Mt. Carmel graduates end year on high note

By CASSIE DLG FEJERAN
Special to the Saipan Tribune

The usual silence at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral was temporarily set aside Friday evening for the graduation ceremonies of Mt. Carmel School’s 46 high school graduates.

With parents and guests on hand, the students marched down the aisle with the enthusiastic steps of having successfully passed the rigors of high school life.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, and retired Judge Edward Manibusan led the dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

In her opening remarks, school president Margaret C. Dela Cruz stressed to the graduates the importance of every ending in each chapter of one’s life. “With every thing we learn in life, it brings us to a fresh start in another stage of our life.”

Salutatorian Vincent Charles Salas Castro also took the stage to extend his appreciation to his friends, parents, and teachers. “To my class, we made it, we’re finally here. Years of hoping and wishing that we would one day graduate from high school is finally over,” said Castro.

Castro, who attained the President’s award for Meritorious Achievement, Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Theology, and Foreign Language Award, also shared a few words of advice for his fellow graduates.

“It is my deepest and most sincere hope that the diplomas you receive today serves as an everlasting fuel to strive harder, higher and of course holier. I believe life to be a journey where you should not expect it to take you places, rather you take it places where you want it to be,” said Castro.

Concluding his speech, Castro advised his classmates to remember where they came from. “We come from a Catholic school. The Mount Carmel School, home of the Knights. Let’s not forget where we come from, and who we are. No matter what we do, God is part of our lives. Do not forget that we are Knights. Now let us show the world what Knights can do,” said Castro.

Young Wha Sohn was declared the class Valedictorian. She was also recognized for several awards including the Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, and Theology award.

Sohn thanked the people who made it possible for her to attend Mt. Carmel School and the people who have made it memorable for her.

“We are moving on the second half our lives with determination. Have confidence and pride in what ever you do. Be proud of yourselves. Always remember that God is with you,” said Sohn.

Following the academic awards for both Sohn and Castro were the awarding of honors. The 15 honor students included Julia Lee Lizama, Maricon Orbon Bricia, Jun M. Chong Jr., Carolyn P. Fitial, Jeffrey P. Sanchez, Christine DLG Mesta, Orrin Ogumoro-Pharmin, Ah Lam Jung, Andrew K. Moses, Jodie R. Cabrera, Audrey L. King, Gregg P. Sasamoto, Dolores DLG Camacho, Antonio S. Muna Jr., and Ashley S. Benavente.

Several awards were also issued to the students who achieved the highest grade in Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Theology, Foreign Language, and Physical Education.

The Bishop Thomas A. Camacho Christian Service award was presented to Kevin P. Camacho. Governor Babauta awarded the Governor’s Leadership Award to Jeffrey P. Sanchez.

Bishop Camacho, Edward Manibusan, Margaret Dela Cruz, and Todd A. Blahnik issued the diplomas to the graduates.