Nicdao, Ogumoro-Uludong lead Tanapag Class of 2024 promotion

The north side of Saipan saw an explosion of color, culture, and celebration during the Tanapag Middle School Class of 2024 promotion ceremony last Monday morning.

Jillian Reese B. Nicdao was named the valedictorian, while Amaya Joy S. Ogumoro-Uludong took the salutatorian title out of 98 promotees.

Nicdao was also the recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award, and Ogumoro-Uludong received the Commissioner of Education Award. The Principal’s Leadership Award was presented to Mackela M. Sase.

Best in Subject Awards were given as well.

Nicdao racked up awards in English Language Arts, Math, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Chamorro Carolinian Language & Heritage Studies (CCLHS).

Ogumoro-Uludong was best in Physical Education and Science.

Carlos Avante Cashwell was Best in Project Lead the Way; Tyeisha Jade Ngewakl was Best in Computer; and Raychael Niko Yiftheg was Best in Art.

Before the promotion certificates were handed out to the students, they showcased a special cultural performance where they danced in front of their parents and guests.

After, the valedictorian speech was made by Nicdao. She thanked the people in her life who have supported her through everything. She thanked her sisters, her teachers, her friends, and her role models—her parents. “Thank you for inspiring me and guiding me all these years. I owe this all to you,” she said.

Then, to her fellow promotees, she said, “Today we celebrate the obstacles that we have faced and the accomplishments we have made. Our start at TMS was during the pandemic in which we entered a school where we knew no one besides family. A new schedule, new teachers, and new surroundings, yet we have made it this far. The hardships from these past few years led us all to this day. We have reached the end of the chapter. As J. Cole once said, “Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories.” Live in the present and live to the fullest. Congratulations and good job to everyone.”

In Ogumoro-Uludong’s speech, she also thanked everyone in her life who has supported her—her parents, siblings, friends, and teachers. She said, “Thank you to all these wonderful people for helping me get where I am now.”

She then congratulated her fellow promotees. “We have finished middle school and now we are heading to the next step in our life, high school. Good job to everyone. I know that not all of us are going to the same high school so I just wanted to say don’t ever give up. Keep pushing and believing in yourself. Just know that the only person that can stop you is yourself. Life may be tough, but so are you. Let the good people into your life, the people who will help you in your tough times. Some people can either be by your side or in your way. So choose your friends wisely. And, remember to focus on what will benefit you in the long run and not just what feels right in the moment. We have a whole life ahead of us and we have dreams to achieve. And with the right mindset, we can do anything we set our minds to,” she said.

The welcoming remarks were made by TMS principal Hilda Rios, while Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and BOE acting chair Maisie B. Tenorio also gave their congratulatory remarks. The closing remarks were made by TMS vice principal Felisa Teliu.