Make a change in society, Inquirer scholars urged

Giving back was the theme at the award ceremony which gathered six most outstanding scholars of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Newsboy Foundation from various parts of the country last Wednesday.

Held at the INQUIRER main office in Makati City, the event recognized Jules Martin Palon (Regis Grace Montessori School, Manila), Angel Lea Enriquez (St. Nicholas Academy, Pampanga) and Gianne Carlo Ladisla (Prime Movers School of Davao) in the grade school category.

Mia Joy Nonog (Baguio City National High School), Kristine Josephine Busa (Timber City Academy, Butuan) and Mary Rose Ubanan (Lugait National High School, Misamis Oriental) were commended for their outstanding academic performance in the high school category.

INQUIRER chair Marixi Prieto, in her message, recognized the achievements of the scholars even as she pushed them to work harder.

“Dreaming doesn’t stop here. Today is the beginning of aiming for something higher,” Prieto said.

She stressed the important role the youth play in nation building and changing society.

“Positive change can only happen when we start from within,” she said. “Strive hard to excel in your studies and give back whatever blessings you have. The good things you do now will always come back to you tenfold.”

Busa, who delivered a message on behalf of the scholars, thanked the Inquirer Newsboy Foundation for helping them shape a better future.

Graduating as valedictorian and currently taking up Medical Laboratory Science at Cebu Doctor’s University, Busa said the Inquirer scholarship was helping her to achieve her dreams.

“Education is the best gift anyone could ever receive. It will open vast doors for opportunity, a new horizon to venture upon and most of all a chance to share knowledge and perspective for the improvement of our society,” she said.

Aside from certificates of recognition, each scholar received P5,000 and a token.

For school year 2012-13, the Inquirer is sponsoring 134 elementary, high school and college students, adding to the more than 1,000 scholarships granted by the Newsboy Foundation since it was established in 1993.

To qualify for a grant, one must be a newsboy or an immediate member of his or her family and belong to the top 10 of their class. Newspaper dealers nominate the scholars.

In his message, foundation vice president and treasurer Rene Reinoso urged the scholars to make improving the welfare of society their primary objective.

“We are really proud to have you as scholars. We are also grateful to all our dealers and we hope they won’t get tired of supporting the foundation and our scholars,” Reinoso said.