Many are Called, But Few are Chosen

by: Aubrey Beatrice B. Carnaje, Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil of Iloilo for AY 2012-2013

Aubrey Beatrice B. Carnaje

To our honored guests, the organizers, teachers, coaches, parents, my fellow awardees, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon.

We call our Batch, THE APOCRYPHALS: The Legends. We all have one thing in common, and that is, the drive to excel in everything that we do.

 As we are about to culminate our elementary years, we look forward for new challenges and tackle the inevitable changes in the years ahead. Yes, life is definitely going to be different in high school and I’m pretty sure we will become a little “Shaken up and stirred”, but as awardees of the Ten Outstanding Elementary School Pupils of Iloilo, we believe that we can make a difference, because we are the APOCRYPHALS: The Legends of our batch.

 As we look back this afternoon, on a journey- a journey that started out with hesitant, tentative steps, we see just how far we have progressed. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent our schools in this prestigious Search for the TEN OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY PUPILS of ILOILO. As I can recall, the most difficult part was compiling our portfolio to beat the deadline set by the organizers. It can’t be denied that we are all busy people, with series of competitions along with school activities and community outreach programs, yet, we managed to submit the requirements on time, (some of us 15 minutes before the deadliest deadline!) Then came the written examinations where almost half of the batch didn’t make it to the Top Fifteen Finalist. Then the interview where most of us would say that it was the greatest experience because we were able to answer the chain of questions thrown by the panel of judges. Again, it has been an honor and a privilege being a part of this legendary search, one which was imbued with wonderful memories.

The Most Outstanding Elementary School Pupil Award is a extraordinary recognition because the participants are the crème de la crème of their respective batch. It does not only give weight to the pupils’ academic achievements but also to their extra-curricular activities, socio-civic activities and community service. And for this, I am greatly honored to become one of the awardees.

Being chosen as this year’s MOST OUTSTANDING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPIL of ILOILO is overwhelming. It seems hard to believe. And I will remember this day with humility, for I know that I wouldn’t be here if not because of the people behind every successful step that I took. To the organizers, I would like to thank you for this rare opportunity. To our parents, thank you is not enough to express what we feel , for we are more than grateful for the untiring support and absolute love that your have given us. To my family, especially to my mom for the indefatigable support since the day I was born, this award is for you.

To our schools, thank you for believing in our capacities. To my school, SPED-Integrated School for Exceptional Children, thank you for the “real-life” training. Being an exceptional child enrolled in SPED-ISEC gave me the best experience, the best opportunity to grow as an individual gifted with many talents. It is where I learned that whether we are special or exceptional, we were all created equal in the eyes of God. We were taught to remain humble despite of the achievements we have received.

To our teachers and coaches, thank you for your support. You inspired us to become what we are right now.

To my fellow awardees, today’s achievements may fade or even be forgotten. The applause may become a distant memory and our certificates and medals may gather dust on a shelf or in a drawer. But what matters most is that we will be remembered for what we have done to our families, schools, and the community where we belong. Because along with this award, comes the responsibility to make a difference, to become the legends. Let us hold unto our value system, our humanity, for these are the things that will guide us further on our journey.

In behalf of the Ten Outstanding Elementary School Pupils of Iloilo, I would like to thank the OSCI Organizers, our supportive parents, family and friends, our teachers and coaches, and of course, the Lord Almighty, for without our God-given talents, we will not be here accepting this recognition.

We are The Apocryphals: The Legends, because of God’s love and grace, no more, no less.

Again, a pleasant afternoon! God bless everyone. @