123RD High School Day: A Day to Remember, a Memory to Treasure

— Mr. Dhanz Donato Frio

This is a photo of me with my friend from Martinelli, taken right after our last practice for High School Day. I didn’t get a chance to capture moments from the earlier days of practice, but this picture holds all the memories of the fun, hard work, and bonding we had during those times.

This picture brings me back to the moment when we were getting ready for our high school day performance. It was taken right after we had eaten, a moment when excitement and nerves were starting to set in. We were all gathered, trying to calm ourselves, but it was hard to ignore the pressure. Our minds were racing with thoughts about how our Grade 10 dance would turn out and whether it would stand out against the performances of the other grade levels. 

There was a mix of emotions—anticipation, self-doubt, and a bit of overthinking—but we tried to shake off the worries and focus on doing our best. Despite the jitters, there was something comforting about being in it together, sharing laughs, last-minute tips, and the determination to make this a performance to remember. It’s a snapshot of the youthful mix of anxiety and excitement that made the moment feel so alive and unforgettable.

This marked the beginning of our dance, and it turned into something truly unforgettable. The first part completely caught us off guard—it wasn't in the practice, and we never saw it coming. It was unexpected but in the best way possible, adding an element of surprise that made the performance feel even more alive and extraordinary.

I can't help but admire all of Grade 10, especially those who stepped up to lead us. Their hard work, creativity, and passion shone through, making everything come together beautifully. It’s even more meaningful knowing that many of our leaders are part of the LGBTQ community, and they brought so much heart and authenticity to the performance. With our theme centered on celebrating LGBTQ pride, the dance became more than just a routine—it was a powerful statement of love, acceptance, and unity. This memory will always stand out as a moment of pure teamwork and inspiration.

This moment marked the end of our dance—a performance that wasn’t just about movements, but about a message. Our theme spoke volumes, showing everyone the importance of treating one another equally, regardless of gender. It was a reminder that respect and fairness should be extended to all, because equality is something we all deserve. 

Even though we didn’t take home the trophy, what mattered most was that we stood up for what’s right. We put our hearts into sharing a message of gender equality and unity, and that in itself felt like a victory. Knowing that our performance inspired others made it all worthwhile.

As the dance ended, one thought stood out: “Equality is not a privilege—it’s a right. And change begins when we start treating each other with the fairness and dignity we all deserve.”