Out of 209 nominations and 31 applications, John Aeron Canatuan, the executive president of Psychology Society (PsychSoc) was hailed as the Top 1 Outstanding Junior College Student (TOJCS) of 2024 at the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Mabini Auditorium, June 25.
In his speech, Canatuan emphasized the significance of community service and answering the call for social responsibility as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar.
“As a scholar, I carry the responsibility to give back and serve the future […] and it is my solemn duty to repay [this] generosity through academic and professional excellence”, Canatuan said
Canatuan ended his speech with Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” while encouraging fellow Lasallians to continue embodying the spirit of service for others.
After Canatuan, Jazmine Bustamante, the Finance Manager of the LAVOXA Group of Publications came in second with Yna Melarie G. Bobadilla, the CBEAM Governor of DLSL Student Government (SG) at third.
Geraldine Lex Macatangay, the Secretary for the Professional Division of Council of Student Organizations (CSO) was fourth overall, followed by Jazz Vhoriz G. Bigay, the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) Governor at fifth.
Trailing the top five, Leigh Anne Flores, the Education Program Coordinator of DLSL SG received the sixth spot while Max Alessandra B. Perez, Media and Technology Director of DLSL Debate Society was awarded the seventh place.
The eighth spot was secured by Win Sharm Cinco, the Vice President of the National Federation of Campus Journalists, followed by Francoise Therese A. Magsombol, the Executive Vice President of DLSL HONOR Society and Mary Lyza C. Garcia, the Executive Chairman of Les Lasallian Lumieres (LLL), for the ninth and tenth places, respectively.
In an interview with Canatuan, he also shared that apart from having extracurricular activities, he balances his academic tasks as a scholar by prioritizing and knowing the responsibilities that he has.
“So I balance them by […] knowing kung ano ba talaga yung gusto ko na mangyari sa aking college life […] what my responsibilities are and prioritizing tasks efficiently”, said Canatuan.
The nominees were screened using a criteria based on their academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, and community service as well as an interview conducted by the selection committee.
***
The annual event aims to honor the achievements of Lasallians who can be exemplary for other students as they embody the traits and core values of the founder, Saint John Baptist De La Salle.
Article by: Jenn Gonzales
