The Making of a LEPT Topnotcher: How Princess Willah Yamahon Ranked Top 1

Like many examinees, Princess Willah M. Yamahon took the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) with a single goal — to pass.

But when the results were released in May, the cum laude graduate of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) program of Bukidnon State University found herself making history after ranking first in the elementary level of the licensure examination with a 95% rating.

Behind the achievement was a journey shaped by pressure, uncertainty, and persistence.

Yamahon, 23, is the second among four siblings. Her father works as a public elementary school teacher, while her mother manages a home-based baking business. Growing up, education was always part of their household, but so were sacrifices.

During her college years, financial challenges became part of daily life as three siblings were studying at the same time while another remained in high school.

“Despite these difficulties, I am grateful that my parents continued to provide for us and supported our education as much as they could,” she said.

She added that relatives also extended help when needed, making their situation more manageable.

Before entering college, Yamahon had already established a record of academic and extracurricular achievements. She graduated valedictorian in elementary school, with highest honors in junior high school, and with high honors in senior high school.

Despite her academic standing, Yamahon said she often struggled with self-doubt.

“As a student, I often felt pressure to perform beyond expectations, especially during exams,” she said.

She described herself as someone who was not naturally studious and admitted that she usually reviewed lessons only before quizzes, examinations, or oral recitations. While she considered test-taking one of her strengths, teaching demonstrations and oral recitations were more difficult because nervousness sometimes caused her mind to go blank.

“At times, I also experienced impostor syndrome, where I doubted my abilities despite doing well,” she said.

Yamahon chose the BECEd program at BukSU because of the employment opportunities it offered both locally and abroad. She said the curriculum and faculty training helped prepare students to teach young learners.

During college, she became a Dean’s Lister and University Scholar, won first place in the Teaching Demo Contest for Mindanao Week of Peace, ranked first in the BukSU Mock LET for the BECEd program, and graduated cum laude.

For Yamahon, preparation for the LEPT began long before graduation.

“I believe that we start preparing for the LEPT as soon as we enter college,” she said.

She later enrolled in a review center after receiving a full scholarship through the FTRC’s Battle of the Brains. The structured review sessions, she said, helped her stay focused and avoid procrastination.

Her preparation included reviewing notes, answering drill questions, and mentally preparing herself for the long review process.

When examination day came, Yamahon said she encountered small but memorable difficulties inside the testing center. She had forgotten to bring a jacket to the air-conditioned room and had to manage sweaty palms while answering the exam.

After completing the examination, she said she was not entirely confident with some of her answers, particularly in Professional Education and her major subjects.

“I left the testing center praying to God, trusting that I had done my best and offering all my worries to Him,” she said.

Yamahon credited BukSU for helping prepare her for the licensure examination through its curriculum, assessments, and faculty guidance.

Beyond academics, she said college also taught her resilience, discipline, consistency, and the value of surrounding herself with people who support similar goals.

Now carrying the distinction of being the Top 1 examinee in the LEPT elementary level, Yamahon plans to continue improving as a teacher through experience and skills development. She also hopes to explore opportunities abroad in the future.

“Apart from that, it has always been my goal to give my family the life they deserve and to repay their sacrifices through my work,” she said.

For future examinees, Yamahon said the LEPT requires more than intelligence alone.

“The LEPT is not just a test of pure intelligence; rather, it is a test of perseverance, self-belief, consistency, and test-taking skills,” she said.

Joining Yamahon in the roster of topnotchers from BukSU were Sophia Acquin A. Parista of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) program and Elkan T. Salumintao of the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) program, who both placed fifth in the elementary level with ratings of 93.80%. Shekinah Philline J. Sayson of the BEEd program ranked eighth with a 93.20% rating. In the secondary level, Ian Fherd S. Tamong of the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) program placed eighth with a 93.60% rating. (BukSU-Information Unit)