SM Foundation recently feted its latest batch of graduating scholars at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. SM founder and Chairman Henry SY, Sr. and Felicidad Sy personally congratulated the members of the foundation’s College Scholarship class of 2006.

A touching program was held during the ceremonies, starting out with an opening prayer.

Jenny Gaje, a BSBA cum laude graduate from University of the Philippines in Diliman touched the audience with her story. Her mother is a vendor, her father a tricycle driver. The family has to wait for her mother to come home from the market with vegetables for their lunch or dinner to eat. Jenny thanked Henry Sy, Sr. for making it possible for her to finish college and make her life better. She also hopes that her three other sisters would be able to finish college in the future.

Two of the scholars’ parents also shared their experiences with the audience. Parent Felix Porka said that Henry Sy, Sr. did not only give financial help to his daughter but also made her trustworthy, responsible, and full of hope.

Each of the graduates was given a congratulatory certificate and a wristwatch by SM Foundation. The graduates, in turn, gave Henry Sy, Sr. a mosaic portrait as a token of appreciation.

This year’s batch makes a total of 500 SM Foundation College Scholarship Program graduates.

Leading the class of 2006 are magna cum laude awardees Regina Salamsam (a BS Chemistry Graduate of the Philippine Normal University) and Noivelyn Beboso from the University of Juan Carlos Recoletos in Cebu.

The batch also has 14 cum laude graduates from the Philippine School of Business Administration; Far Eastern University; University of the Philippines; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Philippine Normal College.

The College Scholarship Program is one of the many ways SM Foundation reaches out the less fortunate.