Broomsticks, Paint Strokes, and Purpose

Pubmat by Briana Alison Ramirez and Benjamin Palisoc

In a world where youth are often underestimated—scrolled past, spoken over, or misunderstood—something remarkable unfolded within the quiet walls of Atheneum.

Long before the first school bell could ring. Long before students zipped up new backpacks and re-entered familiar classrooms, a different kind of preparation was already underway. Not orchestrated by adults, not driven by incentives—but led by students. Fueled by purpose.

Officers and Privates along with CAT Commandant, Sir Alvin fixing and preparing signs for posting.

This was Brigada Eskwela 2025, and this time, it wasn’t just a checklist of chores. It was a statement. A promise. A movement.

Armed not with medals or applause, but with mops, dusters, and willing hands, the Corps of C.A.T. Officers and volunteers showed up day after day—not because they were required to, but because they cared.

Classrooms were scrubbed clean. Every desk was wiped down. Chalkboards dusted and windows cleared of grime. Hallways once quiet and dull now shine with new energy, with bright signs carefully installed to guide students safely and clearly.

Officers cleaning and tidying Grade 8 Gold's classroom.

But the transformation didn’t end there.

In the corners of every classroom, students helped teachers with bulletin boards—cutting, coloring, decorating motivational posters that now scream the values that every Amcanian should embody. They organized papers, filed documents, made charts, and reimagined learning spaces with a gentle touch only students could offer—because they knew what makes a classroom feel like home.

Officers and Privates helping Grade 9 Argon's adviser, Ms. Sheerie in making her designs for her bulletin board

“Okay naman since it’s going better than what we as the CAT Unit expected,” said Corps Intelligence Officer C/Maj. Shannelle Jazz Tautjo. “Nag-cooperate naman lahat, kaya super nakaka-proud. It exceeded our expectations.”

And as if that wasn’t enough, they took on the challenge of reviving the CAT Headquarters itself—once worn and cluttered, now refreshed with new purpose. Clean. Functional. Proudly standing as a symbol of student-led change.

The Charlie Company may not have had the biggest group, but they worked as if they were an army.

Privates helping Ms. Sheerie with her bulletin board designs.

“Okay lang naman, kahit kaunti lang ang sumama na Charlie, mas napabilis pa rin namin ang gawain at process ng Brigada,” shared Charlie Private Josh Gabriel Rufo. “Proud Charlie Private.” he proudly added.

Their energy was contagious. Their resolve, unshakable.

They didn’t just help teachers—they lightened their load. They didn’t just clean books—they cared for them, dusting off hundreds in the school library, knowing that someone’s imagination might be sparked by the pages they saved.

Fellow Private dusting and tidying each book.

Officers and Privates dusting and wiping each book and shelf by hand in the library.

“I have to say that the project was a huge success,” said Corps Adjutant Officer C/Maj. Josiah Adam Dones. “I’m thankful that I was able to sponsor this project and grateful for the CAT Unit’s cooperation. We didn’t just contribute to the school—we gave it our hearts.”

Because in every poster made, every paper sorted, and every wall wiped down, there was something quietly revolutionary happening:

Young people were leading the change.

Not by giving speeches.

Not by demanding recognition.

But by showing up. With humility. With kindness. With action.

Privates helping Grade 8 Platinum adviser, Ms. Grace in her bulletin board designs.

When students step into Atheneum this school year, they’ll see the signs. The sparkling floors. The reorganized rooms. The thoughtful touches were made just for them.

But more than that—they’ll feel something.

That someone had prepared this place for them.

That someone cared enough to make it better.

That here, they’re not just expected.

They’re welcomed.

They’re valued.

They belong.

Officers and Privates posting self-made signs around the school.

This is Brigada Eskwela 2025.

Not a clean-up drive.

Not a requirement.

But a testament to what happens when students rise—not with words, but with work.

And in every corner of Atheneum now shines a quiet truth:

When students lead with heart, they don’t just clean schools.

They change them.

Officers cleaning the high school lockers and hallway.

As the new school year approaches, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the C.A.T. Unit for their unwavering dedication and service during Brigada Eskwela 2025. Their hands-on leadership, teamwork, and genuine care helped transform our campus into a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming space for every student and teacher returning this year.

Layout by Jude Gaudiel and Benjamin Palisoc

Published by Ms. Gen Santera