Class '65 Gratitude Statement 2024

This piece was co-written by Alma Lugue Bunag, Edna Buenviaje Cruz and Cynthia David Jocson for inclusion in the Gratitude Book of St. Scholastica's Academy Centennial Celebration. 

We are the grateful SSA Class of 1965, graduated from high school sixty years ago. We also carry the distinction of being the last batch with the Assumption Academy of Pampanga printed on our diplomas.

While our parents nurtured us, the nuns and teachers of St. Scholastica’s Academy helped mold our minds and spirits with the best of Benedictine values, values we brought with us and we leaned on as we journeyed through life.

We, in Class ‘65, are proud that our relationships did not stop after graduation. After high school, many of us studied in the same colleges, and that forged continued meet-ups and get-togethers. But what really strengthened these relationships was made possible in 1998 when some of our classmates (to whom we are forever grateful) made efforts and went out of their way to track as many classmates as they could. A chat group was set-up to stay connected, to keep abreast with one another and to facilitate communication.

As most of us in our class turned 50 years old in 1999, a reunion was hatched to rekindle friendships that never really faded. This milestone was a huge success, encouraging the core team and the members who attended to invite more classmates. A plan for Part 2 was in the drawing board. This plan came to fruition in 2003, as more classmates who heard about the happy experience of the first reunion attended. These reunions also opened up opportunities to pool resources to fund notable causes.

We gathered again in 2020 when we celebrated our Emerald Anniversary and generous classmates opened their homes to host several get-togethers. And now, after five years, we are once again coming together to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, hearts and spirits still STRONG for love of Class ‘65.

Looking back, these reunions were not only social gatherings but they gave birth to works of mercy. With the active chat group, classmates became one, not only with the joyful moments like birthdays, achievements in the family and victories but we were also one in prayer for those who were going through challenges and trials, especially with health issues. It was, also, inspiring for the class to visit classmates who were sick and needed financial help, and being present to give comfort to those who lost their loved ones.

Getting more involved in each other’s lives truly deepened our relationships. Our esteem for each other has grown even stronger through the years and we will continue to celebrate with hugs, laughter, heart-warming recollections (repeated many times), eating of course and lots of “Kodakan” to document the camaraderie.

Cheers, Class ‘65!!!