Apr 05 /
Philippine Alumna Graduates with Honors

By Mazuin Quiachon, Philippines 06-07
hosted in Washington DC

The YES program has improved my life. It taught me about the strong sense of leadership not only in academic life but also for community activities. I used and praticed those lessons here in my country. Thus I graduated my last high school year full of honors and recognition that I hope will make YES proud.

I graduated as a salutatorian but I had received 15 gold medals, 1 big silver medal and 4 plaques. I got 4 best subjects: TLE (Technology and Livelihood Education), Values Education, Computer Education and Science and Technology (Physics). I am the Orator of the Year, Outstanding SMEM member of the Year (Save the Mother Earth Movement) and Elocutionist of the Year. I was also an awardee of the Information Technology, Entrepreneurship and Distinction Award in Writing (English). I also got the Legion of Honor and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award, the highest awards that the school gives to its best student for being one of the best young leaders not only in academics but also to the community.

Our school, under the leadership of our principal, Madame Virgina C.Rebucan, awarded me a plaque of Appreciation for my exemplary performance in academics which made me an international scholar, bringing honor to the school, the city and the country. Our City (General Santos City) led by Mayor Pedro Acharon, awarded me a plaque of recognition for being the First Recipient of General Santos City on American Field Service/Youth Exchange Study Program (AFS YES) at Washington D.C., U.S.A.

The Greenwich Pizza Corporation awarded me a plaque of recognition as a Greenwich Academic and Leadership Awardee for my academic excellence and exemplary leadership in school. The Cargill Cares Scholarship Program awarded me a plaque of appreciation for graduating as salutatorian in secondary education (I will be a Cargill Scholar to be granted 10,000 pesos per year for my college).

After the graduation ceremony, I was experiencing a stiff neck because each medal is very heavy and my hands are full of plaques. My awards really showed that I have a strong leadership in both academics and community.

Also, the AFS YES Philippines chose me to be the recipient of the Henry Howard Scholarship at Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University for my college. It is a full scholarship that will cover the tuition, books, board and lodging, uniforms and travel allowance once a year.

I am so thankful to Allah because He has given me all of these blessings especially for my college. I’ve got all of these opportunities and I know that Allah believe on my abilities. And I know many people do so too.

I am also so thankful to YES because it has uplifted my life. It brought me out from my cage and enabled me to show the world how I can be a leader.