The Sentro Baler was once again filled with aspiring graduates and rejoicing families in the occasion of the ASCOT 24th Commencement Exercises held last April 7, 2017. This year’s Commencement Exercises marks the largest graduating class in the College’s history with a total of 707 successful candidates, 11 of which will be graduating with latin honors.
Prior to the ceremony, a Baccalaureate Mass was officiated by Rev.Father Baltazar Nonato.
Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes, ASCOT President led the imposition of hoods, and awarding of diplomas and certificates to 45 graduates in the Graduate Program, 334 graduates in the Undergraduate Programs and 328 graduates for the Diploma and Certificate Courses.
The Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker, MGEN Angelito M De Leon AFP, Division Commander, 7th Inf Division, PA inspired and lifted the spirit of the graduates and the members of the faculty and staff on his keynote address that is centered on this year’s Commencement theme, “Pursuing Change towards Excellence through Strengthening the Pillars of Transparency and Instituionalizing Responsible Leadership”.
Mr. Dave Patrick L. Ruiz, Class Valedictorian of Batch 2017 delivered an expressive speech where he resembles the journey of each student to a “Kwek-Kwek”. The different procedures in the preparation, cooking, and selling of the famous Filipino food be like the challenges, tasks and tests in the life of every student that will prepare them to be an accomplished professionals. In his words of thanks, he expressed his overwhelming gratitude to all the people who helped, inspire and motivate him in achieving his Diploma.
It is with great pride that this year’s ASCOT Graduation marks not just the largest graduating class in the history of the College but also the first graduation with a same day edit video of the highlights of the program and a live video stream of the program which was made possible through Facebook live.
The event was made more memorable and unforgettable with the graduation song with a twist (dance) rendition of the 2017 graduates of “Try Everything” instead of the traditional singing of the song.