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.
John Aeron Canatuan, the Executive President of the Psychology Society, delivers his speech upon receiving his award as the Top 1 Outstanding Junior College Student (TOJCS) of 2024. (A. Alamag)
“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 the DLSL Student Government (SG), placing third.
Geraldine Lex Macatangay, the Secretary for the Professional Division of the Council of Student Organizations (CSO), ranked fourth overall, followed by Jazz Vhoriz G. Bigay, the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) Governor, at fifth.
Max Alessandra B. Perez, Media and Technology Director of the DLSL Debate Society, gets emotional as her name is called as the Top 7 Outstanding Junior College Student (TOJCS) of 2024. (A. Alamag)
Trailing the top five, Leigh Anne Flores, the Education Program Coordinator of the DLSL Student Government, received the sixth spot, while Max Alessandra B. Perez, Media and Technology Director of the DLSL Debate Society, was awarded seventh place.
The eighth spot was secured by Win Sharm Cinco, Vice President of the National Federation of Campus Journalists, followed by Francoise Therese A. Magsombol, Executive Vice President of the DLSL HONOR Society, and Mary Lyza C. Garcia, Executive Chairman of Les Lasallian Lumières (LLL), in ninth and tenth place, respectively.
In an interview, Canatuan also shared that apart from his extracurricular activities, he balances his academic tasks as a scholar by prioritizing and understanding the responsibilities he carries.
John Aeron Canatuan, Top 1 Outstanding Junior College Student (TOJCS) of 2024, shares his insight on balancing responsibilities and college life. (A. Alamag)
“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 based on criteria that included their academic performance, active participation in extracurricular activities, and community service, as well as an interview conducted by the selection committee.
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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.
