"MSU-TCTO has so much to offer. My triumph as a Gawad Tsanselor's Awardee is a reflection of how MSU-TCTO greatly impacted my life and motivated me in the pursuit of excellence."

Ms. Ana Mae R. King-King, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English (BSEd English) student, is set to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.12411. She will be this year’s Class Marshal, an academic title reserved for the student with the highest CGPA among the graduating students. Ms. King-King will also deliver the valedictory address on behalf of her fellow graduates.

This year's Class Marshal is the 4th Summa Cum Laude after Basil V. Sali (CAS; 2004), Aljemedin Jaudinez (CoEd; 2015) and Nahdiyya Nuruddin (CoEd; 2022). Ms. King-King is the second Summa Cum Laude under the administration of Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali.

Speaking with the OIPP, the 2023 graduating batch’s Class Marshal shares that her aspiration for an academic distinction is attributed to her family and her hometown, Sitangkai.

"My parents are my driving force. I've always dreamed bigger because I want to make my parents proud of me and it is my way of honoring their hard work and showing them that their effort and sacrifices are not wasted at all.

She also shared how significant the Gawad Tsanselor's award is for her post-university journey.

"To be recognized as a Gawad Tsanselor's Awardee is a realization of my dream. I only imagined it. But now, it has become my reality. This award is significant in my post-university journey as it will be one of my credentials in applying for a job and it motivates me more to achieve greater heights. The incentives that I will be receiving will be put to good use. The Gawad Tsanselor's Award is not only meaningful for me but also for my family and the people of Sitangkai."

Ms. King-King remarked how MSU-TCTO contributed to accomplishing her recent achievement.

"MSU-TCTO has significantly contributed to my past and recent achievements. This University does not only offer quality education but also gave me a lot of privileges as a Baby Dolphin. I consider TCTO as my second home and I am grateful for staying in the Linggisan Hall for free, as an academic scholar. The cash incentives given to the students who are on the President's list and Chancellor's list create a positive reinforcement for the students to strive harder. Indeed, MSU-TCTO has so much to offer and I am thankful for all the privileges I have received as a student of this University."

Looking forward, Ms. King-King shares her future pursuits.

"After graduation, I will review for the board exam. Having a license means so much to me and it is my priority after graduation. Once I have my license, I would love to render my service to TCTO if I will be allowed to work here. I am incredibly happy if I can pursue what my heart really wants and it is when I am in the teaching profession."

The 2023 Class Marshal expressed her desire to be part of the University's academic force to pay it forward and practice mentoring, something she is very passionate about.

"If opportunity knocks, of course, I would love to serve and pay back MSU-TCTO for all the wonderful things that have happened to me. Apart from excelling in academics, I have always served MSU-TCTO as an officer of my college department and the Supreme Student Council. It would be my honor if I can serve the University in the long run as part of its growing family."

"My abilities and experiences in the field of community services and the academe will immensely benefit the University and its social partners. My love and loyalty to MSU-TCTO is unequivocal and with this, I am looking forward to working in this prestigious University, given the chance."

In her final note, Ms. King-King thanked and acknowledged the people who helped and contributed a lot to her recent success.

'In college, I realized that being surrounded by goal-oriented people is necessary in life. We need to have friends who can help us grow holistically. The people whom we spent our college journey with are the ones who can influence us the most. They will leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Fortunately, I have friends who have futuristic views. I am always holding on to my dream of having a license, getting a stable job, and lifting my family out of poverty. It has always my drive while pursuing my degree with excellence and honor.

"I would like to express my profound gratitude to our Chancellor and all people behind the success of MSU-TCTO today," she added.

As a Gawad Tsanselor for Academic Excellence Awardee and Summa Cum Laude, the Class Marshal is set to receive a cash gift of ₱30,000 from the University.