therese Gueco.  There will come a time when we will see each other doing our rounds at St. Luke’s Medical Center.  We have variety of engineers like Antonio Coronel and Joseph Luna; successful businessmen like Josh Samson, Lindsey Rivera, and Andrea Villanueva; A Chinese billionaire, Roger Yen! We have an accountant Justin Zuñiga, international ambassadors like Faela Maglalang, Giselle Lapid and Yuna Oh. Don’t forget the artists like Julie Dimalanta and Bea Basilio.  We also have entrepreneurs like Cristine Bravo and Marie Catungal. Someday in the streets of San Fernando you will even see Ferraris and Lamborghinis for sale, all because of Jose Mari Gozun! And many more dreams that I hope I will see in the next 10 years.”

“Speaking of success, I believe that behind every man’s success is a WOMAN. I would like to take this opportunity to thank three important women in my life.  First, I would like to thank the first woman in my life, my mother. Ma, for nine months you carried me in your womb to keep me alive, healthy and safe.  I remember the times when you used to teach me. I’m sorry if I disobeyed you, acted foolish and became unruly. Now, I understand what you always say to us:  “Para kekayu murin ‘yan” (It’s for your own good), thank you so much.  Ma, I love you.  Next, I would like to thank my second mother also, Ms. Sarmiento, my adviser.  Ma’am, thank you for believing in me.  I’m sorry for the times when your 4B boys stay outside the classroom for 15 minutes, I love you ma’am.  Of course, I would like to thank the greatest inspiration in my life, my best friend, Roanne Dungao, Ro, thank you very much for caring for me. You never left me. You were always there when I needed you.  I love you!

“Next, I would like to thank my family. Dad, you always inspired me since then. Now that I’m going to college, boy, I really miss the times you pick me up and drop me to school: Those times when you tell me I’m late when we hear Mike Enriquez in DZBB advertising his favorite Mekeni products.  Thank you very much dad. To my dear brothers, Kuya Viggo and Moi, I would like to thank you for always cheering me up.  Few days from now, I will be in Manila with you Kuya. We promise to be good boys right?  And Moi, you will be the only one left in our house. You can always call me when you need help.  Be a good boy over there kiddo.”

Carmelo Ortiz IV, OBMC Las Pinas Grade School class mayor

“There is an African proverb made famous in a book by then United States First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.  The title of the book was taken from the proverb and it simply says, ‘It takes a village.’

“A village has to have a “keeper of knowledge” (the sage) from which knowledge flows… knowledge to guide us as we take that next important step. The keepers of that knowledge are here with us today. Dr. Preciosa Soliven, Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sara Soliven-de Guzman, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Leonida Indiongco, Principal, teachers, parents, classmates and batch mates, a pleasant afternoon. I have gained, learned and acquainted this knowledge, which all of you have unselfishly imparted and for that, I am truly grateful.

“What makes a village thrive and prosper? First, a village should have a source of authority and stability, a guiding force that instills order, concentration, love for work, friendliness, obedience initiative, love of silence and joy. Realizing the importance of these virtues, it motivated me to join the Junior Police Program that aims to develop one’s confidence and leadership skills.  Since then, I was a decorated patrol leader in Scouting and a Class Mayor from first grade up until the first quarter of the fifth grade. These opportunities thought me discipline, leadership and perhaps, as importantly – Pride, pride for our village. I am sure that all 76 of us who were nurtured by our teachers and “village leaders” will remember with gratitude what it took to mold solid citizens and leaders of the future.

“Second, our village has the Prepared Environment filled with universally tested materials for each subject which has made learning easy much more than memorizing books. My personal favorite would be the Pythagorean insets. They challenge me to provide solution to very complex questions and keep my mind stimulated all the time.  These mental challenges inspired my love for Math together with Geometry, Geography and Zoology.  Another great resource I really enjoyed is the Great River chart (the circulatory system).  What better way to learn about the human anatomy and its marvelous interrelationships, thus inspiring many of our alumni to be doctors. What a privilege to find Science and Math so delightful to learn! So did our specially trained teachers who worked tirelessly to satisfy our unquenchable quest for knowledge.  

“Thirdly, a village must be able to take on new challenges and overcome adversity – as individuals and as a team. I have always been “challenged” when it comes to sports, so much so that I don’t even touch sports, video games.  One day, our basketball team was about to forfeit a game because we lacked one player. So rather than lose the game outright, our coach made the decision to put me in.  I rose up to the challenge – I said “YES” and… Win or lose, we sometimes have to say yes to new and even difficult challenges, especially when the good of the team – the village – The greater good is at stake.

Our village is like a Pixar creation

“Our village is like a Pixar creation (an American computer animation film studio that produced Toy Story) – with its life, color, warmth and most of all friends!  In the eight years I’ve been in this village, I have gained so many friends sharing with them my ups and downs, laughters and tears. . . . I WILL NEVER BE ALONE.”

“….. As we move on to larger, more complicated villages, I would like to ask you, my friends a favor, NEVER FORGET this village, where you came from.  This village is my village, your village, our village – O.B. Montessori School.  Thank you all and God bless!”