A NEWLY graduated pharmacist of the University of San Carlos bested 50 nominees to win the Justice Sotero Cabahug Gold Medal of Academic Excellence from the Mandaue City government.
Anne Mae Camingao Sarra, a resident of barangay Subangdaku in Mandaue City also graduated valedictorian during her high school and elementary days.
She was accompanied by parents in receiving the medal from Mayor Jonas Cortes.
“The (award) gave me more than just a priceless distinction of a lifetime, it gave me unimaginable ways to (reach) my goal,” Sarra said in her acceptance speech before the audience at the Mandaue City Sports Complex last Monday evening.
Sarra, who graduated summa cum laude last March, said she was encouraged to pursue her dream to become a doctor and strive for excellence in her medical profession.
She said the award is a gift to her parents since it is a reflection of how they raised her.
Nominees for the Sotero Cabahug award were high school and college students who graduated with honors.
He or she must be a resident of Mandaue City for the past five years before graduation or their parents should be Mandaue City residents.
Cortes said they revived the Sotero Cabahug award in recognition of the famed Mandaue City native’s commitment to education. The Cabahug Medal of Academic Excellence was first awarded in 1923. With a report from Siliman University Intern Katrin Anne A. Arcala