High School Gold 1975: The Golden Legacy. 50 Years of Wisdom and Friendship.
Editor’s Note:
Five decades since their Assumption days, the women of High School Class 1975 have found themselves once more moving to a familiar beat — one that transcends time, age, and even aching knees. What began as a return to Velada rehearsals soon blossomed into something very beautiful, beyond words — a celebration of friendship that never faded, of laughter that still rings as brightly as it did in the halls of their youth.
The following reflection, shared by Betchay Santos Monserrat, captures the heart and wisdom of these Golden Jubilarians — women who have danced through time with grace, faith, and authenticity. For some, stepping back into practice felt like revisiting a cherished memory; for others, it was an emotional homecoming filled with hugs, tears, and gratitude.
Together, they embody their class motto, “Esse Quam Videri – To be rather than to seem.” In every step, they reveal not who they once were, but who they have beautifully become — true, steadfast, and joyfully Assumption Girl.
It’s almost funny how time plays its tricks on you. One minute you’re a wide-eyed girl in your Assumption uniform, and the next, you’re stepping into the dance studio five decades later — with the same friends, the same laughter, and maybe just a few more aches in places you didn’t even know existed before.
For some of us, it had been ten long years since our Ruby Velada. For others, even longer — maybe since Silver, Pearl, Jade, or perhaps never before. Yet somehow, when walking into that first practice, it’s like opening a time capsule. The moment you hear the music, see the familiar faces, and feel those warm hugs, you realize that nothing essential has really changed. The bond that began in our high school corridors still beats strong. The wrinkles? Oh, they’re just proof of the joy and laughter we’ve gathered along the way.
At first, there’s hesitation — a little shyness, a bit of “Can I still do this?” But soon enough, the old rhythm returns. The laughter bubbles up, the teasing starts, and before you know it, you’re just you again. No pretense, no pretending. Esse Quam Videri. To be, rather than to seem. That’s what it feels like — shedding all the layers of life’s titles, achievements, and responsibilities until what remains is the truest version of yourself: your heart, your faith, and your friendships.
You find yourself surrounded by women who have grown, endured, and thrived. And yet, when you dance together again, it feels as though time never really passed. You catch yourself giggling like you used to, fixing each other’s steps, whispering little reminders — “left foot, not right!” And yes, many “secret practices” happen in between, where you quietly help one another master the choreography. Because you know you’re only as strong as your weakest dancer — and no one gets left behind.
This, too, is what it means to live your motto: being real, dependable, humble. Not to seem perfect, but to be there for one another. To show up. To be patient. To care. To be one — as Batch ’75 always has been.
The pandemic may have kept us apart, but it never dimmed our Assumption spirit. Our last Velada took place online, a bittersweet moment in a time of global uncertainty. Back then, we wondered — would we ever dance together again? Would we even see one another in person? And yet, here we are — fifty years later — standing side by side once more. From relief to gratitude, from hesitation to pure joy, our Golden celebration became a moment of grace.
Through the years, we’ve learned that to be rather than to seem means staying grounded in what truly matters: sisterhood, faith, and gratitude. It means laughing at our missteps, forgiving each other quickly, and recognizing that every moment — even the imperfect ones — they are gifts.
And to you, younger Assumption girls — let me tell you this: cherish the friendships you’re building now. You may not realize it yet, but these are the very bonds that will lift you up someday — the friends who will pray for you, send love when you need it most, and show up in ways you never expected. Even the quiet ones, the ones you think have forgotten you — will be your silent cheerleaders, standing with you through every season of life.
Our friendships, I’ve learned, are stronger than we can ever imagine. They grow with time, they deepen through laughter and loss, and they keep us grounded in faith and joy.
So when you dance again on your own Velada stage, may you remember this: it’s not about perfection, but about being real. Be who you truly are. Laugh when you forget the steps, smile through the tears, and keep your heart open. Because one day, fifty years from now, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the same faces — a little older, perhaps, but still the same girls who once filled the halls of Assumption with laughter and dreams.
And when that day comes, you’ll know — you’ve come home. Still shining. Still true. Still beautifully, joyfully, Assumptionista.
Why this matters: Whether you’re dancing on stage, walking the hallways of home and work, or simply moving through a moment of stillness, your bones and joints carry your story. Dr. Tankeh-Torres shows us that with informed choices—nutrition, movement, attitude—we can write the next chapter of that story with strength. Let this video remind you that your body is not just surviving; it’s still very much thriving.
Thank you so much!!!! The article on the Golden Girls of HS1975 was beautifully put together. Thank you, Glady’s for putting harmony and rhythm into the disjointed thoughts I shared …… thanks for reading between the lines. You did a GREAT job!