Ateneo Naga tops Rizal model student search

MANILA, Philippines –  Ateneo de Naga’s Monica Palomares topped the 2010 search for Ten Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Students of the Phlippines, an annual contest for college students conducted by the Order of the Knights of Rizal. This is the second straight year that Ateneo de Naga topped the search.

The other winners in this year’s contest were Geminn Louis Apostol (Ateneo de Manila), Arlyn de Mesa (La Salle Lipa), Archer Urbano (Polytechnic University), Louie Lapinas (Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture & Technology), Dion Lorenz Romano (Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Naga), Ruby Grace Rosale (Wesleyan University, Nueva Ecija), Jordan Cabandong (Far Easter University), Rey Emmanuelle Mirasol, (Colegio de San Agustin, Bacolod City) and Dan Lester Mendoza (FEU East Asia College).

The 10 model students were honored in ceremonies during Rizal Day at the Knights of Rizal ceremonial hall in Manila, officiated by Sir Pablo Trillana III, Knight Grand Cross of Rizal supreme commander; Sir Emmanuel Cabusao, contest chairman, with special guest Sir Hilario Davide Jr., as well as Sir Justo P. Torres Jr., supreme commander emeritus; Sir Lamberto Nanquil, chairman, council of elders; former supreme commanders Sir Rogelio Quiambao and Sir Virgilio Esguerra; and Sir Vicente Ramos, supreme exchequer.

The winners were judged on the basis of academic excellence, student leadership in local, regional, national and international activities, involvement in community programs, personality and verbal communication.

They were selected from 17 finalists who were interviewed on the morning of Dec. 29 at the Knights of Rizal headquarters, followed by a brief tour of Fort Santiago and Intramuros. In the early morning of Dec. 30, the model students and the alumni joined the Knights of Rizal in the traditional retracing of the martyrdom walk of Dr. Rizal from Fort Santiago to the Luneta and laid a wreath at the Rizal monument. This was followed by the awarding ceremonies.

Each winner received a medal and trophy and cash prize, while all finalists were given medals of recognition.

They were interviewed by the Board of Judges chaired by Sir Nanquil with Sirs Esguerra and Cabusao as members. Before the interview, they went through a thorough evaluation and grading of their accomplishments by the screening committee headed by Cabusao and assisted by Sir Diosdado Santos, KGOR, Albacete and Belamide,