21/03/2024
Echoes of Legacy: The Melodic Memoirs of Argao National High School
By: Jesaiah Monte
There is a rhythm that beats in the hearts of all students, past and presentโa hymn that dances through the halls of memory, spinning tales of development, friendship, and the enduring legacy of our beloved alma mater, Argao National High School. Imagine a gathering of students in the last rays of the day, their voices rising in unison to the strains of "Our Alma Mater Dear." This song is more than simply a melody; it's a cry bearing the weight of innumerable hopes and experiences that have been shared.
Picture a cool fall night with students huddled under the canopy of massive trees, singing along to the well-known notes of our school song. There's a feeling of reverence with every note, acknowledging the innumerable tales woven into the very fabric of our university.
In March 1998, first batch of graduates, amidst the inaugural graduation ceremony of Argao National High School, Mrs. Larumbe (teacher in charge that time)entrusted Mrs. Althanena L. Sayson with a task: to compose a song, a task she embraced with fervor alongside Mrs. Junnah Teo and Mrs. (Chona) Maria Corazon Katipay. Though the hymn remained largely unnoticed, sung only by Mrs. Sayson's Grade 9 Jobs advisory every Monday and at every graduation, its significance far surpassed its humble recognition. Mrs. Sayson, with characteristic humility, accepted the oversight, deeming it "just a hymn." Yet, within its notes lay the heartbeat of the school, a testament to unity and aspiration. As time passed, the call for acknowledgment grew louder, echoing the sentiment that this hymn was more than just musicโit was a legacy, a symbol of the school's spirit and the dedication of its creators.
The lyrics depict growth and resiliency, as well as shared experiences and lessons acquired, as they unfold. The song declares, "Thy name shall ever be our guide," reiterating the alma mater's significant impact on molding not just our minds but also our hearts and souls. However, it's more than just intellectual endeavorsโit's about the relationships formed in the furnace of common experiences. Our alma mater has been the backdrop for all of our laughter, learning, and growth as we've studied late into the night and gone on spontaneous travels.
And what dreams we have ventured to pursue! The hymn's refrain, "We've got new horizons to pursue," serves as a rallying cry for the spirit of adventure that beats within each of us. Our alma mater remains a steady beacon, a guiding light in the dark, despite the journey's many turns and turns, highs, and lows.
Resolving to "Hail oh hail our alma mater," we celebrate the diversity of perspectives and experiences that comprise our school community and feel a sense of kinship. It serves as a reminder that despite the differences in our upbringing and experiences, our passion for our alma mater unites us. The hymn, however, is a monument to the principles that characterize our communityโthe significance of thankfulness, fortitude, and empathy, maybe above all. The song's lyrics remind us, "We learn to rise when we were down," paying homage to both our academic family's everlasting support and the resilience we can find in trying times.
There's a deep sense of appreciation as the last notes fade into the night air, realizing how much our alma mater has shaped who we are now. And with hearts full of pride and a strong sense of belonging, we look to the future knowing that our alma mater will always be our beacon of hope, no matter where life takes us.
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