Sidur, Villaspir lead 45 Rota promotees

The CNMI’s southernmost and friendliest island of Rota promoted 45 students to high school, as Sayema A. Sidur was named the valedictorian, while Jashly G. Villaspir was the salutatorian during their promotion ceremony last Thursday at the Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. High School campus.

Sidur was also the recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award presented by BOE chair Maisie B. Tenorio and BOE member Andrew L. Orsini.

The Commissioner of Education Excellence Award was presented to Villaspir by Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and his key management.

The Subject Merit Awards were also recognized.

Sidur received the awards for English, Math, Social Studies, Chamorro, Computer, and Leadership Corps.

Villaspir received the awards for English, Leadership Corps., and Career and Fine Arts.

Nitu Ali received the awards for English, Science, Chamorro, and Leadership Corps.

Haani Joy Barcinas had the awards for Chamorro and Physical Education.

Hailey Sage Chuman Manglona received the award for PE, and Sophia Barcinas, Raiahli Barcinas, Iha Farah Muna Hocog, J’ana Edat Ogo Hocog, and Hannah Isabel Reyes Salas received the award for Computer.

In Sidur’s speech, she said she never imagined herself to be the top student considering the challenges she faced when she first moved to Rota from Bangladesh. She shared her struggles learning English, but with the unwavering support of her teachers, from home, and her friends, she navigated through it.

“The journey from struggling to understand basic instructions to standing here as the valedictorian has been incredible. It’s proof of what perseverance can do and how much supportive relationships matter. I’m really grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve received along the way-this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without it,” she said.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their constant support and belief in me.

Your love, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the foundation of my success, and I am deeply thankful for everything you’ve done for me.”

She also thanked her teachers for their dedication and care, and her friends for their support during her journey.

“As we finish middle school, it feels surreal because it went by so quickly, and as we transition into high school, I hope we all keep pushing ourselves, even though it’s a mix of scary and super exciting challenges. So, let’s get out there and start creating our own opportunities. Because remember, they don’t just happen, we make them happen,” said Sidur.

For Villaspir, she said, “I am honored to stand before you today as the salutatorian of this class. It brings me so much pride and gratitude. It marks the end of an incredible chapter and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our lives. Thinking back to our first day in middle school. We were so nervous yet excited, stepping into a new chapter. Since then, we’ve faced many challenges, enjoyed memorable school events, and survived those awkward moments that have bonded us together.”

She thanked her parents Johana and Jayson, and her family for their support, encouragement, and patience, and love. She also thanked her teachers and the school’s staff for their passion and dedication, and her friends for their companionship and laughter.

“My fellow classmates, I know we will achieve great things. Whether you’re pursuing honors classes, joining new clubs, or trying out for sports teams, or doing it all- I believe in you.

Continue to follow your passions, stay true to yourselves, and never forget where you came from. Like our advisors always say, “Stay Humble!”, said Villaspir.

In Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho’s message, he said he wanted the students to give a round of applause to their parents and community who shaped them, the family of educators/teachers and staff leadership under the direction of Annette Calvo, and the BOE and administrators that have come here to celebrate with them, along with lawmakers and officials from the municipality.

He said, “When I saw you walk toward the stage, there’s so much pride. I felt a big sense of accomplishment… because you are ready to take on another phase in your life. I ask you to continue to listen, understand and continue to take advantage of the learning opportunities around you, because after high school, we will need you… one day you will leave us… but please use what you’ve learned, and we will see you in high school.”