FOUR years had passed since Mitzi Caryl Encarnacion dreamt of studying law at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City. On Sunday, June 4, 2023, she graduated with flying colors as the class salutatorian.

Encarnacion is among the graduates of the Juris Doctor Class of 2023 of USLS. Before, she had doubts if she can finish the most difficult course insofar as academic achievements are concerned.

She led the second reading during the Baccalaureate Mass of the USLS 2023 Graduation Rites held at the University Coliseum on June 4.

University President Br. Joaquin Martinez and Dean Rossanne Juliana Rojas Gonzaga, and other faculty joined the batch of new graduates during the Baccalaureate mass.

Mitzi posted on her FB that her dream is not yet complete, but is one step closer feels pretty good.

"This is for all those who believed in me and even those who did not. Thank you for pushing me to achieve everything that I have now," she said.

She said that four years ago, "I failed my Criminal Law 1 midterm exam and said to myself, "Law school is NOT for me!" I wonder what kind of prayers my loved ones must have spoken that I made it. To all those who paved the way for me, thank you for this incredible opportunity."

Aside from being the class salutatorian, she is also a Loyalty Awardee (Alma Mater Awardee) and received the Excellence in Leadership Service Above Self - Service Award, and Excellent Service for the 2022 USLS Bar Operations.

Stephanie Anne Be is the Class Valedictorian, and Gabrielle Martina Diaz, Anne Mary Louise Ongsuco and Joevel Bartolome earned Exemplary Distinctions.