These past two weeks came by really quickly. Last days of high school, last moving up day, last awards ceremony, first prom and by God’s grace, finally a face-to-face graduation for our 3rd child, our only daughter, Raya Isabel. (In 2020, our two sons had online graduation ceremonies from high school and middle school respectively 😦 ).
Though it was tempting to look back and whine over the missed opportunities brought by this Covid-19 pandemic and online schooling, I chose to embrace gratitude and hope. “In all things, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).”
So as my newest post in this refurbished blog, let me share, “There She Goes” post as my way to share this 2022 milestone in our family.
Raya is our 3rd child and only daughter. Homeschooled for 10 years, she entered regular schooling at level 7. We were enrolled with Homeschool Global from Level 1 to 6.
So there she goes…….
1. To the Prom and Be the Queen 🙂
With this ongoing and unpredictable pandemic, it was a huge blessing to have been able attend her senior prom. Raya chose everything from her dress, shoes, hairstyle and accessories. Around 11 PM that night, we were do delighted to read her message ” We won Prom King and Queen!”
2. To the Awarding Ceremony to Receive Some Awards –
Raya earned the Bishop Brent Scholar’s Award for being in the scholar’s list for each semester of this school year.
At the end of her junior year, she received the Rosemary Penn Prize which is awarded to students who have been outstanding during the school year with regard to industry, cooperation, and helpfulness, and who have qualities that contribute to the happiness of others: a cheerful disposition, an unselfish nature and a kind heart. She was again awarded this prize this year! Thank you, Raya for contributing to the happiness of those around you in school. Thank you for your kind heart.
In addition, they awarded her also with the Mary Sheffer Prize, awarded to the student who, by friendship, tolerance, and international outlook, has helped to join together in friendship the students of the many nationalities and cultures in her school community
She was also honored with certificates for Best in Art and Outstanding Student Recognition for heading the school community efforts in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and for leading the Varsity Council during the toughest years (pandemic online schooling) to foster and encourage school spirit among the upper school students.
Congratulations, Raya. I know you worked diligently and gave your best. You showed us the value of academic excellence and compassionate citizenship — and now the you are reaping these rewards. Continue to shine as you seek to discover and refine God’s purpose in your life.
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
3. To the Graduation to Officially End High School Season
Thankful for the onsite, face-to-face graduation for batch of 2022. My two sons ( who graduated middle school and high school in 2020) moved on via an online graduation ceremony.
4. To Pursue Art:
Raya wants to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts focusing on painting. In my previous blog and will upload the past posts on Raya’s Journey with Art), there were two categories called Raya’s Room and Art Attack.
In Raya’s room, I shared her creations. She was a busy bee indeed. She sewed by hand or using the machine, she made her own or her doll’s dresses and accessories. She also did a lot of miniature DIY stuff for her dolls, stuffed animals, bags, etc.
In Art Attack, I shared many of our Art projects and Art lessons.
So what was my role? Yes, I was her first Art Teacher and I did what I could to learn how to encourage creativity and self-expression. I read a lot about Creativity and purchased Art for kids reference books. We did as many field trips showcasing different forms of Art (art fairs, galleries, trade fairs and outdoor trips too!) .
Eventually, I sought the help of Art Tutors ( Artists who introduced our children to drawing, sketching, painting using different media). On her own however, Raya, found “Youtube University of Arts and Crafts” through My Froggy Stuff, sewing and painting tutorials— and would just be busy after homeschool sessions.
For a season, around when she was 9-10 yrs old, she joined L’arc en Ciel Atelier and Gallery founded by Painter/teacher and curator, Ms. Elaine Herbosa, for painting sessions twice a week where Raya had loads of exposure to painting (acrylic, oil, watercolor) and met multi-age artists of different levels, personalities and painting styles. It was more than just painting classes really. It was more like a community or a family of artists coming together for joint painting, bonding over delicious merienda and exchanging stories. Raya was one of the younger ones who painted alongside – professional artists, retired art enthusiasts, even octogenarians enjoying their new found hobby. Through L’arc en Ciel, Raya was able to participate in several art shows and even sold some of her artworks. I was so thrilled to have Raya such a creative experience.
So where is she off to? We are finalizing her college plans but definitely it is going to be a Fine Arts degree, majoring in Painting!
In her junior and senior year, she chose to study and focus. on IB Visual Arts. Their culimnating exhibition (basically the summary of all her and her friend heart and hard work) can be viewed here. Raya, during last weeks Awarding Ceremonies, was honored with Best in Art.
Give thanks indeed for a grateful heart! Raya and I, along with the Simpaos, would like to acknowledge our Master Creator. In Him, we live , we move and have our being. In Him, we live out our purpose and for Raya, it is to love, to spread joy and to create masterpieces. She now moves on to. new chapter but as as we prepare, we begin with appreciation and gratitude to her community mentors and teachers from the homeschool community (Teachers Jing Malic and Esther Mercurio, Tuesday Gang moms), Beacon School and Brent International School Manila, painting teacher Ms. Elaine Herbosa of L’Arc en Ciel, grandparents Daddy Babes, Mana Lissa, Lolo Emma and Lolo Dony† (who we believe contributed to Raya’s skills in drawing!) as well as the Pangilinan and Simpao cousins and Titas and Titos!
There you go, Raya ! Go with God, always!
Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Donna P. Simpao, M.D. 