Ateneo celebrates student leadership and welcomes new leaders in Hinirang

The annual Hinirang: SOAR Recognition Gala and New Student Leaders Induction Ceremony for the year 2023 was successfully held at the Leong Hall Auditorium last June 21st.

This grand event brought together outgoing student leaders of the Sanggunian, Sanggunian units the Confederation of Publications (The Guidon, Matanglawin, and Heights), accredited organizations, and other recognized student projects and their successors in a celebration of their accomplishments and a formal welcome to the new batch of student leaders.

The evening began with an awe-inspiring invocation piece by the Company of Ateneo Dancers, setting the stage for an event filled with inspiration and reflection. Esteemed University officials graced the occasion with their presence, including University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, and AVP Student Activities and Leadership Formation (SALF) Ms Marie Joy Salita. Vice President for Higher Education Dr Maria Luz Vilches joined the celebration via a recorded message.

Their inspiring speeches resonated with both incoming and outgoing student leaders, acknowledging the challenges they face in a rapidly changing world. One of the highlights of the program was the formal ceremony awarding accreditation certificates to 53 re-accredited student organizations and 1 newly accredited organization, the Ateneo Health Science Society. University President Fr Roberto C Yap, SJ and AVP-SALF Ms Marie Joy Salita personally presented these certificates to the outgoing heads of the accredited student organizations, recognizing their dedication and contributions.

However, the most anticipated moment of the night was the ceremonial turnover of the "Tanda ng Hinirang," a symbolic blue and white Ateneo student leader sash. Outgoing student leaders proudly passed on this sash to their successors, symbolizing the transfer of responsibilities and the continuity of exceptional leadership for the academic year 2023-2024.

What made this year's Hinirang particularly special was the inclusion of parents of student leaders, moderators, and faculty representatives for the SOAR accreditation meeting. Their presence added an extra layer of significance to the event, recognizing the support and guidance provided by these important stakeholders in the students' journey.

The theme chosen for this year's Hinirang was "Pagsisilbing Liwanag: Pagpupugay sa ika-30 Taon ng Talumpati ni Fr Arrupe na Maging Tao Para sa Kapwa at ang Kahulugan Nito sa Pamumuno ng mga Mag-aaral." This theme paid homage to Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ's influential address during an international congress of alumni of Jesuit schools in 1973.

As Hinirang concluded, Ateneo expressed its utmost gratitude to the outgoing student leaders, parents, moderators, and faculty representatives for their unwavering commitment to nurturing the spirit of leadership and service among the student community. To relive the memorable moments from the ceremony, the VOD of the live stream is available for viewing on Facebook at the following link: Hinirang 2023 Livestream.

Ateneo eagerly looks forward to the upcoming academic year, embracing the energy and potential of the new student leaders who will continue to shape a brighter future.

Salamat mga Hinirang!