Sy family to honor SM's 2012 scholars

MANILA, Philippines - SM Foundation scholars will take center stage when the SY family honors them together with their parents at a testimonial dinner at SMX on Wednesday, May 30.

Out of the 1,200 SM scholars that it maintains, 162 are graduating this schoolyear, 71 of whom are graduating with honors. The batch will be led by three summa cum laude graduates followed by 14 magna cum laude graduates, 41 cum laude graduates and 13 graduates with academic distinction.

The three summa cum laude graduates who all finished Bachelor of Science in Accounting: Bryan Abanilla of Meycauayan College, Marc Rudolf Arca of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and Jannen Barona of the University of the East Caloocan.

These graduates comprise the 16th batch of SM Foundation graduates since the launch of the scholarship program in 1993.

The presentation of scholar-graduates is the culmination of their stay in the program. This is an event where the graduates and their parents get to meet and personally express their thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sy Sr. and family.

A pre-presentation event is the Job Fair. This is an activity wherein the HR departments of the various SM companies make job offers to the SM scholar-graduates.

Currently, there are 1,200 scholars enrolled in 82 partner schools nationwide. Private companies and individuals have adopted 103 scholars while the remaining bulk of scholars are fully funded by SM Foundation.

SM scholars are entitled to free tuition, school fees and stipend and are given the chance to work in SM Supermalls and department stores during their summer and Christmas breaks. SM Foundation hosts various events for them such as general assembly, recollection, Christmas party, and visits to the Science Discovery Center, IMAX movie theater at the Mall of Asia.

 Aside from the family, SM executives, representatives of partner schools and other benefactors are expected at the SMX Center.