By: Alessandra Palacio 10D
Marking a new chapter for the incoming Grade 7 students, the school celebrated the Welcome Legacy on September 3, 2026, bringing Grade Grade 7 students together to honor their transition into junior high school. The celebration brought the students together through a series of speeches, a symbolic key-passing ceremony, and a Welcome Walk led by the Grade 7 students.
To officially commence the event, Principal Mary Jane P. Onato delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming the students and encouraging them to embrace the challenges of high school life. She also spoke about the experiences and opportunities that come withit, while engaging the Grade 6 students by asking if they were excited and ready to enter Grade 7.
Ms. Analyn Clariza, Grade 7 Adviser, together with Ms. Yvette Serran, Cycle Head for KS3 JHS, and Ms. Krizza De Guzman, Grade 6 Adviser, highlighted the purpose of the event and its role in the students’ growth. Ms. Jane then shared that the event was inspired by one of her professors, describing it as a significant way to welcome the Grade 7 students as they enter junior high school. Ms. Melanie Q. Baradas, Academic Educational Supervisor, delivered a motivational speech encouraging the students to study hard and reach their fullest potential. Before the symbolic key was presented, Ms. Krizza called on Meenakashi Jairah Sekar, a Grade 7 student, to receive it. Representing the new doors of opportunity that await the students, the key also symbolized the new memories they would create throughout their junior high school journey.
The transition from elementary to high school continued as the students headed toward their respective blocks for the Welcome Walk. With Meenakashi leading the group and carrying the symbolic key, the Grade 7 students walked up the stairs and circled the first-floor hallways before making their way downstairs to continue the walk. They then returned upstairs and faced the Grade 6 students gathered as the audience. The sight served as an inspiration to the Grade 6 students, allowing them to envision themselves entering junior high and unlocking opportunities of their own.
For the Grade 7 students, the moment offered a chance to look back on where they had been just a year ago. Seeing the Grade 6 students reminded them of when they were stillpreparing to graduate and looking forward to a new beginning. Now, as high schoolers, they shared their thoughts on entering this new chapter. Louisa De La Cruz (7D) shared, “There are going to be more responsibilities and more homework. It will be much. But I feel challenged, but in a good way, because I know that high school will help me discover what I am capable of. ” Meanwhile, Christen Ludovice (7D) said she was “feeling both giddy and proud to be following in the footsteps of my previous fellow Fepsians, and continuing to uphold the Fepsian legacy.” Meenakashi Sekar (7C) described her feelings as “a mix of anticipation and humility” as she prepared for the challenges ahead.
To close the event, Ms. Melanie delivered the closing remarks, bringing the Welcome Legacy to a meaningful end. The celebration served as a reminder of the students’ transition into junior high, marking the start of a new chapter filled with experiences, responsibilities, and opportunities.