exceptional?!

The Exceptional Lass

By Feliciano Ababon III

“Live from the Fruit Basket of the South, Koronadal City, the DXYZ 98.9 teen probe now brings you the hottest news updates in local and national news, business and sports….”

*mic test* ehemm..

Have you ever heard of a radio broadcaster? Yes, they are the people you hear every morning on the radio, delivering news to each and every curious citizen, informing them about what’s happening around us. But do you know how they do their jobs? It couldn’t be easy. But for one of the students here in ZSNHS, it’s just a matter of guts and skills. So as many journalists risked their lives just to impart the news to the many Filipinos, a young and picturesque girl is making her own stardom in the field of journalism- Michelle Dawn Ramos.

At the very heights of Mindanao where soaring mountains emerge, comes the Fruit Basket of the South- Koronadal, South Cotabato where the NSPC (National School’s Press Conference) was held last February 18-22, 2008. This was no more than an ordinary NSPC for our friend Michelle Dawn Ramos.

Of course, there were the same people she could meet in this kind of event- her fellow student journalists, school paper advisers, and celebrity guests. But what kept banging her mind with great exhilaration? Well, this year, she was proclaimed as the MOST OUTSTANDING JOURNALIST in Region IX. Dressed like a Maranao celebrity to represent the region, Michelle proudly received a plaque of recognition, a certificate and a huge amount of cash. It might not be a big deal for us, but for Michelle, it was really a boundless accolade she can get. Just try to imagine – of all the budding journalists out there, she pulled off that astonishing verdict! It might not be such a great shock anymore because, true to her abilities in the reportage side, she has been joining National Press Conferences since her elementary years with pronounced success and honors which serve as great manifestations of a true and prompt journalist.

To prove the reality of the verdict, Michelle was not just proclaimed as the MOJ but had clutched prolific awards in the contests she won. In fact, when she was just a sophomore, she has already clutched the 7^th place in Copy reading and Headline writing in the NSPC. For two straight years, she has been holding the title of 3rd BEST ANCHOR for being in the 3rd BEST RADIO BROADCASTING TEAM in the Philippines. In addition, team Region 9 also won the 3^rd Best in Technical Application last year and 2^nd BEST SCRIPT and 3^rd BEST IN INFOMERCIAL this year. “I was overjoyed!!! I never expected to win considering the technicalities” she ecstatically stated. The NSPC ’08 did not only bring out her talents in writing and broadcasting but unveiled her leadership skills as well. Michelle was then elected as the VICE PRESIDENT for MINDANAO in the National Secondary Editor’s Guild through voluntary nomination. It was by then that she felt her greatest victory for after all these years, she never stroked such winnings.

As Michelle continues to reap awards, she also leaves a dent to every aspiring young journalist. I can still remember what she said when she was talking about her success, “there will be no Michelle Dawn Y. Ramos in the field journalism without my mentors and early training in elementary” she proudly stated. With this Michelle proved that through right guidance, one can achieve the tip of their goals. Michelle didn’t just make parents proud but also her classmates, schoolmates and teachers as well. May she serve as an inspiration to you and to each and every aspiring journalist in ZSNHS.

Kudos, Michelle!

This is an article published in the Feature Page of our school paper, The Reflections.