HCHS celebrates World Teachers’ Day
By: Katriel Ang and Iñigo De Guzman
Hope Christian High School (HCHS) students, teachers, and staff honored World Teachers’ Day with a series of performances in the Chiong Phai Hun Theater Hall last October 5.
Students prepared a variety of musical performances and numbers with the central theme of “A Teacher’s Life” aimed at appreciating the efforts of the teachers and staff towards the development and education of the students.
The program opened with the Rondalla group playing “O, Ilaw,” as students entered the Theater Hall. The audience then cheered as the Board of Trustees, Alumni Officers, administrators, teachers, and staff took part in the “Walk of Fame”.
The program officially began with the Entry of Colors, led by the Hope Boy Scouts, the singing of the national anthem led by Sophia Martinez, and an opening prayer led by Iñigo De Guzman.
Walk of Fame and Opening Ceremony
Ms. Helen Ng, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, delivered the opening remarks, where she said, “Success may carry my name, but it was built on the foundation my teachers laid. Every leader, every builder, every professional you would ever meet again began as a student who had a teacher who refused to give up on them.”
Opening Remarks of BOT Chairwoman Ms. Helen Ng
The performances kicked off with a medley of Disney songs presented by Grade 1 and Grade 2 students who also expressed their love and appreciation to the teachers. Hope Ballet performed the songs “Wonderstruck” and “Touch the Sky”, while, Pangkat Kawayan led a musical performance of the song “A Whole New World”. Hope Chorale also sang the Chinese song “彩虹的微笑 (Rainbow Smile)”. The students’ performances emphasized how teachers’ encouragement and support contributed to their development.
The School City Organization (SCO) then hosted a short Q&A game segment, inviting students to guess teachers based on their baby pictures. Participants who guessed correctly were rewarded with prizes.
Conducted by Ms. Elizabeth Chua, the Hope Handbell Ringers and singers, Grade 5 student Kate Fernandez and Bible Teacher Mr. Jomicah Berroya, then performed the song “You Raise Me Up”.
The SCO also prepared an audiovisual presentation, highlighting the memories and experiences students had made with their teachers.
Shauna San and Caeley Laco then performed the song “For Good” from the musical “Wicked”. The Hope Dance Troupe also danced to the song “How Far I’ll Go”.
Performances and Guess the Baby Teacher Game
As the SCO President, Lexander Cua gave thanks to the teachers on behalf of the student body. In his speech, he said, “Behind every talent, every award, every proud moment, there’s a teacher who showed up on an ordinary morning and refused to give up on us.”
Message of SCO President Lexander Cua
The performances concluded with a dance number of “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” by the Hope Dance Troupe and the Grade 12 batch.
The performers then gave out tokens of appreciation to the school’s teachers and staff. The Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association also presented certificates and tokens to the school administrators.
Grade 12 performance and presentation of tokens
Representing the HCHS-Alumni Association Inc. (AAI), President Joseph Cua emphasized the long-term impact of teachers on their students’ future. “Many years may have passed since we sat in your classrooms, but your words, guidance, and example remain with us. The success of your students is, in many ways, a reflection of love and dedication you have given to them,” he said.
Message of Alumni President Mr. Joseph Cua
Closing the program with a message, Principal Dr. Angeline Tan highlighted the value and significance of the lives of teachers, saying, “As a teacher, our life is measured by the seeds that we sow, the seeds of patience, love, integrity, the seeds of caring for our students.”
Closing Message of School Principal Dr. Angeline Tan
In the afternoon, teachers were treated to a lunch followed by a mid-autumn dice game.