Jingco: A bright future beckons us

The theme for this year’s graduation rites at the Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School was, “The fireworks begin today.”

Class valedictorian Mary Heather Baladad Jingco took inspiration from that in her valedictory speech. She exhorted her fellow graduates: “Every diploma is a lighted match. Each one of us, the fuse.”

Jingco, who received various awards during last Monday’s seventh commencement exercises at the school grounds, said that each of their lives is one grand celebration.”
“And today, our fireworks is dedicated to the bright futures ahead of us. Our fireworks today are dedicated to our dreams and passions that each and every one of us will pursue relentlessly. It is the future me and you that will stand up and make a change in our island, in our world for the better.”

She added that their diploma is the lighted match. “[It] is our starting point and aren’t there to open doors for us, but are there to push us to open those doors ourselves. And, if we have to, make those doors ourselves.

“Success is not an end goal that, once attained, will be maintained. Success is the constant manifestation of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. In life, nothing worthwhile ever comes without these values. We, my Class of 2018, are the fuse. It is our duty, to ourselves, to the people that love us and rot for us, to live life as happily and fruitfully as possible.”

Jezzel Munar Candia, Querida Bridilla Mesngon Maratita, Richelle Mae Ebuen Aldabe, Aliah Roma Mendiola Santos, Roberta Cathelene Mendiola Maratita, Loreville Dela Cruz Clitar, and Janiah Atalig Manglona joined Jingco as the Top 8 students of their class.

Jingco was the recipient of the CNMI State Board of Education and Rota Mayor’s awards, and in the subjects of English, mathematics, social studies, and physical education/health. Candia received the CNMI Commissioner of Education award and world language.

Shawntay Doel Atalig Maratita (Governor’s Leadership), Querida Maratita (Principal’s Leadership and Outstanding Female Graduate), John Taga Atalig Jr. (Lt. Gov. Excelsior), Julia Maria Manglona Ogo (16th Municipal Council-Perseverance) were the other leadership awardees.

Querida Maratita also received the academic award in science and electives, while Roberta Maratita and Aliah Santos were the subject awardees in their electives.

A total of 45 senior high school graduated at the Dr. Rita Inos school.