Why we have confidence in our system of education.
The years that School of Tomorrow® has been operating here in the Philippines (since 1978) have given us ample proof that our system is worthy of our confidence. Time and again we have heard the stories of graduates, even from schools without a government permit, who have taken entrance examinations to universities and been accepted. I personally would rather have such a matrix for the proof of our system than a “permit”! This is where actual learning over the elementary and high school levels is verified.
Some have said, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”, and we can say that the proof of our quality is in the testing! I came across a quote to share with you. It embodies the essence of our foundation, even though it came from a man who lived in the 17 and 18 hundreds.
Daniel Webster, statesman and orator said: “If we work on marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with principles, with the just fear of God and love of our fellowmen, we engrave on those tablets something which will brighten all eternity.”
Let me add, “If we remove the fear of God as the foundation of all else we do, man becomes just a step on which we walk into the darkness and principles become totally subjective to the whim of each person.”
This past week I had the opportunity to speak at the Sr. High School graduation and promotion activity of Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow. I was impressed when Mrs. Hooge read me several of the speeches of the graduates (They ALL had to write and give their own speeches at the event)! I was particularly impressed by what the Salutatorian, Miss Sophie Roque had as part of her speech. I include it below.
This past week I had the opportunity to speak at the Sr. High School graduation and promotion activity of Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow. I was impressed when Mrs. Hooge read me several of the speeches of the graduates (They ALL had to write and give their own speeches at the event)! I was particularly impressed by what the Salutatorian, Miss Sophie Roque had as part of her speech. I include it below.
To be transformed.
PCST’s curriculum and Bible-based teaching ensure that every student learns Scripture during their time here, no matter how long or short. After my twelve years of learning Scripture through devotions, PACEs, and the instruction of my teachers, there is one verse that has influenced the way I approach my education.
Romans chapter 12 verse 2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” What I’ve learned from this verse has been reinforced by my time at PCST, and I know that it will guide me through my university education, even into life beyond that. A good education is transformative. It transforms the ignorant into the learned, the unskilled into the masterful, the unwise into the wise. We only reach the full potential of our education by striving to transform ourselves into the capable, unique individuals that God has made us to be.
After twelve years at PCST, I can say that I’ve been transformed for the better. There are some times when I look back, and I hardly recognize the person that I was six years ago, or four years ago, even two years ago. I’ve grown in knowledge and know-how. I’ve grown in skill. I’ve grown as Christian.
I haven’t grown much in height, but hey, we can’t have it all.
Through these areas of growth and transformation, I’ve been able to understand myself more fully as well.
The Renaissance artist Michelangelo said that when he sculpted, the sculpture was already within the marble. All he had to do was chisel away the unnecessary stone to free it. My time here has chiseled away the bad habits and the poor character… those unnecessary things that kept me from truly seeing myself. It has freed me from the things that held me back from my potential as a student, and as a person. I can graduate with confidence in myself now. I can graduate knowing what I want to pursue and knowing that I have been equipped with the knowledge and training to show excellence in my future.
Miss Sophie Roque, Salutatorian
PCST Senior High School, Class of 2022
This is the VOICE that lifts above the call of academic or facility excellence. I am not saying that we should not push for either of these, but I maintain there is something more important. The “transformation of character”! Our VOICE in this matter is what places our students above the clouds! It is what makes our graduates shine, our alumni proud, and rightfully so. God has given us the tools, with our curriculum, procedures and training emphasis, to give Filipino young people the edge.
The Filipino with this training is set to impact the world as never before. I am proud of each parent, staff and school administration that has stood true to the standards of the ACE®/School of Tomorrow® system, even in the modified years of operation under Covid-19 conditions. The sacrifice has continued to pay off in the lives of these young people who fully understand the quality of education they have received.
Let us confidently lift our VOICES without fear, and herald we are UNHINDERED!
Heb. 10:35 “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.”
Rev. Delbert Hooge