“In honor of our partners whose generosity and commitment to the Xavier education have sustained and strengthened the school’s mission to nurture ‘persons for others’” — this was the reason behind the Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving Gala hosted by the Xavier School Board of Trustees on Saturday, September 26, at the Fr. Rafael Cortina Sports Center.

The event was organized as part of Xavier School’s yearlong 70th founding anniversary campaign called “XS at 70: Stallions Ablaze”, and aligned with the themes of gratitude, wonder and generosity.

More than 400 guests were in attendance, including benefactors, alumni and their families, school officials, administrators, faculty, staff and students, along with dignitaries from the Jesuit community and the school’s partners from China.

The evening kicked off with an opening prayer led by Fr. Harvey Mateo, S.J., followed by a performance by the Xavier Dragon & Lion (XDL) Dance Troupe.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Johnip Cua (‘73), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Xavier School, Inc. (XSI), who commended “all of the benefactors, alumni, parents, faculty and staff who have consistently supported our school over the decades.”

Mr.Edward Lim, Vice Chairman of the Xavier School Educational and Trust Fund, Inc. addressed the benefactors and donors in the audience. “Today, XSETF supports an average of 132 scholars in San Juan and 205 in Nuvali every year,” he explained. “But what we give these young people is more than a scholarship. We give them the ‘Gift of Xavier’ — the education, the friendships, the teachers who shaped us, the opportunities we were given, and the values that hopefully stayed with us long after we left Xavier.”

The Very Reverend Fr. Xavier Olin, Jesuit Provincial of the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, also offered opening remarks by hearkening back to the founding of Kuang Chi School in Echague, and how mission continues to shape what Xavier School is today.

The evening featured additional performances by Dance X and by two students from Xavier School Nuvali: Ivy Yuan Zimu of Grade 10, who performed songs that celebrated prosperity, happiness and the never-ending journey of growth; and grade-schooler Eva Tong Shangwen, who performed a traditional Kazakh folk dance and music piece called “Kara Jorgha” (“black trotting horse”).

To help close out the festivities, John Echauz (‘91), Chairman of the “XS at 70” Committee, led a grand toast that encouraged the participation of all the guests.

Following the toast were closing remarks from Xavier School President, Fr. Joseph Y. Haw, S.J., EdD, who reiterated the objective of the Thanksgiving Gala. “We remember our Jesuit founders, lay people, our teachers and staff, our parents and alumni, and the many friends who have believed that the mission of education is worth supporting,” he said. “Many of the opportunities we are able to offer to our students, the programs we sustain, the facilities we improve, and the communities we serve would not be possible without your support.”

He concluded by recalling the theme of Xavier School’s “XS at 70” founding anniversary campaign: “May gratitude help us to remember how richly we have been blessed. May wonder keep our hearts open to what God continues to make possible. And may generosity move us to share our life ever more widely with others. As we continue our journey together, may we remain steadfast in hope, courageous in service and generous in loving. Luceat lux!”