118 KHS graduates look to new horizons

Kagman High School saw 118 of its students successfully completing their secondary education during the school’s graduation ceremony last Tuesday.

The graduates finally got a taste of their achievement as they were honored and recognized by hundreds of witnesses, including acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Public School System commissioner Dr. Rita Inos, Board of Education chair Roman Benavente, secretary-treasurer Marja Lee Taitano, teacher rep. Ambrose Bennet, keynote speaker and Koblerville Elementary School vice principal Eric Evangelista, parents, family members, and school officials.

During his remarks, Evangelista commended the students and stressed the importance of their academic achievement. He also called on the students to continue to pursue higher education and success in life as contributing citizens.

For the day, the graduates were celebrities above all present, as all eyes and cameras were on them. Undaunted, they performed well, reacted to the crowd in a highly positive manner, and savored the final moment with each other.

As with all graduations, various awards were presented to individuals who excelled.

Spearheading the cast of awardees was Benjamin M. Jones Jr., who was declared valedictorian of the class after posting the highest Grade Point Average.

Angel C. Falig Jr., was recognized as the class salutatorian after producing the second highest GPA.

Moments later, the students—several in tears—were finally recipients of their hard-earned diplomas. The seniors were officially declared graduates shortly after, as they were instructed to place the tassel of their mortarboards from the right corner to the left.

The graduates then wowed everyone with an exuberant performance of their graduation song, a remix of songs Win, World’s Greatest, and Lean on Me.

Prior to the conclusion of the ceremony, the students received warm words courtesy of senior advisors Jay Sanchez, and Barbie and Helen Iglecias.

“Tonight will not be the last goodbye or last hug from you, because deep down in my heart, I will always remember you guys and I will cherish all the memories we all had with each other. I want you to make us and your parents proud. Since you guys are the best class, I want you to show us that you can do the best you can in whatever future goals you’re trying to accomplished,” said a teary-eyed Barbie.

Graduate Daryl and Oscar Ada were both excited during the ceremony “Everything was great,” said Daryl. “The year was fun and I like it…I like this graduation ceremony.”

Displaying his sense of humor, Oscar described the graduation ceremony as “the first that’s not boring.”

He went on by adding that the years spent at the school will always be remembered.