Basking in Her Glory

As soon as I entered the premises of Ilocos Sur National High School, deep down in my heart, I already knew that it would be the perfect place for me to hone my talents and abilities that would cater to my very needs. I know that it will help me discover and expand more of my excellence, exceeding the horizons of mediocrity and reaching definite grandiosity.

 

The way Ilocos Sur National High School celebrates its High School Day is not new to me because all three of my sisters also chose the aforementioned institution to study at; hence, I sometimes get the chance to witness the school's Foundation Day. Foot parades, field demonstrations, and other activities are conducted to welcome and celebrate another year added to the school's years of existence amidst all the tests of time.

 

But all the joy and gaiety that I expected that I would also experience turned into dust, vanishing from my clutches and drifting so far away from me that it became impossible to capture it again. It was excruciating, of course, to witness every drop of blood, sweat, and tears sacrificed just to practice and prepare for our grade level's supposed field demonstration crumble as the pandemic ruined it all.

 

Three years had passed, but celebrations during the month of March at the school were nowhere to be seen. I was starting to lose hope in being able to join in such a joyful celebration because of the destructive consequences the virus may have for each and every one of us.

 

But thankfully, through the efforts of our school's management, headed by our dear principal, Mrs. Editha C. Bagcal, we were finally able to celebrate the 121st High School Day Celebration once again, with many activities included intended to give entertainment and pleasure to everyone.

 

Many preparations were made. Numerous strings of banderitas were attached in the vicinity of the field, and banners with the colors green, blue, yellow, red, and maroon, which I believe signifies the different grade levels in the institution, were installed at various parts of the school, totally expressing and instilling the festive, colorful, and fun vibe of the event that was planned and expected to happen smoothly.

To formally start the event, a Thanksgiving mass was conducted. After, guests of honor and retired teachers and staff who once gave their service to the school arrived at the Centennial Gymnasium for the event prepared in the morning. Atty. Lovely Lazo was invited to be the guest speaker of this year's event, and her speech and presence were as lovely and stunning as she is.

 

We also performed our winning piece after bringing home the bacon for the Grade 10 Hip-Hop Dance Craze, besting 35 sections of the whole grade level. We were then tasked with performing at the ISNHS Field, flaunting our cool and swag moves, which helped us clinch our way to the top.

 

I was also privileged to be one of the many participants for the Galaw Pilipinas Field Demonstration in the afternoon of that day, promoting callisthenics for the improvement of our bodies, staying away from sedentary lifestyles, and the like.

 

After all activities, we had a small get-together at our classroom, with food and delights donated by the ever-supportive parents of 10-Maxwell, to celebrate the success and victory we had achieved over the past few months, giving honor to our beloved section.

 

As the day ended, I was able to spend time with my friends Zion, Jeric, and Keira, randomly talking about stuff. Even though it was a tiresome day, I can say it was a day well-spent.

 

After the events that had occurred at the celebration, I felt tired as a result of the nonstop walking, dancing, and running throughout the day. It was not as bubbly as our school conducted it a few years ago, but I like it the way it is this year because what makes it special and close to my heart are my classmates and friends, whom I cherish the most, whom I spent the day with, probably remembering the events that had occurred in our entire lifetime.

 

Even after we graduate, pursue our dream jobs, finally become professionals, and fulfill the dreams we had when we were younger, I think I will never dare to forget the warmth this institution of solace has shared with me. For the past three years, I have been and will always be grateful to be part of her family, keeping her name dignified and honored through my actions, interests, and principles. Even if I become a professional someday and fulfill the life God has planned for me, I will always remember every chapter of my high school days; that I was once a son of Ilocos Sur National High School, which once guided me through paths of honor and cradled me to become the best version of myself that I had always dreamed of. Even after I taste the sweet taste of success, I will come and contemplate it to myself, cherishing the ISNHSian me that once trod her historic halls, basking in her glory.

References:

[1] Facebook (n.d.). https://web.facebook.com/isnhsssgoffic/posts/pfbid0qNe8svdKqC1MaJLk3e9aTmqntwuT3rURTCieZZuo18mgtwJzrLucWkRuNyRTGRLzl

[2] Padre, G. (2023). Untitled Picture. Facebook Messenger

[3] Paz, J. G. (2023). Untitled Picture. Facebook Messenger