BY JULIA CARREON-LAGOC
BOOM! Boom! Boom! And more fireworks to make the spirit soar! The CENTENNIAL JUBILEE of the San Antonio-San Nicolas Elementary School (SASNES) of the Municipality of Oton began with a bang and ended with a bang – an entire week of festive celebration, May 24-31. What’s left are memories – sweet, precious, divine.
Nine days after, we look back to the days that fleeted so fast, the days so rich in happiness, laughter, and smiles – the way we were, to paraphrase the song. Misty watercolor memories of the way we were. / Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind / smiles we gave to one another / for the way we were…
Day 1, May 24, was the Centennial Walk for a Cause with the alumni and folks who went for the physical fitness they would gain while shelling out P50 each – a fund-raising to finish off the SASNES gymnasium. Incidentally, thanks to ex-Assemblyman Salvador Britanico for his P2 million Priority Development Assistance Fund (no Napoles stain in this PDAF) that started the construction of the gym. Walkers, youngsters and oldsters, briskly walked to the boom, boom, boom of the drums.
A series of hectic, fun-filled activities followed. This writer, alumna of Class ’49, could only jot down the happenings, being unable to attend the day-after-day special events. There was a night of the Centennial Videoke King and Queen, followed by the PTA Night (Hataw Disco) where the young and the young once discoed the night away.
Sinadya Sa Centennial (Live Band) regaled the audience with music and more dancing. A bit subdued was the next day’s Medical Mission, followed by a rousing Hataw Sa Centennial – Dance & Sports Competition. An inspiring, stimulating night followed suit with the Pasundayag 2014.
The Silver & Golden Jubilarians were not to be outdone in the merry-makings. The two batches joined forces in celebrating SASNES Turns Centennial – Honoring Teacher-Retirees of SASNES. It was a most nostalgic night for the mentors of yesteryears, each holding his/her plaque of recognition.
May 31 was the rollicking culmination. Before the clock struck 5:00 in the wee hours of the morning, the Versatile Band roused the residents of San Antonio and San Nicolas to an action-packed whole-day affair. A long line of cars decorated with buntings, balloons, and streamers went on a caravan in the two barangays and nearby vicinities. A Holy Mass was not to be missed thereafter. The day was also set for the General Alumni Homecoming.
Presentation of the alumni was done by batches – from those who finished the primary grade or Grade IV when the school began as a primary school in 1914, before it evolved into an elementary school. Aroma of delicacies and gourmets of sorts whiffed all over the tents of the different batches – the alumni, their families, visitors, and guests helping themselves to food galore while the program went on.
Highlight of the morning was the Flying of 100 Balloons to signify 100 years of the school’s existence. An equal highlight was the evening’s Centennial Waltz and the Candle-Lighting Ceremony of 100 Candles. And then it was dance, dance, dance to your heart’s content.
It would take several column inches to print the names of all who contributed to making the SASNES CENTENNIAL JUBILEE a whopping success. Truly spectacular and wonderful! Thank you all for the helping hands. Thank you for the heart that throbs with LOVE – from the smiling silent well-wishers to the loud ones, from the doddering, cane-assisted alumni to the energetic ones. Warm gratitude to the government officials, belonging to different political parties, who shared their time in the historic celebration of an affair that happened only once in 100 years. One of those things that cannot be replicated.
Cheers to the outgoing and incoming SASNES Alumni Association officers. And cheers to the graduates for standing by the theme: SASNES celebrates 100 years of Success and Excellence. We wish our beloved Alma Mater ever greater SUCCESS and EXCELLENCE as it journeys on to the next 100 years.
Finally, let me repost a portion of my previous column – something for the alumni to bear in mind: A deep Sense of involvement and commitment, and Sensibility to the needs of the community. Service rendered without strings attached – in whatever way, be it big or small. Time to payback for the free elementary education we have enjoyed. Harness our talents earned from the elementary up to our college years and beyond.
Hearken ye, guys and dolls, knowledge gained should flower and bear fruit. (juliaclagoc@yahoo.com)/PN
