MARCIE LUCERO TESORO'S SPEECH

Good evening ladies & gentlemen.

For those of you who don’t recognize or don’t remember me, or perhaps never knew me, I am Marcie Lucero-Tesoro. Some of you know me as Marcela Lucero from Domanpot.

First of all I would like to thank you for adopting me into your class. I would have been a member of your class if my family did not immigrate to Hawaii thirty six years ago. After being away for so long, it is a pleasure and an honor to be with you here tonight. It brings me joy & happiness to see old friends and meet new ones as well.

The friends we make in high school stay with us for the rest of our lives. There are several people here tonight who are still among my closest friends, very special people who, after all these years, are closer to me than ever, people I often talk to, but never often enough. There are others whom I haven’t seen in 10, 20, or even 30 years, but whom I am nonetheless happy to see once again tonight.

Memories have been flying wild in anticipation of this first historic class reunion, and rest assured this will not be the last. My thoughts went back to the years in high school, and how fortunate we were to have met each other here in Asingan.

The year 1977 was a great deal more than just our graduation year – the year when we went our separate ways, and began our lives as young adults. It was a year of many other beginnings, but as with any other year of beginnings, 1977 was also a year of ending. It was the end of our high school days.

Most of us look back at the fabulous seventies as an easier and happier time. Like all youth before and after us, we saw ourselves as the center of the universe. But as we reflect now upon the seventies when we were in high school, we can see that in many respects, we, the teenagers, REALLY WERE the center of the universe.

As I look around, I can’t help but notice how much we all have changed, but more importantly how much we have all grown. Some of you have grown to be one of the finest citizens of Asingan. Others have become successful businessmen and businesswomen. Most of you are now happily married with children and enjoying your families, but no matter where you stand in today’s society, always be reminded that ASAT, now known as Luciano Millan National High School, is an integral part of who you are and what you have become today.

Tonight we are here TOGETHER AGAIN to remember those wonderful times we spent at Luciano Millian National High School, when we were together almost every day. We danced together. We went through puberty together. We formed many of the values we now hold dear, and many of the most intimate, precious and lasting friendships of our lives. I am certain that many of you are here tonight because you share these same feelings.

We are also gathered here tonight not only to reminisce of our youthful days, or perhaps to get a glimpse of that certain special someone whom you were infatuated with but were too shy, or you are simply here to see old friends. But whatever your reasons may be, one thing I know is that we are all here to give back to our school and our community. Let us all set a good example for the younger generation to follow. Let’s work together to make Luciano Millan National High School a better place where not only the students but the entire community can be proud of.
I was recently diagnosed with cancer. I have gone through four major surgeries, and will be undergoing another at the end of the year. I have endured a total of sixteen weeks of radiation. Last month marks the end of my one year of chemo therapy, and yes, I did lose my long black hair. There were days when the aches and pains were so intense that I thought about giving up. Tonight I am here to personally thank my family & friends for supporting & encouraging me, but most of all praying for me. Mere words could never express how I truly appreciate your love and kindness during my difficult time. Despite of this ordeal, I am here with you tonight because I firmly believe that if there is a will, there is a way. Keep the faith and never give up.
It’s been said many times before that “the children are our future.” Many of you have children who are now attending this school. Many of them have dreams. Parents I implore you now to encourage them to reach those dreams, so that one day they too, will be right here to encourage their own children. To the younger generation who is here tonight, my message to you is simple, study hard, refrain from illicit drugs, and follow your dreams. Most importantly, respect yourself and your parents.

Tonight I am here to give back to the community I once called home. I was born and raised in Domanpot. My family was the poorest of the poor. My parents worked days and nights to support eight children. My parents could not afford to send eight children to school. As a result, my father sacrificed his time and energy at the other high school by doing odd jobs in exchange for funding of his children’s education. By the grace of god, my older brothers and sisters were fortunate to have had a formal education because of my father’s sacrifice. To my parents, education was of utmost importance.

With the permission of Principal Venenciano, tonight I am happy and proud to announce the beginning of the Lucero Family Scholarship Foundation. In honor & in memory of my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Isaias Lucero from Domanpot, this foundation shall award four years of scholarship to four deserving students. It is my hope that this small token of good will, will somehow help these students to further their education. Parents, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. This is for your family from my family. Please see Principal Venenciano for details and application.

The planning and coordinating of this reunion has been a very long process. The planning committee has spent countless hours on phone calls and e-mails to ensure that this historic reunion will be the best and most memorable reunion that this class will ever have. Together we are making history and I will assure you, we will collectively strive to be together again in the future. Just keep the faith and never give up.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the following: To the staff and caring faculty of Luciano Millan National High School, we thank you for your patience and careful guidance. We thank you for encouraging and supporting us during our high school years.

To all of the various committees, especially the planning committees, both from the Philippines and abroad, thank you for all of your hard work, perseverance, loyalty, commitment, and dedication. Most of all, to our friends and classmates who have traveled from afar, and who are responsible for this event, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for sacrificing your time to be here tonight. This reunion would not be a success without all your efforts, commitment, and contribution.

To Freddie Ignacio, on behalf of your classmates and I, we thank you for your undying love, commitment and dedication to your class.

To the Class of 1977, keep the faith and never give up. I thank you again for having me here tonight. Enjoy the rest of the festivities, good night, and Aloha.