FCT honours Fil-Can outstanding student graduates

FCT honours Fil-Can outstanding student graduates

MPP Raymond Cho, Jordan Santos Bouckley (Most outstanding Secondary School Graduate awardee), MP Sean Chen, MP Rechie Valdez, Collin Cortez Rosales (Outstanding Secondary School Graduate awardee), OSA Chair Tony San Juan, Gianne Esmino Mangalino (Outstanding Secondary School Graduate awardee), Khristine Shermae de los Reyes (Outstanding Elementary School Graduate awardee), Vanezza Hechanova Bucao (Most Outstanding Elementary School Graduate awardee), School Trustee Gary Tanuan, YorkU Prof. Marissa Largo.

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.

Eight Filipino Canadian student graduates in Ontario received awards during the 17th Annual FCT Rosalinda C. Javier Outstanding Student Awards on April 7, 2024 at the FCT Social Hall, Scarborough, Toronto. The yearly event is a project of the Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT), a none-profit, volunteer-run and community-based organization in the province.

Presented with plaques of recognition, congratulatory certificates, and cash awards were University graduates Roelle Ann Santa Maria, Leny Rose Lopez Simbre and Jasmine Santos Bouckley; High School graduates  Jordan Santos Bouckley, Gianne Esmino Mangalino, and Collin Cortez Rosales; and Elementary School graduates Vanezza Hechanova Bucao and Khristian Shermae Delos Santos. The elementary and high school awardees were chosen based on the criteria of Academic Grades (50 percent), Extracurricular Activities (15 percent), Community Involvement (15 percent), and Interview Performance (20 percent). with an official citation of academic honours or distinction from the university or college.

Dr. Ethel Tungohan, Brady and Leny Simbre, Tony San Juan, Wilma Delo, Rick Esguerra, Chris Sorio.

Among those in attendance at the recognition rites were speakers and guests of honour OCAD University President Ana Serrano, York University Assistant Professor Dr. Marissa Largo and special guests Federal Small Business Minister and MP Rechie Valdez, MP Shaun Chen, Ontario Minister and MPP Raymond Cho, Ontario and representatives of MPP Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP Andrea Hazell and MPP Doly Begum, Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Tate  and TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan.

The eight honourees were selected by members of the Rosalinda C. Javier Outstanding Student Awards (RCJOSA) Committee composed of  FHHC founding chair Tony A. San Juan (Chairman),  FCT president and CEO Mary Ann San Juan (Co-chair), TCDSB community relations officer Jodelyn Huang,  PCCT immediate past president Steve Pagao, FCT board director Nitz Redjik, TDSB vice principal Fermer Santos and WFG Senior Executive Chairman and Founder Agnes P. Miranda donated the 8 Plaques of Recognition. The FCT directors and executive officers shelled out the cash prizes. Efren De Villa, Theresa Lumanlan, Dr. Nenette De Villa, Wendy Arena, Lui Queano performed their parts well in the 90-minute program.

Started in 2005, the recognition program aims to challenge and encourage students of Filipino heritage to achieve academic success in their educational endeavours. For over 19 years, the Centre has recognized 154 top graduates in Ontario.

Online applications for the Schoolyear 2023- 2024 Competition will commence in July 2024. Interested candidates may check out filipinocentretoronto.com or contact: filipinocentreinfo@gmail.com or Tel. 416-335-0485.    

(PRESS RELEASE)

MPP Raymond Cho, MP Sean Chen, Leny Simbre, MP Rechie Valdez.

Prof. Marissa Largo with Violeta SM Arevalo (for her daughter Roelle Ann Santa Maria, Most Outstanding Post-Secondary School Graduate awardee).

OCAD President and Vice Chancellor Ana Serrano with awardee Gianne Mangalino.