To our school principal _______________, dear graduates, beloved

faculty and staff, parents, friends ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I
would like to personally thank you for inviting me to speak here at
________________, I feel honored and was a bit nervous when
______________ called me. Since I became a sixth grade teacher, closing
exercises had given me bitter-sweet memories. I felt sad every time…it’s so
hard to let go of my kids but I’m happy for them as well because they have
finished the whole year. This I believe is an achievement because this grade
in particular is quite difficult….do you agree graduates?

Foremost, I heartily congratulate all the members of the graduating

class. You did it! and I know you are all happy and proud.

This year’s theme for all closing ceremonies for the Dep Ed is “Unity in
Diversity: Quality Education for All.” This brings us more meaning because
we will ponder upon it today under the light of the Word of God. Let me read
to you from Philippians 1:6 “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work
in you will bring it into completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Today is your day of completion… your graduation. What God has

allowed you to start, he allowed you to complete today. You are going to move
up to a higher level. And as you grow and move up there are things we should
remember as we strive to reach success in our lives. Be agents of change!
How are we going to do this? Let me use this illustration from which I have
also learned a lot from. Everybody loves seeing this. (Show picture of the
rainbow). Some people might even say the rainbow is a symbol of people
uniting despite their differences. However, today

How many colors are there in the rainbow? What are they? We know
the pattern, right? (ROYG BIV)

Now I want us to learn and remember different character traits that

will help us succeed in life.

R stands for Red. This time we will use it to stand for RESPECT. We
have always been taught to respect others. We can even memorize Proverbs
9:10 which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Only
when we learn how to respect others can we truly show how wise we have
become.

O for Orange can also stand for Obedience. One verse I always recite to
my kids whenever they forget is...”Children obey your parents in the Lord for
this is right.” When they hear this, they immediately know what to do.

Y for Yellow stands for Yielding. This word means tending to do or

willing to do what other people want. Be willing to offer help to other people
always.

G for Green stands for Gratefulness. We have always been taught to say
the magic words right? And one of them is thank you! Gratitude is an attitude
we should always have.

B for blue symbolizes Benevolence. It is being defined as an act of

kindness. (One of my favorite character during my childhood once said
“Have courage and be kind”) Mark Twain even said, “Kindness is a language
that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

I for Indigo represents Integrity. It is the quality of being honest and

fair. Would you want someone to lie to you or treat you unfairly? (allow
response) That’s why it is important to be a man and woman of integrity. Tell
the truth and be fair.

Finally, we have V for Valor meaning personal bravery. We are

sometimes afraid of things. But let us be brave. Have courage to face trials
and people as long as what we stand for is right.

Teachers and dear parents, I believe you are very proud of these young
ones. Your roles are important to them. We should be good models to these
children. Be the first models of these character traits and live what we teach.
Because what we show them may be what they will become in the future. Let
us aim to change their lives for the better and support them every step of the
way. Let us love them with the unconditional love that Jesus Himself has
always shown us.
 Parents, let us always find time for our children. Let us give time even
though we are busy. Tomorrow might be too late. Show your children you
love them because for children love is spelled T-I-M-E.

In conclusion, dear graduates, parents and our beloved faculty and

staff, together let us make our world a better place for everyone and let us
make the future brighter and happier.

I want to leave with you a message from God’s word taken from
Proverb 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own
understanding.” Always have faith in Him, because only God can help you in
times you need him most. People will desert you but God will never leave
you. Take hope in Him and everything will come to pass. God will be our best
guide to reach unity in the midst of diversity and to achieve quality education
for all!

Congratulations everyone and God bless you!

Thank you very much!