Kagman High School, NCAA affiliation approved

Starting the 2011-2012 school year Kagman High School will be affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the first beneficiary of this partnership is Ayuyu alumna Yvonne Bennett.

Bennett graduated in 2009 and was named KHS’ female athlete of the year. She is now attending Boise State University and was accepted to the institution’s track and field team.

KHS principal Alfred Ada said that Bennett will receive scholarship awards from the NCAA this new school year.

“Yvonne has been doing a good job in her university and NCAA has offered her a scholarship. Because Yvonne came from our school, Kagman High was endorsed to become its affiliate. So we’re very proud of what she achieved,” said Ada yesterday, adding that the scholarship may be used by the recipient for any college or university sports program they are involved in.

Ada believes that KHS is the first high school on island that is formally affiliated with the national organization. Because of the affiliation, KHS graduates who will join any sports program in any college university or colleges can apply for scholarship assistance from the NCAA.

This new school year, another graduate of KHS plans to avail of the scholarship assistance: 2011 KHS male athlete of the year, John Maratita, will pursue college at Arizona State University.

Founded more than 100 years ago, the NCAA was established as a way to protect student-athletes and provides scholarships to implement that principle with increased emphasis on both athletics and academic excellence.

Ada said the school submitted the required documentations and records to the organization.

Because of the present shortfall in the government’s scholarship programs, “any amount would be a great help for our students.”

Besides Bennett’s achievement, Ada also cited the recognition bestowed on another alumna—Raelani Ogumoro, who was named recipient of the prestigious Harry Trumann Foundation scholarship grants.

Truman Scholarship Foundation recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service; and provide them with financial support for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students who are committed to making a difference through public service.

Ada said that Ogumoro, a sociology major at Eastern Oregon University, was approved for a full summer internship in Washington, D.C.

Another alumna, Daisy Demapan, was also recently awarded a scholarship grant by the Japanese Rotary Foundation. Demapan is a student at University of Guam.