Hope Christian High School conducted the graduation rites of Grade 6 Batch Amariah and Grade 12 Batch Eunoia last May 6.

The Class of 2026 marched through the Chong Pai Hun Theater Hall with their parents in a processional led by the school administrators and faculty. An opening ceremony comprising the singing of the national anthem, a prayer and a few welcome messages followed. Anchored in the Scripture Reading, Exquisite 1989 Alumna Dr. Rowena Lei Escolar-Chua then delivered the commencement message. She shared her favorite Bible verse that she learned from Hope—Proverbs 3:5-6— the verse that she returns to when she has a problem or is discouraged.

“So every time I go back to this verse, I believe in the power of this verse. I believe that trusting in the Lord is something that you have to do always. Trust that God is guiding your steps even when the path is not yet clear. Trust that He has the best plans for you,” Dr. Escolar-Chua noted.

She also recognized the parents and teachers for their sacrifices and support in nurturing the minds and hearts of the graduates. Moreover, Dr. Escolar-Chua reminded the students that while accomplishments and awards await them moving forward, those are not the real measures of success.

“All of that can fade away, but success is measured more by character. Success is measured by the lives that you will touch,” she stressed.

Graduating as the Student City Organization (SCO) President, Samantha San also had the opportunity to talk about the lessons she learned from leading the HCHS student body. In her Message of Gratitude, San shared her realization that “leadership is not about being a perfect example but being a resilient one.” She also thanked HCHS for being a community that forms grounded leaders who seek purpose, aim for impact, and bring glory to God.

“We are not just leaving with knowledge. We’re leaving with a kind of leadership this school has formed in us: leadership rooted in resilience, leadership grounded in empathy, and leadership guided by thinking,” San remarked.

Upon the presentation of their graduation diplomas, Grade 6 Graduates Fhoebe Pulusan and Kenneth Li, and Grade 12 Graduates Ranmaie Cariño and Jolin Ong delivered special messages on behalf of their batchmates. Pulusan talked about the meaning of their batch name, Amariah, as “promise by God” and noted that while the path to academic success is full of difficulties, God has made a promise to protect His children. As she looked back on her journey from kindergarten, Pulusan also shared her realization that school is not just about doing exams but becoming stronger versions of themselves. Meanwhile, Cariño used the phrase “May lapis ka ba?” as an analogy, drawing parallels between the sharpening of a pencil and their sacrifices as students. Like a pencil that needs sharpening and shedding to fulfill its purpose, they must endure challenges to become stronger in character and confidence.

“In order to become a better version of ourselves, we must let go of something. We must sacrifice something, whether it’s our comfort, our time, our efforts, our fears, or perfection. It’s a silent perseverance and sacrifice that’s made behind the scenes that truly shapes us into the person we are today,” Cariño said.

The series of English and Chinese speeches transitioned into the presentation of the graduation songs. Grade 6 Amariah sang “Thrive”, while Grade 12 Eunoia performed the song composed by Leannsei Gabucan and Naomi Dionisio, “All Those”. The two batches also sang their respective Chinese graduation songs. These sentimental performances were followed by the graduates’ presentation of their tokens of appreciation to their parents and a message from SHS Graduate Adriel Cudia. In his charge to his fellow graduates, Cudia challenged his batchmates to bring the message of hope to those in need through words, action, and through their lives.

HCHS Alumni Association, Inc. President Mr. Joseph Cua then led Eunoia 2026 in the Alumni Loyalty Pledge and emphasized the value of giving back to their Alma Mater. Batch President Leannsei Gabucan responded to this call through a message of acceptance.

“With deep appreciation and dedication, we promise to give back the same level of support, commitment, and care, if not even more, to the institution that has shaped who we are today, just as it was shaping you,” she stated.

Finally, School Principal Dr. Angeline Tan closed the graduation ceremony by sending off the graduates with a few reminders: “Continue to stand on the promises of God’s faithfulness. Journey a thousand miles. Fly high and soar to greater heights.”