Congratulations Homestead Schools Graduates!
Graduations are wonderful occasions allowing us to celebrate hard work and give
thanks to our parents, teachers, and co-students.
It is a constant reminder that our life is made of different parts and
stages.
The
Graduating Class of 2009 Homestead Schools Vocational Nursing Batch 2 held its
graduation ceremony last Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Doubletree Hotel in
Torrance. It was a day filled with
mixed emotions – excitement, happiness, relief, and a little bit of sadness. The
singing of the national anthem by Ellaine Manuel commenced the ceremony.
Mr. Vijay Fadia, founder and president of the school gave the welcoming
address.
The
highlights of the graduation rites were the candle lighting and pinning
ceremony. The candle lighting
symbolizes nursing education. It
was named after Florence Nightingale, the lady with the lamp that represents
energy and commitment to serve others.
Ms. Felicitas Nicolas did the lamp
ceremony representing the history of Florence Nightingale.
The pinning ceremony
was very touching and inspiring as it symbolized service to others, made more
memorable because parents were chosen to perform the pinning while an
audio/video presentation played showing the students thanking their loved ones
for all the support they received.
Another
highlight was the key speaker, Rhodora Sino-Cruz.
She imparted words of wisdom to the students, “Don’t wait for change, be
the change. By obtaining a diploma,
you are already welcoming a change in your life.
Work hard and fulfill your duties as a nurse and financial rewards will
follow. What you give to your work
will be the measure of how indispensable you are.”
Awards
were also presented to those who had done exceptionally well in certain areas.
Best in Attendance was Asia McCullen, Best in Academic Excellence were
Maria Harrison and Delila
Alay-ay, Best in Clinical Practice was Ellaine Manuel, and lastly the Leadership
Award went to Francis Yumul.