Ryan Bradley Estacio Ortizo and Hazel Marie Bernardo Doctor were hailed top graduates in this year's Mount Carmel High School commencement exercises held Saturday evening at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.
Ortizo was named the class valedictorian and recipient of nine other special recognitions, including department awards in English, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, theology, speech, and drama. He also received the loyalty award, president's award for academic excellence, and extra and co-curricular involvement activities.
Ryan is the son of Myrna and Roy Ortizo. He will enroll at New York University this fall semester and major in biology under the pre-med program.
In his emotional valedictory address before hundreds of guests and spectators, Ortizo said: “A wise man once told me that the measure of one's success in life is not determined by how many awards or titles to your name you have, but by the experiences you gain in life. For 12 years, I've had the opportunity to share many wonderful experiences with my friends, my mentors, and my family, and I realized that I wouldn't be the success story that I am today if it weren't for all your support.”
He added that it wouldn't be right for him to end his days as a student at Mount Carmel School without showing his gratitude and appreciation to all these wonderful people.
The top graduate, who led 35 other graduates this year, specifically thanked his parents and siblings for all their sacrifices and encouragement for him to succeed. Mentors, teachers, coaches, and club advisors who guided him in his 12 years at Mount Carmel were also acknowledged for their great contributions.
For Ortizo, graduation is just a beginning of a major milestone in their lives. He said it is a day that marks the end of their high school lives, and the beginning of a future filled with hope, new experiences, uncertainty, and change.
“We've been with each other for oh so long, that we're practically family, but soon, we must all part ways. It is a tough thing to do-to leave behind the people you've grown to love, but despite our sorrow, we must all move forward. Change is inevitable, but change can be a good thing. And as we move forward and experience the winds of change, let us not wallow in sadness, but look to the future with hopeful spirits,” he told fellow graduates.
Ortizo is a consistent honor student since his elementary days and has been to numerous off-island trips and events representing the CNMI. Among them was the National Forensic League competitions where he was the first student recognized for being in the national event for four consecutive years. Ortizo was also hailed champions in events such as Attorney General's Cup, Sengebau Poetry Competition, and others.
This year's salutatorian honor was bestowed to Hazel Marie B. Doctor, who was also recipient of seven other special awards and recognitions.
In her message to the graduates, Doctor urged her colleagues to do their best for their future.
“Never forget that life is a learning process. Wherever you will be, seek all the opportunities for your best. Always remember the person you want to be.and never let others put you down,” Doctor added.
Other students who graduated with honors included Louise France A. Villagomez, Keno Iwa C. San Pablo, Armalene B. Cabreros, and Keolester Buenpacifico.
The Bishop Tomas A. Camacho Christian Service Award also went to Armalene B. Cabreros, while the president's award for meritorious achievement was also bestowed to Louise France Albuen Villagomez.
Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos awarded the governor's leadership award for 2010 to Jalayne Colette Tomokane Benavente.
The event was keynoted by Zenaida C. Javier.
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