STI Dominates 2024 Youth Leadership Excellence Award

By: Graceline Marcelo , July 3, 2024

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines is dedicated to developing young leaders who drive positive community change. Recently, the JCI Baras Chapter hosted the 2024 Youth Leadership Excellence Award (YLEA), recognizing students for their exceptional leadership and contributions to both their schools and communities.

The YLEA Selection Committee commended all the awardees for their inspiring leadership stories and passion for making an impact. The selection process narrowed down 159 nominees to 28 outstanding individuals.

Among the distinguished awardees were eight students from STI College Ortigas-Cainta and a student from STI College Muñoz-EDSA, who stood out for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to positive change.

 

 One of the top honorees, John Michael Zapanta, a STEM student from STI College Ortigas-Cainta who was recognized as one of the Top 6 Awardees for the 2024 YLEA and also named as the Most Outstanding Student Leader at the Senior High School level, shared his insights on leadership.

“To me, leadership is about lifting others and empowering them to reach their full potential," he said. Zapanta credited STI College for playing a pivotal role in his journey, providing numerous opportunities to develop his leadership skills and a supportive environment that encouraged him to take on challenges.

"Embrace the unexpected; sometimes the best paths are the ones you never planned to take," he said. Zapanta emphasized that the award symbolizes the impact one can have when leading with compassion and a genuine desire to help others.

Zapanta joined several school clubs and served as Brand Ambassadors Club President, Supreme Secondary Learners Government Vice-President, Ambassador at the National Youth Congress, and Student Ambassador at STI College Ortigas-Cainta.

On the other hand, Allen Sendon from STI College Muñoz-EDSA, a senior Bachelor of Multimedia Arts student who was recognized as one of the Top 2 Awardees for the 2024 Youth Leadership Excellence Award, shared his journey and significance of the award.

During the interview and deliberation day, he relied on his heartfelt approach to leadership and prayed for composure and honesty. "Everything I do when it comes to leadership is heartfelt," Sendon noted.

"This award serves as a living testimony of why I should never give up on being a student leader and to always give my hundred percent effort," he said.

 

Sendon expressed deep gratitude to STI College Muñoz-EDSA for their unwavering support, which boosted his self-confidence and played a crucial role in his success. "STI College Muñoz-EDSA has been my bridge to victory," he acknowledged.

Sendon participated in various school clubs including Central Student Government President, Grip Switchers Badminton & Table Tennis Tertiary Club Secretary, Gavel Club Toast Masters International Member, Central Student Government Auditor, Volleyball Club Member, and Artcore Tertiary Club Treasurer at STI College Muñoz-EDSA.

Joining John Michael and Allen were Clarence Dale Francisco, John Benedict Leis, Sofia Nepumuceno, Ara Vella Casona, Andy Lectana, Mary Grace Nadera, and Sir Carlo Hernandez.

The event recognized students from both public and private schools who excelled academically and in extracurricular activities on June 30, 2024, at B’TONE Events Place, Baras, Rizal.