By Jamie Biel C. Perez
Smiles filled the ballroom as proud parents, teachers, and students gathered to celebrate a milestone marking years of hard work, growth, and perseverance. On June 17, 2026, Far Eastern Private School Al Shahba held its 25th Commencement Ceremony under the theme, “Filipino Graduates: Prepared to Lead with Competence and Character,” a fitting tribute to the Grade 6 graduates and Grade 10 completers of School Year 2025–2026.
Guests and students assembled at 4:30 PM following registration, while the program proper commenced promptly at 5:00 PM. The ceremony opened with the processional, recognizing the school management, guest of honor and speaker, and school administrators. This was followed by the national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, led by Shermel Zy-an B. Fernandez of Grade 6D and Raelyn Christine Y. Corpuz of Grade 10D, respectively. Hisham Mhd. I. Yousef of Grade 6A offered the Islamic prayer, while Jamie Biel C. Perez of Grade 10D led the Christian prayer. The school’s vision and mission were then recited by Ayesha Camille L. Romero of Grade 6C and Joemar Aaron R. Garcia of Grade 10B.
School Principal Ms. Mary Jane Panday Onato delivered an inspiring opening message, setting the tone for the evening. The audience was then welcomed by Christen Faith R. Ludovice of Grade 6D and Chloe Jezmine D. Gochy of Grade 10C through their heartfelt Words of Welcome.
Guests warmly received the guest of honor and speaker, Hon. Kenneth Jim Josep Jimeno, Vice Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who addressed the graduates and completers with a message highlighting their responsibility to become competent and principled leaders of the future.
The formal rites of graduation followed as School Registrar Ms. Fatima Lorraine C. Gusano presented the candidates for graduation and completion. The graduates’ eligibility was confirmed by Academic Educational Supervisor Ms. Melanie Q. Baradas whereas completers were confirmed by Mr. Ronron D. Tenorio, and certified by School Principal Ms. Mary Jane Panday Onato.
A brief dinner intermission allowed attendees to reflect, connect, and celebrate before the ceremony resumed with the distribution of awards and certificates by the school management, guest of honor, speaker, administrators, faculty, and staff.
As the program continued, Meenakashi Jairah J. Sekar of Grade 6D and Fhionna Ghavrielle A. Tapia shared messages of gratitude on behalf of their respective batches. This was followed by the batch messages delivered by Louisa Andrea B. Dela Cruz of Grade 6D and Brianna Faye Q. Tito of Grade 10C, whose reflections resonated deeply with the audience. Their speeches paved the way for the Pledge of Loyalty, led by John Nayr N. Tandaan of Grade 10A, reaffirming the students’ enduring connection to their alma mater.
The celebration then shifted to heartfelt performances and tributes. Grade 6 graduates took the stage with their graduation song, “We Made It Through,” followed by a tribute to their parents featuring a message from Rooey Daniel A. Garcia of Grade 6B and the song “Because of You We Learned to Fly.” Grade 10 completers followed with a lively performance of Hannah Montana’s “I’ll Always Remember You,” preceded by a surprise presentation of their class videos. Ma. Sheika Rafa A. Panopio then delivered an emotional message of gratitude to parents, leading into their tribute song, ABBA’s “Slipping Through My Fingers.” After each performance, students presented tokens of appreciation to their parents, creating some of the evening’s most touching moments.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Academic Educational Supervisor Mr. Ronron D. Tenorio delivered the closing message, encouraging students to carry forward the values and lessons they had gained throughout their educational journey. The event concluded with the united singing of the FEPS Hymn, symbolically closing one chapter and opening another. For the Grade 6 graduates, the ceremony marked the beginning of their Junior High School journey, while the Grade 10 completers looked ahead to Senior High School and the opportunities that await them beyond.
Years of learning, growth, and shared experiences concluded in a single ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the Grade 6 graduates and Grade 10 completers. Looking past the awards, performances, and celebrations, the event allowed students to reflect on their educational journey and the individuals they had become through the lessons, challenges, and friendships they encountered along their journey.
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While the occasion carried a sense of bittersweetness as students prepared to embark on new chapters, it also served as a testament to the values and character nurtured during their years at FEPS Al Shahba. As Academic Educational Supervisor Mr. Ronron D. Tenorio remarked in his closing message, “Once a FEPSian, always a FEPSian.” The graduates and completers of Batch 2026 leave behind lasting memories and meaningful contributions to the school community, carrying with them the competence, character, and spirit that will guide them in the years ahead.
Contributed Photos: Provided by Far Eastern Private School Facebook