Francisco M. Sablan Middle School promotes 88

Francisco M. Sablan Middle School promoted 88 eighth graders to high school at the packed Koblerville Gymnasium on Wednesday, May 29.

The promoted students chose one of the quotes from the famous YouTuber, Technoblade, for their promotion theme, “One day, we’ll look back at where we started and be amazed at how far we’ve come.”

Rexy Eirah Doronila is the class valedictorian and recipient of the 18th CNMI Board of Education Academic Excellence Award. Acting BOE chair Maisie B. Tenorio was joined by BOE members Andrew L. Orsini and Antonio L. Borja in presenting the award.

Christian Joseph R. Tenorio is class salutatorian and the recipient of the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award which was presented by Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and his key management.

The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Alexander Javier for his leadership throughout the campus and community.

Subject awards

Twelve subject awards were announced during the promotion ceremony.

The academic excellence in computer literacy II was a tie for Francis Bien Cabanatan Danipog and Christian Joseph R. Tenorio.

The academic excellence for Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies was awarded to Mary Lach M. Pascua.

Caitlin Solidum Burgos was presented with the Academic Excellence in Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies.

The academic excellence in social studies was presented to Rexy Eirah Doronila.

The academic excellence in physical education, the award was presented to three students: Paul Demetrius Barroga Calunsag, Changhwan Ryu and Kapua Masga Hocog.

Christian Joseph R. Tenorio was the recipient for academic excellence in mathematics.

Precious Aicee Castro received academic excellence in fine arts.

The academic excellence in PLTW/STEM was awarded to Francis Bien Cabanatan Danipog, Alexander Tobi Javier, and Delzen Aurea Vergara.

The academic excellence in science was presented to Precious Kenzie Lontic and Jerz Luv Sean Calisura Navarro.

The academic excellence in Language Arts went to Fatima C. Muna and Rexy Doronila.

The students were presented with academic excellence in Music: Frank Raphael M. Lumanlan, Paul Demeterius Barroga Calunsag, Sheila Feng, Changhwan Ryu, Dann Aldrin Santiago Ciano, Mary Pascua, Rexy Eira Doronialla, JulinadAnua, Sierra Elise C. Manahane, and Lionel Edison B. Arceo.

The Distinguished Middle School Leadership Corps Award for Leadership Excellence was presented to Christian Joseph R. Tenorio for his “commendable conduct in the performance of outstanding service of commander of cadets.

The Napu Spirit Award was given to Gabriel Asaiah Suda for exemplifying school spirit and citizenship.

Encouragement

Class valedictorian Doronila, in her address, said it was her mother’s encouragement that led her to strive better.

“If I could speak to 6th grade me, I would tell myself how far we’ve come along and how much we’ve improved over the years. I was failing in sixth grade until my mother pushed me to do my best. I’m pretty sure without the encouragement from my mom, I wouldn’t be standing here, giving this speech. Receiving this award and title shows just how far I’ve come along. I will never forget how much fun I’ve had throughout my time in middle school,” he said.

She added, “The times when I would study for an exam in the period before, rushing to finish essays and projects as fast as possible. I have not only made new friends, but I have found myself along the way. As a Chinese proverb once said, “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” You may be given multiple opportunities, but it is up to you to use those opportunities.”

She thanked several individuals who were part of his middle school journey. “I would like to thank some remarkable people first. I would like to thank all the teachers and staff for pushing me to do my best. However, I would like to thank Ms. Mettao, Ms. Marylyn, and Ms. Bev personally, for always being able to help me with other subjects and always encouraging me to not give up. Thank you to all my friends for being supportive.

Motivation

Tenorio, the class salutatorian, in his address remembered his journey in middle school.

“I was an average, actually below average student. I was failing multiple classes and was not motivated to keep up with school. That was until a certain mathematician decided to step in and motivate me to make better decisions. This person was Marylyn Tabuena, one of our emcees for today. Throughout 7th and 8th grade she has been like an older sister and mentor for me, serving as motivation to always try my best. The next few people I will mention are those that encourage me to be better. These people are Francis Danipog, Dann Ciano, Alexander Javier, Michael Elayda, and Jommy Tubale in no particular order whatsoever. The next person is our valedictorian and someone who motivated me to compete with them in terms of academics. I would like to be one of the first people to say congratulations to Rexy Doronila. The next person I will be mentioning is my 7th grade Homeroom Teacher, Mrs. Beverly Surla, who has helped me through a lot and has always been a good person to talk to. I would also like to thank my siblings and my parents for always thinking that I could do better. Another person I would like to mention hasn’t been here for long but has quickly become one of my favorite teachers because of his witty personality and good morals. I would like to thank Lance Corporal Karl Bier for helping our drill team when we were at our lowest. The last person I will mention may not be the tallest teacher, but their impact on my person is undeniable. Mrs. Mettao is a coach, coordinator, and teacher all at once.”

Problem solver

Education Commissioner Camacho paid tribute to the promoted students as the reason why he, and the Board of Education, continue to serve the Commonwealth’s public school students.

“I want to thank you our bigger bosses—the students, all the promotes—who are moving on to high school. For me, as I reflect on your journey, you have come to this point where you can see and visualize the future. And that future is our land—the island of Saipan or wherever you may end up when you finish your studies with us at PSS,” the commissioner of education said.

He added, “Someone once said that the two best days in a person’s life are 1) when they were born, and 2) when you realize and know why you were born. You have a meaning in your life; you own meaning in your life and find that. Your generation, as we define success, no longer means the possession or accumulation of possessions, goods and wealth. You said that success to you means a purpose in life. It means getting through high school and getting to establish yourself and achieve goals and purpose in life. And I hope that purpose in life is to help solve the problems here in the CNMI.”

Acting BOE chair Maisie Tenorio said, “I have had the incredible privilege of getting to know many of you these past few months, so I know these last few years have not been easy. Despite your challenges—you showed up for your family, your classmates but, most importantly—for yourself. If you take any skill with you, take one foot… in front of the other.”

She added, “The next four years will also have its set of challenges, but you are not alone. You have an entire community of loved ones and educators who will walk alongside you—one step at a time. With their support and your courage, you will continue to reach amazing destinations.” (PR)