San Vicente school honors academic achievers

In a sea of yellow t-shirted student body, 5th grader Zenas del Rosario led the second to the last school assembly at San Vicente Elementary School Friday, April 15, where 81 students and 13 teachers trotted up the stage to be recognized and honored for their achievements in the Academic Bee Challenge, the Middle School Forensic League, the Primary Grades Forensic Competition, and the Math Court.

The penultimate Student Council-led Assembly heard 5th grader Edu Banaag, Impromptu Speech gold medalist and School Spelling Bee champ, testify on the MegaSkill of Confidence, April’s chosen emphasis. “Confidence means that even when you are not assured of succeeding, you go out and do it anyway,” he said.

Academic achievements as both the destination for honors as well as a satisfying journey of participation were the twin theme chords extolled during the assembly.

Notable among the MSFL finalists was 6th grader Madija Lisa Onni, Prose Reading and Impromptu Speech medalist, who earned the opportunity to compete at the nationwide level in the continental US.

First place achievers in the PGFC included Rachel Borja and Joseph Patris (Readers Forum), Odin del Rosario (Impromptu), Gilda Ogarro, Patricia Metran, and Sierrabeth Benavente (Choral Speaking), Mikky Vargas (Humorous Interpretation), and Edu Mari Banaag (Impromtu). First place achievers in Math Court Regional included Mark Anthony Liban (Fraction), and Jaime Hopkins (Multiplication).

Schoolwide Academic Challenge gold trophy winners were Jorge Ordas, Christopher Tudela, Christina Carulla, Mon Alvin Morera (4th Grade, Rhonda Camacho’s class), Edu Mari Banaag, Liezel Tiples, Mark Anthony Liban, and Selima Kazuo (5th Grade, Yvette Reyes’ class), Norman Chan Jr., Alvijane Manabat, Clifford Fejeran and Nikki Sanarez (6th Grade, Rose Adams’ class).

For their commitment as coaches “way beyond the call of duty,” including investment of weekend time to tutor students, were the following teachers: Kinai Salas, Lou Mariano, Marither Jastillana, Dorothy Roberto, Eva Wilkins, Cheryl Soria, Cecilia Camacho (PGFC coordinator), Rose Adams, Tess Camacho, Cristina Yohanan, Sue Gates, and Shirley Duenas. Newly installed school administrative assistant Stephanie Sakuma handed out tokens of recognition and gratitude.