There are two sides of the coins – the version of Mallari, the salutatorian student and the school administration of Sto. Nino School. What are your thoughts?
by Marla David
Believe it or not, but this is a rather common occurrence. It was certainly unfair on her part if the school wasn’t transparent enough to show Mallari her grades. The graduation rites gave her the opportunity to be heard. For some, it may not be the proper place for her to do so. Others salute her for her braveness or courage to do such thing while others say otherwise. I believe the issue must be given proper escalation. According to DepEd Quezon City they have given the school a memorandum asking them to explain within 48 hours what really happened. There will be an investigation soon and it shall focus on what was actually said, or prevented to be said, by Mallari, and the other matters raised or were not raised in her speech, like the alleged issues on transparency on the computation of grades.
Based on experience there should have been deliberation in distributing the honors: the honor rolls and their parents. The teachers should have discussed as to what factors have mattered as to why she’s the salutatorian and she’s the valedictorian. Extra & Academics are the main components.
Mallari had the right to freely express her thoughts and feelings in light of existing laws and the provision of the constitution and in a manner and forum that is appropriate. DepEd must also probe if the school acted “within or beyond its authority” when it interrupted Mallari from finishing her speech. The school had also released its official statement where they said that Mallari’s speech was inappropriate for the occasion and that the allegations hurled by her camp were baseless. They also decried an alleged harassment made by Mallari’s father to the teachers who were made to sign a document pertaining to his daughter’s grades.
Based on experience there should have been deliberation in distributing the honors: the honor rolls and their parents. The teachers should have discussed as to what factors have mattered as to why she’s the salutatorian and she’s the valedictorian. Extra-curricular activities & Academics are the main components.
One’s future doesn’t depend on the medals or awards you have received during elementary, high school or even college days. We’re not supposed to equate learning with honors or high grades. Grades are not supposed to gauge a student. This is the very reason why most moms I know prefer homeschooling than enrolling their children in traditional schools.
To Mallari, there are other opportunities for you to prove your worth. Love what you can do. Accept what you cannot and what you were unable to attain. Move on. Pain and injuries are part of playing a game. One must fall, cry and suffer a little in order to regain one’s strength and rise again.
