Castro, Ferdous lead KHS Class of 2024

Happy tears, heartfelt wishes, and hurrahs you can only get from the east side permeated the American Memorial Park in Garapan last Thursday as hundreds of family members and friends gathered to witness 97 Kagman High School Ayuyus turn their tassels and welcome a new chapter in their life.

Despite moments of rain and intense summer heat, the audience had prepared bringing their umbrellas for such a moment.

Leading the KHS Class of 2024 was valedictorian Zunica Mae Aldan Castro, and salutatorian Soomaitah Saba Ferdous, with the Board of Education Award going to Castro and the Commissioner’s Award to Ferdous.

The Lt. Governor Award went to Issa Atalig Teigita and Oceana Atalig Teigita; and the Mayor’s Award went to Filomenaleonisa Tapua’ialupe Iakopo. The Principal’s Award went to Zared David Camacho Nekaifes and John Joseph Rios Mensah, and the recipients of the Ayuyu Spirit Award were Alfred Gonzales Jr. II and Reed Tokyo Camacho Jr.

The Top 10 are Castro, Ferdous, Angelia Li Pua, Vianyka Jovissa Sablan Reyes, Shaunalyn Joan Saruyda Babauta, Darnell Lisua Decena, Akiya Cervantes Baetiong, Issa Atalig Leiwisor Teigita, Oceana Ilitiwyong Atalig Teigita, and Filomenaleonisa Tapua’ialupe Iakopo.

Castro was also the recipient of several other awards including the Outstanding Female Award from the CNMI Women’s Affairs Office and the Governor’s Outstanding Student Award.

During her valedictory speech, Castro shared that the moment brought so many emotions.

“I find it so crazy and I’m a little bit starstruck that I’ve watched many graduates before me on this very stage. And now, it’s finally our turn. If there’s anything that I’ve learned throughout these past four years, it’s that sometimes life just isn’t life-ing, right? I’m not going to lie, it’s hard, right? Oh, my goodness. But, it is at this very moment and these times that we must turn to those who have stood beside us through every step of the way and recognize them for all that they have done,” said Castro as she began expressing her gratitude to her family, her partner, friends, and school faculty and classmates.

“I wouldn’t have made it to the finish line without you. Hagu real. You are such amazing people, and I cannot wait to continue seeing our friendship blossom… thank you everyone. You have each made an impact in my life, and I would not be here standing in front of everyone without all the love, support, and guidance you have given me.”

To her fellow graduates, she said “Thank you for making this year the most memorable, but most importantly, thank you for always being down. I wish you nothing but the best of the endeavors in your lives. Biba 2024!”

For Ferdous, she was happy to share that the day had been one she had looked forward to for a while. “I’m pretty sure almost all of us were robbed of our 8th grade promotion due to COVID-19. So, it really makes this moment more special knowing how easily this could have been different. But thankfully, everything worked in our favor, and we finally got the graduation that we deserve.”

She also expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her throughout her high school career.

“Just know every one of us on this stage is truly grateful for your unwavering support and love. Thank you for believing in us from start to finish.”

She shared that she’ll keep the memories made in KHS for a long time, saying “Once an Ayuyu, always an Ayuyu.”

Chosen by the class to give the keynote address was KHS teacher Elizabeth Basa.

“Graduates, if there’s one piece of advise I want you to remember, is that you can accomplish all things with hard work. I wasn’t Valley or Sally, I wasn’t even in the Top 10, but yet I graduated college magna cum laude, meaning with honors. Hard work has gotten me this far, and it can get you far too. You know your class means a lot to me because you were my first ever group of students I’ve taught here on Saipan. You know, I’m acting like that was so long ago, that was just last school year. I am so lucky to even be a little part of your story. I never thought I’d teach high school, but this group, you all, have made me realize that maybe this is where I’m meant to be.”

Basa said while she was supposed to teach the graduating class new things, in a way they’re the ones who have taught her a lot.

“You guys have helped me grow as an educator and a human. Unfortunately, not physically, because I’m still very short. I believe you guys are going to change the world in your own unique ways for the better. Class of 2024, I want you to create a world you want to live in. Because when I have kids one day, they’re going to look up to you. I am just so excited for what’s to come. We’re here to live our own wildly authentic life. And you only have one, so make the best of it. We’re rooting for you always with so much love. Congratulations, Class of 2024,” as the KHS Class of 2024 erupted in cheers.

During his remarks, KHS principal Benjamin Jones Jr. also encouraged the graduates to choose their path and pursue their dreams as well as challenged them.

“Graduates, as you embark on your next chapter, I will not give you any more advices, instead I offer you a challenge, and no, it is not a TikTok challenge, a real challenge. I challenge you to make it better for yourself. If you want things to be different, then you need to start doing things differently. Stop making excuses, stop pointing fingers at everyone else, stop feeling sorry for yourself. When you fall, get back up, dust yourself off, check if your phone is still working, and get back to it. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself? I better not see you dreaming on the side of CYC with a six-pack. I better see you living your dreams. I’m going to miss you all. Let’s have a great evening, Ayuyus. Tonight, we celebrate you.”