Pilipino Graduation 2024: Abutin Ang Mga Bituin

PILIPINO GRADUATION XXIV

2023 - 2024 CLASS

Gabrielle Carvajal Atencio

Francis Ryan Basa

Noah Celis

Lexi Diniz

Andrea Jamisola Florendo

Riann Maria Lourdes S. Galvez

Matthew Dennis Go

William Louis Go

Glen Marc Angelico Concordia Hasta

Adriel Dane Manalili

Darren Alain Pagdonsolan Manalo

Kaye Cruz Oda

Kenneth Cruz Oda

Caroline Perez

Marjorie Mae Sonico Semsem

Darrel Varquez

Jophiel Oliviere Oliver

Sean Thomas Anderson Pallagao Barbasa

Hello everyone and welcome to the 24th annual Pilipino Graduation!

My name is Kaycie Ambaan and I am proudly serving as this year’s Pilipino Graduation President! I have had such an amazing time planning this year’s ceremony and I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help and support. Thank you to PGriddy Board, Barkada’s Starr-e Board, our advisor, Dr. Mendoza, and the Pilipino Alumni Chapter.

I want to congratulate all of this year’s graduates on their accomplishments this year and throughout their college journey! Many of the graduates this year did not get to experience a proper high school graduation due to the pandemic and experienced many difficult obstacles on the way to getting their degree. Regardless, they have persevered through many trials and tribulations to get where they are today.

Congratulations Class of 2024!

Our theme for this year’s Pilipino Graduation is “Abutin ang mga Bituin” or “Reach for the Stars.”

This theme serves as a reminder to keep on dreaming and working towards even bigger and better goals as they turn a new page in their stories.

To our graduates, we wish you success on your future endeavors. As you enter this new chapter in your life, we hope you continue to look to the skies and reach for the stars!

Always,

President

Secretary

Vice President

Public Relations

As a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, Dr. Nirmla Griarte Flores is privileged to serve as an Assistant Professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. Being a former bilingual elementary/secondary school teacher for 12 years, she also performed the duties of a site technology coordinator, collaborating with and supporting classroom teachers, families, and students on their technology-related needs.

Her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership for Social Justice with a certificate in Reading Literacy paved the way to her teaching of various graduate and undergraduate courses such as Foundations in Literacies, Language and Literacy, STEM, Rhetoric & Writing, Teaching Secondary English Learners. She has also co-edited and co-authored a book, written book chapters/journal articles, and received internal/external grants that address the cultural and linguistic needs of K-12 students. Her most recent publications revolve around the analysis of Asian American female faculty, A Comparative Analysis of Literacy Instruction, and the Revitalization of the Fading Filipino Heritage Language. She is also in the process of establishing a Tagalog (Filipino) Bilingual Authorization for the teacher preparation program at Cal Poly Pomona.

As a current Webmaster/ Board Member of the CA Association of Bilingual Teacher Education (CABTE) & a Webmaster/Newsletter Editor of the CA Association of Asian Pacific American Education (CAAPAE), and a newly elected Board Member of the CA Council on Teacher Education (CCTE), as well as an active member of Asian Bilingual Teacher Education Program (ABTEP), Dr. Flores has gained much appreciation for biliteracy/ multiculturalism and a relentless desire to bring diverse groups together around a common vision.

Outside the education field, she is a wife to her husband and best friend of 25 years and a mother of 2 young adult children in college with whom she spends her time hiking, singing karaoke, traveling, & eating all kinds of food.

Biology

Chemistry It’s lights out and away we go. - David Croft Personal Accomplishments Kellogg Honors College Organic Chemistry Research Biology Research Dedications To my family, the greatest support system ever. They’re my everything.

To my boyfriend, Andrew, who can always pick me up when I’m down.

To Jopy Line, life long friends made through the test of time distance + circumstance.

Special thanks to Celsius + Starbucks.

Business Administration

Technology and Operations Management To all my friends and family that supported me thoughtout the trials and failures I experienced. Thank you for all the love and support, I hope to give it back twice as much in this next chapter of my life.

Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering

Dare to live the life you’ve dreamed for yourself.

Personal Accomplishments Kellogg Honors Student Chevron REACH 2021 Scholarship Recipient William Skasol & Benning-Moore Scholarship Edison STEM Scholars Scholarship Kellogg Honors College Scholarship Certificate of Recognition from California Leadership Institute Dean’s List (2020-2023) ALD Honors (2020-2024) Dedications Thank you to my family, Mommy and Ninang and friends and close family friends.

Visual Communication Design Studio Art

College education was honestly pretty wack but I’d be damned to not say I can’t believe I paid all this money for a piece of paper and a bunch of art supplies I’ll never use, yet I am eternally grateful for the connections, friends, and love I have found throughout my time here. While I have infinitely more room to grow as a person, I cannot believe the growth I had experienced in my few short years here. Thank you to everyone who has ever made me smile, laugh, cry, angry, or sh*t myself. Til’ next time.

Personal Accomplishments Dedications 2D3D+ PolyKroma 2022 Art Show Contender and Participant ● Special thanks to my family for the undying support they had 2x Dean’s List shown me wthroughout my time in college both financially and Found my career passions before I graduated! emotionally.

BFA and a Minor in Studio Art ● Shoutout to all my friends that have carried me through highs 2023 E-Sportsfest Valorant Champion and lows and made me cherish my life without a single doubt.

PACN 33 Lead Graphic Designer and made Tibayan Program (with Love you all. a big help ● Thank you to my Art Department, the College of ENV, and from my committee <3) Building 13 for giving me a community and home that felt like no Spic-E Year Best Artist other on this damned campus. While I may not agree with all of its Sportsfest XXXI Board PR curriculum, god damn did I grow exponentially as an artist.

Sealed the cracks of mental degradation caused by quarantine. ● I want to dedicate this accomplishment and my graduation to my Wagetree Lola. Although she is not here to witness it, she lives on through UA Shareholder my memories and my heart and Had one (1) sub 1,200 likes tweet about Cheesecake Factory (iykyk) every single thing I do towards my life and my future, is in her Successfully put dozens on Cali Tacos honor. Love you Lola. May we eat tapsilog together again one day.

Made lifelong friends and family :) ● Shoutout to my beloved egg, Northernlion.

Communication Public Relations

Thank you to my family and friends for always being some of my biggest supporters and always believing in me!

Personal Accomplishments PRSSA President Dean’s List 2022, 2023 Dedications Lexi would like to thank her family and friends for all the kindness, support, and generosity they have shown her these past three years. She would like to extend her gratitude to her friends for always making Cal Poly Pomona a “home away from home” and her parents for always supporting and encouraging her and her dreams.

Business Administration Accounting

I came to CPP looking to understand more about my Filipino heritage in hopes to fill the hole inside me that I couldn’t understand. I am so happy to be able to say that I’m now leaving with, not only knowledge, but friendship, a sense of community, and so much love. Thank you to the most welcoming Pinoy community that I have the honor of being a part of— for teaching me the joys of being Filipino and most of all, the joy of being myself.

Personal Accomplishments Graduated with a full time offer from RSM US LLP, a top 5 public accounting firm in America.

Dedications A special thanks to: My parents, who have always cooked me warm meals after a long day, advocated for me despite my own self-doubts, and moved mountains to help me get to where I am today; Lucas, who fuels my love for adventure and a good story but will always be my baby brother whose hand I hold when those adventures get scary; And Jacob, who gives me a loving and safe space to shut my brain off whenever I feel overwhelmed, all while continuing to encourage me to be my best self despite everything.

I love you guys.

Psychology Though miles may separate us, the memories we’ve created together will always bind us closely in heart and mind.

Personal Accomplishments My graduation is a testament to my dedication and hard work. I’m proud to have reached this milestone, grateful for the support of my loved ones, and excited to start the next chapter of my journey.

Dedications I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my friends, family, and God for their unwavering support, encouragement, and love throughout my journey. Their belief in me, especially during the most challenging times, has been a guiding light, inspiring me to persevere and pursue my dreams.

Through every obstacle I’ve faced, I’ve found solace and strength in my faith. God’s presence has been a constant source of reassurance, reminding me to never lose hope and to keep striving for excellence.

As I move forward, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned from my loved ones, mentors, and from the divine guidance of God. With their support, I am empowered to embrace the challenges ahead, knowing that with perseverance and faith, anything is possible.

Thank you, with all my heart, for being a part of my journey and for helping me realize the importance of never giving up on my dreams.I love you guys.

Electrical Engineering The only thing I’m gonna miss is glizzy day Personal Accomplishments Hot Dog Caper Connoisseur 2019-2024 IEEE Foothill Section Member 2019-2024 Pep Band Member 2023-2024 BANSHEE UAV Coil Design Member 2023-2024 Published IEEESusTech Author 2024 Dean’s List 2023-2024 Dedications Thank you to my parents, brother, and girlfriend for supporting and giving me direction through my hardest times. Thank you to my close friends for keeping me upright and sharing their joyful moments with me always. Thank you and I love you.

Computer Science People often overlook opportunities and moments right in front of them. At the end of the day, it doesn’t hurt to just take a stab at it and see what happens.

Much love to my family and friends for making my college experience worth it. <3 Personal Accomplishments Summa Cum Laude Dean’s List 2020 - 2023 President’s List 2021 - 2023 RSCA Conference Participant 2024 Bronco Pep Band Section Leader 2023 - 2024 Peach Mango P-I Board 2021 - 2022 Kellogg Honors College Graduate Dedications Thank you to my parents and my brother for their ongoing support until my graduation. Thank you to my friends and family for making every moment more worth it. Thank you especially to my Out of Line and BB Line Fam for being the bestest, most slayful people ever. Love you guys so much and thank you everyone for being there for me and creating irreplaceable memories that I will keep to heart forever.

Industrial Engineering Pressure makes diamonds, or diamonds to dust Personal Accomplishments ● Bachelor’s Degree ● SPIC-E Board Vice President ● INFINIT-E Board Athletics Chair ● Member of Cast & Crew/Board for PACN 28-33 ● Co-organized and co-hosted eSportsfest 2020 & 2021 Dedications I want to thank and give special shoutouts to: ● All the friends I have made at CPP ● My senior project group members ● Kuya Neil + Members of glenline, duckline, and heartbreakers ● INFINIT-E & SPICE-E Board+Babies ● Darrel Varquez ● My family ● Alexandra Manzon

Mechanical Engineering If you overthink about which way to go, you’ll end up staying in the same place.

Personal Accomplishments - Magna Cum Laude - Robert R. Sprague Scholarship - President’s List: 2020-2021, 2022- 2023 - Dean’s List: Fal 2020 - Spring 2021, Spring 2022- Spring 2023 Dedications I am thankful to God for getting me this far, my family for supporting me, and my significant other for being with me throughout this journey.

Computer Science To the friends I leave behind, I pray for your success. And to those that are to come to know Barkada and its impact on people, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Personal Accomplishments Eskrima Coordinator in PACN 33 and 34 Debuted as “The Voice of Many” at BGT ’22, did “Too Many Voices” at BGT ‘23 Won a lumpia eating contest Dedications I’d like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my college career. I could not have gotten through without their love. I’d like to thank CPP Barkada for being a huge source of friends and experiences. They’ve helped me so much to learn more about my culture, and I have so many good memories from participating in events.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Never a farewell, but a see you later :D Personal Accomplishments Put on PACN 33: Tibayan <3 Published a paper during my senior design project with BANSHEE There are about 100 mini ducks in various locations because of me, I’ll keep it at that.

Please look up Schemath Education Foundation Dedications Special thanks to my family and everyone I’ve met throughout college :P especially to those I continue to stay in contact with after it. My gratitude to those that helped me grow and supported that growth so I didn’t fall too far from the sky.

Chemistry Thank you CPP :) Personal Accomplishments Electrochemistry supervised research within CPP “He’s peaked Immortal in Valorant and he’s the best big brother :P” - Kaye Dedications Special thanks to CPP professors, the chemistry department, and my family.

Liberal Studies Pre-Credential

thanks for running my pockets, the only L’s i’ll continue to take are lexapro!

Personal Accomplishments summa cum laude dean’s honor list president’s honor list admitted to cpp credentials/masters program barkada band ‘23 pacn 34 herstorian paper cut survivor professional procrastinator Dedications special thanks to my mom, dad, ate, lola, casper, courage and the homies <3 (yk who you are)

Visual Communication Design Thankful for each and every one of you who impacted my life in any way! This isn’t a goodbye but a see you later hehe <3 All love always!

Personal Accomplishments 2023-2024 Starr-E Public Relations Officer 2022 2D3D+ Juried Exhibition Show 2023 2D3D+ Juried Exhibition Show Dedications Grateful for the family, friends, and professors who inspire me every day to pursue what it is I love.

To Starr-E Board, thank you for the constant love and support. You’ve made my last year memorable and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To my VCD friends, thank you for all the laughs and memories! Yippee! Yippee!! Y’all are my 4 lyfers fr!!!

Chemical Engineering Materials Engineering bye gang Personal Accomplishments Secretary for Pilipino American Studies Kollective Secretary (Infint-e Year 2019/20) and President (Spic-e Year 2022/23) for CPP Barkada Dedications thank you to my friends and family. specifically ksap, infint-e board, spic-e board, red elmo. ty specfically to my mom for enabling me to pursue my passions and my dad for shaping me into the man i am today.

Criminology

Sociology and Social Work I could not walk across the stage with the class of 2020 in high school and here I stand 4 years later finally getting that moment to share with all of you. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We have so much to be proud of and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors! To everyone on the way to completing their college journey: Dream big, work hard, challenge yourself, be open to change and opportunity, and always enjoy life to the fullest!

Personal Accomplishments 8x Dean’s List 4x President’s List 2023 Jay Radaza Scholarship Recipient Infinit-E’s Freshman of the Year Fantas-E’s Best Music Taste Spic-E’s Member of the Year PACN 31 - Film Crew PACN 32 - Barkada Band Director PACN 33 - Manila Swing Coordinator PACN 33 - Tinikling Team “Bambooty Call” PACN 34 - Rural Coordinator (Tinikling & Maglalatik) Sportsfest XXXI - Sports Coordinator City of Walnut - Recreation Leader City of Walnut Summer Camp Counselor 2023 Camp Crawdad

Dedications To my Mom, Dad and Kuya Gabe: I am blessed to have you all be supportive, loving, understanding, and encouraging throughout my 4 years of college.

Thank you for teaching me to dream big, surround myself with people I love and care about, spread positivity, laugh, and work hard. I promise to love you guys always and give back to you all. I could not have gone through this journey without you guys! I love you guys so much!

To my girlfriend, Desiree: You have always been such a positive figure in my life and I thank you for all the love, patience, support, respect, humor, and joy that you have brought. Everyday with you is a blessing and I am so grateful to have such an amazing support system! From Zoom, to swing partners, to Swing coordinators, to Tinik/Ilaw partners, to Maria Clara partners, Rural coordinators, best friends, and more, thank you for everything you have done for us, I love you!

To Barkada: Thank you for being my home. I never saw you all as my friends, I always saw you as family. You have all helped me grow, learn about who I am, inspired me, and taught me to enjoy life to the fullest. Thank you for all the laughs, memories, and love. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you all.

artsalad.com noah.celis30@gmail.com 714-609-0753