All 67 grade 12 students of the Tarlac State University Laboratory School (TSU LS) under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand graduated with honors this morning (July 14) at the TSU Gymnasium, Main Campus.
This is the pioneering LS batch after the secondary school's reinstitution in 2021.
Fifteen graduates were awarded "with high honors," while the remaining received their SHS diplomas "with honors."
James Karl Lagman, a "with high honors" recipient with the highest general weighted average, delivered his words of gratitude and shared the changes he applied that helped him become a top-performing student.
"I wanted to make my parents proud by being an achiever in academics. [So] I started to change my lifestyle. I created a schedule by spending time reviewing, and most of all, I gave up my passion, which is gaming, so [that] I can focus on my studies," Lagman said.
Similarly, Dr. David Marco A. Bildan, the guest of honor and speaker, shared his academic journey as a TSU LS alumnus from batch 2012 and some pointers on setting goals toward excellence and resiliency.
"When you have a personal goal, you have that internal motivation to achieve it. Meron kang accountability sa sarili mo na may gusto kang ma-achieve. Therefore, this internal motivation will translate into actions that will eventually help you reach your dreams," he said.
Dr. Bildan currently works as a general physician here in Tarlac. He ranked tenth in the 2022 Physician Licensure Exam and second in the February 2017 Medical Technologist Licensure Exam.
Meanwhile, a graduate tearfully received her diploma and medal while holding the picture of her deceased father, who passed away in 2019 due to asthma.
In an interview, Pauline Salak mentioned that this is the first time she will receive an academic distinction without his father.
“Noong elementary po ako, siya (father) po lagi 'yung nagsasabit sa akin. Kaya dinala ko po siya (picture) sa special na araw po na ‘to lalo na graduation," she said.
She also shared that being a tricycle driver has never been a hurdle for his father in sending his children to school.
“Siya (father) po 'yung inspirasyon namin kasi tatlo po kaming magkakapatid tapos napatapos na po nila (parents) si ate ng college kahit po ang trabaho niya ay tricycle driver and super proud ko po doon,” she added.
In 2022, Republic Act No. 11695, or the new TSU charter, has lapsed into a law governing the university's operations.
Among the amended provisions is the establishment of the TSU LS under the College of Education.
The TSU LS aims to continue the tradition of excellence in Central Luzon. (jlmm-OPA)
