Tang, Park lead largest ever MHS graduating class

A total of 380 Marianas High School students graduated last Wednesday in the Dolphin Class of 2024 graduation ceremony in Susupe, prompting MHS principal Jonathan Aguon to say it’s the largest graduating class in MHS’ 55-year history during his welcoming remarks.

With 380 in the MHS Class of 2024, the ceremony was held outdoors to accommodate all family members, friends, and special guests in attendance.

Leading the MHS Class of 2024 as they turned their tassels was valedictorian Pony Kaile Tang and salutatorian Bomee Park, with the Board of Education Award going to Tang and the Commissioner’s Award to Park.

The Governor’s Leadership Award went to Jane Nicole Cuevas Mozunder, the Lt. Gov. Award went to Juruel Neilan Pablico Magtalas. Arnel Josh Valladolid Coloma received the Mayor’s Award. The Outstanding Female Graduate Award was given to Destiny Jade Cabrera Pangelinan and the Principal’s Award was given to Tralisia Dewonee Golston. Tang was also the recipient of the Dolphin Award.

Top 10 students were Tang, Park, Joseph Victor Bartolome Jimenez, Raja Liu Sevugan, Aiyana Jade Reyes Manglona, Juruel Neilan Pablico Magtalas, Kaitlyn Salazar Punzalan, Cindy Ting Ma, Jane Nicole Cuevas Mozunder, and IG Kamiya Nicole Nosa Obnimaga.

Other awards were also given such as the English Language Arts Department awards to Raja Liu Sevugan, Juruel Neilan Pablico Magtalas, and Kaitlyn Salazar Punzalan. The Language Other than English Dept. awards went to Ashley Kaye Muleta, Hana Rhys Laxamana Diaz, while the Mathematics Dept. Award went to Joseph Victor Bartolome Jimenez, and Pony Kaile Tang. Tang and Jayden Joo-Ho Shin were also the recipient of the Science Dept. Award. The Social Studies Dept. Award went to Shin and Jimenez. Physical Education awards went to Taiyo Akimaru and Leonardo Isidro Lee Tudela Tenorio. The Outstanding Male Athlete Award went to Mokyang Kim and the Outstanding Female Athlete Award to Destiny Jade Cabrera Pangelinan. The JROTC Dept. awards went to Edgar Aaron Nellasca Tuazon, and Paulo Jerome Niniano Quidato. Career Technical Education Dept. Awards went to Tyana Mizutani Cepeda and Jonathan Wen Jie Yue Sheu.

In his speech, Tang expressed his deepest thanks to his teachers, mentors, parents, friends and peers. He encouraged his class that as they head out into the world to remember that, “Talent means nothing without effort.” He shared that just like in high school “Success isn’t about perfect grades it’s bout seizing opportunities. If we are not aware, countless opportunities that are in front of you will disappear. Opportunities won’t run to you, you need to run to them, so it’s up to you to notice them and use them to achieve your dreams.”

Tang shared, “Remember ‘success’ has seven letters and so does ‘failure,’ so it’s up to you to choose the seven letters you want.”

The student-athlete also noted selfcare and prioritizing health.

“…we are not lab rats, we are lucky enough to live on this tropical island that people pay to visit so whenever possible, go outside soak in some Vitamin D, eat healthy, and sleep. Your older self will thank you for that.”

To MHS’ underclassmen, he said “For those who still have to graduate remember that four years is short, don’t stress about it too much, enjoy what life has to give, do what you love while the clock ticks and don’t just do things for college. High school isn’t about perfect grades and popularity—well those are nice—but your time here will be remembered by the relationships you have built, and what will last you a lifetime are the memories you’ve made.”

Tang added “As we move on today, we all have different goals, but remember to enjoy the process and make the memories. Achieving a goal is fun, but the journey is where the real joy lies.”

Park, for his part, shared that she had looked forward to the day she would be done with high school, but now that the moment had come it was bittersweet. She shared that through the halls of MHS, many memories were made, and although several years proved bumpy, they were times she would remember. “It was tough.”

When speaking of the first years during online classes, she said, “Finding motivation in our rooms staring at a screen, listening to teachers giving lectures. But we made it…I am very proud of us all.”

Park said that through some of the hardest times, she has also received the most support.

“Being an international student resulted in me repeating the process of application four times for all different sets of schools. It was devastating to be in a reality that I would not be able to attend my dream college, that there were at least one to two more zeroes at the end of my constant attendance, but this was also the time that I received the most support. My teachers were willing to talk to me for hours and even researched for the best path. My parents helped me to the best of their abilities to make wise decisions, apologizing for the lack of assistance even if it was not their fault. Even though it was a joke, my friends even offered for me to marry them for their citizenship. All of this was very heartwarming, and it is what led me to this position.”

She shared her deepest thanks to all those who showed her support throughout the years, including her teachers, school staff, parents, friends, and peers. She told her graduating class, “Let’s not lose motivation, let’s stay optimistic no matter what. Remember that there are so many people behind you, ready to give you give you a push so let’s not be afraid to fail. Today is our last day so let’s celebrate. Whichever path you decide to take, good luck class of 2024.”

MHS alumni Frankie Eliptico, Northern Marianas College vice president for Administration and Advancement, delivered the keynote address.

Je highlighted the importance of not letting social media portrayals and online content define them.

“Rid your mind of self-doubt…We all have times in our lives when we doubt ourselves or shy away from challenges, to some extent that is normal, but when these moments become a reoccurring pattern, they can undermine our aspirations and our very own well-being.”

Eliptico stated, “Unlike other classes, this class, the Class of 2024, has seen some of the worst that we have faced as a young Commonwealth. You have experienced more than your share of catastrophic disasters during your 12-year education journey. As you step into the next phase in your lives, remember the resilience you’ve shown in overcoming the challenges of Soudelor, Yutu, COVID-19, and other disasters is a testament to your strength and your sheer determination, that have enabled you now to walk across this stage to receive your diploma.”