Ichihara, Hart to get NMC Academic Excellence Awards

The Northern Marianas College will confer its highest academic honors on Angel Hart and Keoni Ichira as this year’s outstanding graduates among all bachelor degree candidates.

The two are among the 238 students who are slated to march on Saturday at the college’s commencement ceremony, to be held at Marianas High School gymnasium.

The Academic Excellence Award is bestowed on students with the highest grade point average.

Hart and Ichira are both taking up bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the college and will soon be joining the Public School System workforce.

“We are extremely proud of them and the hard work, commitment, and the perseverance they have consistently demonstrated in the past few years,” said Cyndi Deleon Guerrero, director of the NMC School of Education.

In an interview, both students described their influences, challenges, and also offered some advice to new college students.

“One of the challenges I faced during my studies was being able to support two kids while I finished my degree,” Hart said. “I had a very good support system at work, a caring fiancée, and friends that kept me focused on the end result.”

Ichihara said his main sources of inspiration were his family, parents, and friends. “They have been extremely supportive,” he said.

Ichihara also added that one of the most important lessons he learned through his studies is that “every student and child deserves a chance to succeed.”

Hart, on the other hand, said that one of the most important lessons she learned while pursuing her degree was that “we never stop learning.”

Asked about her favorite class, Hart said, “All of the classes I took were my favorite because they all brought something to the table that taught me what it is to be an educator.”

Both recommend that students start their college education at the Northern Marianas College.

“I especially recommend NMC to those who cannot afford to go off island to get their degree,” said Hart. “In your classes and your degree program, NMC becomes your family, and on Saipan, family is the most important thing in our lives.”

Ichihara recommends NMC especially for those who are not sure about where to go just yet, “because NMC is a good place to start.”

Ichihara also advises students who are just beginning their college studies to “believe in yourself.”

Hart recommends that students “should keep their focus and should not let little setbacks stop them from moving forward.”

“Above all,” Hart added, “have fun.” [B][I](NMC)[/I][/B]