Prize Giving Ceremony

Last night we went to my daughter’s school to attend what they call “End of Year Prize Giving Ceremony” for the senior school (Years 11, 12 and 13). This is when the school gives out awards to students who excelled in academics, arts, sports, music, etc. during the year. It is also the last official school function to be attended by the Year 13 students. Year 13 is roughly equivalent to 2^nd year college in the Philippines. After Year 13, students move on to University. Si Fidez, Year 11 pa lang. Kaya lang siya kasama kasi may award siya.

Sa atin ang ang katapat nitong ceremony na ito Graduation. Maraming pagkakaiba ang graduation nila dito compared sa atin. Dito walang fanfare. Students come in their usual school uniforms. Kahit yung mga Year 13 na gagradweyt, naka school uniform lang, hindi naka-toga. Parents and visitors come in their usual everyday office or business clothes.

Students who are bestowed awards are given certificates or plaques, or cups (parang trophy). Walang sinsabitan ng medals. At kapag tinawag ang estudyante para kunin ang award siya lang ang aakyat sa stage. Hindi kasama ang parents. Kami nanonood lang at taga-palakpak. Wala ring mga paparazzi na nagkokodak sa harapan.

Wala ring mga magarbong intermission numbers na kung saan may sasayaw, kakanta, tutula nang mahabang-mahaba. Ang intermission meron lang kagabi, tumugtog ng classical music ang orchestra, tapos may isang nag-flute na solo. Very dry, simple lang. Kaya naman in 1 hour and a half tapos na ang seremonyas.

Fidez was one of those in Year 11 who were given Academic Honours Award. It’s the highest award given to those who got 90 and above across 6 subjects. For this award, she received a certificate and a $30 book voucher. She was disappointed. She would have preferred a beauty products voucher instead. Mana talaga sa akin. Yung talino lang ha, hindi yung hilig sa beauty products.