After Decades, BukSU Honors a New Summa Cum Laude — and She’s a Beauty Queen

Many students know Jannah Vebs R. Balaman as a familiar face on stage.

She was a pageant candidate, a campus personality, a student leader, and someone comfortable under the spotlight. She finished as 4th Runner-Up in Ms. BukSU 2024, was named 1st Runner-Up in Ms. College of Business 2024, and represented her hometown of San Fernando, Bukidnon in the Ms. World Philippines–Bukidnon pageant.

But behind the gowns, crowns, and public appearances was a different story—one built in classrooms, libraries, boarding-house study sessions, and countless hours spent mastering one of the university’s most demanding degree programs.

This year, Balaman graduates from Bukidnon State University with a 1.18 General Weighted Average and the highest academic distinction the university can confer: Summa Cum Laude.

The Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate becomes the first summa cum laude produced by the program after many decades, adding her name to a very short list in the university’s history.

For Balaman, however, the achievement is less about being exceptional and more about becoming the best version of herself.

“Maybe, becoming the first Summa Cum Laude of the program is not about being the smartest nor the most hardworking,” she said. “Rather, it is about how I can use this honor to become an inspiration to others—not for them to become more like me, but for them to become more of themselves.”

When she entered the Accountancy program, Balaman said she never aimed for Latin honors. Her goal was simply to survive a program known for its rigorous coursework, long hours of study, and demanding examinations. Instead of focusing on awards, she concentrated on preparation, discipline, and finding study methods that matched her learning style.

But the journey was far from easy.

She recalls a long quiz during her first year when anxiety overwhelmed her. After the examination, convinced she had failed, she returned to her boarding house and called her mother in tears, questioning whether she could continue in the program. The experience became one of the defining moments of her academic life. Rather than surrendering to self-doubt, she reassessed her study habits and gradually learned how to study smarter and more effectively.

“I realized that excellence is not always about having a smooth journey without any challenges,” she said. “It is about knowing how to ride the waves.”

Her determination eventually translated into consistent academic success. Throughout her four years in college, she maintained her status as a University Scholar while also earning recognition in regional accounting competitions and student organization activities.

Behind those achievements stood a support system she readily credits for helping her succeed.
Her parents—an elementary school teacher and a farmer—encouraged her ambitions while reminding her that grades were never more important than her well-being. She also credits her teachers, mentors, classmates, and faith in God for helping her overcome moments of uncertainty and continue striving for excellence.

Balaman’s achievement places her among a select group of graduates in BukSU history.
Based on available records from the Office of the Registrar, the university’s previous summa cum laude graduates were Beverly B. Badajos-Bicar, who completed the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1985, and Chona Estavilla Plasos, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree in 1991.

More than three decades later, Balaman now joins that distinguished company.

Yet her story is only one chapter in the larger story of the BukSU Class of 2026.

This year, Bukidnon State University celebrates the graduation of 2,010 students under the theme, “Future-Ready BukSU: ACHIEVE Excellence, Accelerate Innovation, Empower Generation.”

Among the graduates are 235 honor awardees whose academic accomplishments reflect the university’s continuing pursuit of excellence.

For Balaman, the distinction of graduating summa cum laude is a reminder of what is possible when discipline, faith, and self-belief come together.

Her message to students who hope to achieve their own goals is simple: “Be true to yourself. Try. Rest. Trust the process. Pray.”

As the Class of 2026 prepares to leave the university, Balaman’s story serves as a reminder that success is not defined by a title, a crown, or even an academic honor. It is defined by the willingness to keep learning and keep becoming the person one is capable of becoming.