FILCAN YOUTH TAKES VALEDICTORIAN HONORS AT MARKHAM HIGH SCHOOL

By Mogi Mogado
Markham-Ontario-Canada
July 1, 2014



A FilCan youth has brought great pride to the local Filipino community by earning top honors at this year's graduation rites in a major high school in Markham, Ontario. 

Andrew Hechanova, only son of Antonio and Sandra Hechanova from Iloilo in the Philippines, graduated as one of two Valedictorians at Saint Brother André Catholic High School on June 26th, 2014. He shared the honors with classmate Melena Muscoiona. They were the top students out of 345 graduates. 

A consistent honor roll student, Andrew had an enduring presence on the podium of this year’s ceremonies as he was presented with plaques and certificates of excellence for Business Studies, Drama, Accounting, and Financial Securities, among other accolades. 

He was also the recipient of the coveted Principal's award, a distinction given exclusively to ten students with the highest averages of their 2013-2014 graduating class.  

“We urge you to pursue your dreams and to quit at nothing,” Andrew encouraged his peers as the atmosphere in Le Parc Banquet Hall crackled with excitement and anticipation. “We’ve seen the best in ourselves during high school and learned that rock bottom isn’t as deep as we thought because we had each other,” he said.

Andrew’s valedictory address was a poignant send-off that would signal the beginning of the next chapter of his life and the lives of his fellow graduates. “We have become a composite of our own hard work and the sum of our choices through the guidance of everyone in this room,” said Andrew as he catapulted his graduation cap in the air. “Give yourselves a huge round of applause.” 

A strong support network has indeed been the backbone of Andrew’s accomplishments throughout his time at Saint Brother André. “There is nothing more special than being able to share an accomplishment with a group of people who worked with you for countless hours to make it possible,” Andrew admitted. His first-place victory in a Chartered Accounting Video Competition called Rule the Tube testifies to the triumphs he has been able to achieve with the encouragement of his friends and family. 

In the upcoming year, Andrew hopes to bring his passion for business to Western University. He will be studying Economics before his induction into the Richard Ivey School of Business as an advanced entry status student. 

When he isn’t reading business articles during his spare time, Andrew dedicates himself to pitching fastballs with his friends and cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays. The baseball enthusiast uses recreational sport to unwind from his more stressful weeks.  

“If there’s any advice I have for those younger than me, it is to not take anything for granted and to enjoy every moment that life gives you,” Andrew reflected.  “As important as it is to study, learn, and grow, take the time to surround yourself with amazing people and have fun because we are blessed with youth and time. Finally, as hard as it may be, stay humble and stay modest,” he added.