161 students of Saipan Southern graduate
By Cassie Dlg Fejeran
Special to the Saipan Tribune
“With mistakes, we learn…with education, we excel…together we succeed.”
This was the theme for 161 students who took their last step as “high schoolers” Friday evening at the Saipan Southern High School.
Parents, relatives, teachers and staff stood in the crowd with their cameras taking snapshots of this momentous occasion in the lives of the graduates.
Principal Peter Le’au, who opened the ceremony, underscored the school’s spirited environment by pointing out Saipan Southern High’s emphasis on not just academics but also extra-curricular activities that make for a well-rounded graduate.
Superior Court associate judge Ramona V. Manglona, who gave the keynote address, congratulated the seniors for their accomplishment and for putting in the effort that got them to where they are.
SSHA vice principal Craig H. Garrison, together with Board of Education chair Roman Benavente, performed the honors of announcing this year’s outstanding graduating students of Saipan Southern High.
Anthony Babauta, who was chosen as the class Valedictorian, was awarded the Board of Education Award.
Salutatorian Nikita Cabrera was awarded the Commissioner’s award, which was presented by Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, meanwhile, presented the Govenor’s Award to Sherley Torres, for successfully organizing and participating in several school events. With the award went the nickname “Manta Girl.”
Bernard Oxales, who obtained the top 9th GPA of his class, was awarded the Mayor’s Student Leadership Award, presented by Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, while Le’au presented the senior class president, Kimberly Seman, with the Principal’s Award. Seman was also recognized as the outstanding female graduate. From the Women’s Affairs Office, Sophia M. Fejeran presented Seman with the OFEGRA Award.
Lars Palacios, President of the Parent Teacher Association, took the stage to present the Parent-Teacher Association Award to Nathan Borja. Borja was also recognized for getting into the top 10 GPA of his class.
Caroline Lynch and Sang Jin Park received the Honorable Mention Award. Lynch and Park have achieved high grade point averages to qualify for the Top 10 Award, however they have not met the school attendance requirement of three years.
Valedictorian Babauta took the stage to offer several advice to his peers as they move on to the next step in their education. Babauta praised the graduates for a job well done, as well as the parents and teachers who made it possible for them.
“There comes an event in everyone’s life that will change everything. How you react at that moment could determine the course your life takes,” quoted Babauta from a famous TV character. “Congratulations not only to us graduates, for achieving excellence in academics, athletics and the arts, both in school and out, but also congratulations to our teachers, parents, friends, families and administrators. Our success is your success, for you have given us the freedom to dare, the courage to excel and the belief that we can achieve our best.”
The graduates also sang their graduation song Thank You, that was written by graduates John Saures and Chris Selepeo.
Other guests of the evening included Rep. Janet Maratita, Rep. Ben Seman, and Sen. Pete Reyes.
