52 MHS Dolphins inducted into National Honor Society

It’s a special day for 52 bright young students of Marianas High School as they were inducted into the National Honor Society last Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at the ballroom of Hyatt Regency Saipan.

The new members who all wore white for the occasion were carefully selected by a faculty council from numerous applications this school year. Each one has to have a maintaining GPA of 3.5 or higher, taking at least one AP or honors class, have outstanding academic achievements, deep commitment to community service, and have the ability to inspire as leaders.

This school year’s NHS Dolphin Chapter inductees are Ma. Ysabelle “Ysa” Achas, Webb Dunn Jr. Alano, Hilah Bacani, Lauren Bae, Michelle Chen, Arnel Josh V. Coloma, Mark Costales, Jhaylin Cruz, Mathea Jenelle Deocares, Hana Rhys Diaz, Savannah Tan Flores, Frances Louise Hernandez, Zong Yao Huang, Hayden Igisomar, Farjana Sabrina Islam, Joseph Victor Jimenez, David Jin, Zhimin Jin, Hyena Kim, Irene Kim, Joshua Kim, Min Seok (Alex) Kim, Angel Li, Iver James Lilles, Cindy Ma, Rhoana Caylee A. Macalinao, Juruel Neilan Magtalas, Audrein Jennifer Mallari, Gia Kamille Manahan, James Mercader, Diego Metran, Eunice Molina, Prapti Mondal, Jermaine “Jea” Argabioso Montenejo, Kyle Sang Hyun Moon, Koey Pan, Joseph Paraiso, Kaeli Jo Pathil, En Mei Quan, Paulo Jerome Niniano Quidato, Rizza Uvero Relucio, Gabriel Angelo Retardo, Abigael Robles, Andrew Sablan, Jayden Shin, Jonathan Sheu, Trixia Jhoanne Singca, Gwanpil Son, Yejin Son, Jinie Thompson, Juddah Torres, and Jenny Wu Zhang.

Senior student Jonathan Sheu expressed his delight at being inducted as a new member of NHS, “I feel really happy and honored to be accepted into the NHS.” He said he plans to volunteer more in the community and serve.

Junior Jea Montenejo feels really honored that she is now part of the NHS organization and she feels that it plays such a big role in high school and has always been one of her long-time goals. “To be able to finally achieve it feels really, really good.” When asked about her plans after this, she said, “I hope to expand on the four pillars of character, service, scholarship, and leadership. Definitely, with NHS gives me a lot more opportunities to do so.”

Iver James Lilles, a junior, feels excited about being a member of NHS, “I plan to work hard to improve myself more, serve the community, and do whatever I can to serve Saipan.”

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was 2021 State Teacher of the Year awardee Bonny Cruz who shared a metaphor of the outrigger canoe and its six paddlers coming from a deeply rooted Pacific islander heritage and her passion for the sport of paddling. Cruz said, “Take a moment to imagine an outrigger canoe. In this canoe, each and every one of you represents the paddlers, a vital force compelling the vessel forward. But remember you do not paddle alone, you are part of a team, a community, a society—and that’s where mentorship comes in.” She added, “Mentorship within the National Honor Society mirrors the dynamics of an outrigger canoe where experienced paddlers guide newer ones. Each paddler must synchronize, letting their movements find harmony in the push and pull of the water against the outrigger. Similarly, mentorship is about finding the balance in life: academic success, personal growth, character development, and emotional well-being.”

Aside from receiving their respective certificate of membership and candle lighting, the event highlight was the much-awaited talent show where the inductees presented their various talents like video editing, singing, rapping, dancing, playing the uke, and solving the Rubik’s cube among others. Crowd favorites were Paulo Jerome Niniano Quidato and Iver James Lilles showcasing their Karate moves and kata forms. The crowd oohed and aahed when Quidato did wood breaking with his bare hands. Hana Rhys Diaz assisted by her father, Jerry Diaz, wowed the crowd with her swift boxing moves, while Ma. Ysabelle Achas showed off her vocal prowess singing to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect as she played the guitar. Gwanpil Son capped the talent event with an impressive magic show.

Alexis Cabrera, NHS Dolphin Chapter president, expects the new inductees to give their all every day they come to school. “Make the most of their year within NHS because we are more than just a club, we are international. We are doing so much to give back to the community and we just wanna work together to provide a better learning environment. This year we plan on doing a lot of community outreach, becoming more involved in our school, and doing more campus activities. We might also do an off-island trip if we are lucky.”

The National Honor Society traces its origins back to 1921. This distinguished organization, comprised of outstanding high school students, upholds its four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Membership in the NHS also opens doors to valuable scholarship opportunities. Serving as a prestigious symbol of commitment to positive change, the NHS plays a crucial role within high school institutions.