NMA’s Cabrera gets top honors this year

Northern Marianas Academy’s Leslie Kelly Cabrera took top honors as this year’s valedictorian during the 12th commencement exercises held Friday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Only 11 seniors graduates comprised this year’s Class of 2005. Cabrera beat salutatorian Zachary Joshua Berger by 0.02 to take the plum academic honor.

In their respective speeches, Berger told the crowd that it was “A-OK” for him to know that Cabrera was the one who beat him for the top spot. Cabrera’s grade point average was 4.58, while Berger had 4.56. Cabrera thanked Berger for being such a good friend during their entire stay at the academy.

Kristine Michaela M. Cruz got honorable mention honors, with a grade point average of 4.31. NMA’s Director’s Award went to Dayna Benavente Reyes, daughter of Department of Public Works Secretary Juan S. Reyes; the Science Award went to Leslie Kelly Cabrera.

The roster of graduates included Francisco Roberto Pangelinan Cabrera, Seung Hee Chong, Ju Hyeon Han, Dixie Ann Atalig Inos, Yang Ming Li, Reapi Buloulevu Kaitabu Ragaugau, Dayna Benavente Reyes and Nace Ngirasibong Kintol Saolablai.

Former NMA assistant principal and instructor Keith Tessen, who was the keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of education as an element in becoming heroes of the world, citing three individuals whom he considers heroes: Jane Goodall, Eleanor Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela.

Leslie Kelly Cabrera agreed with Tessen, exhorting her fellow graduates that, “Indeed, it is time to be heroes.”

Resident Representative to the United States Pedro A. Tenorio presented a certificate of recognition to graduate Seung Hee Chong for acquiring admission to West Point Academy.

Pacific Winds Concert Band headed by director Will Dewitt serenaded the graduates with a repertoire of Broadway tunes from the Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and other classical music. NMA student Jackie Orpiano also sang.

The graduating class gave tokens of appreciation to their principal Sandy McKenzie, who appeared surprised and touched when the seniors sang a song dedicated to her.

NMA board of directors Carmen Gaskins, Felicidad Ogumoro, Deanna Kelly Tessen, Paz Younis, Susan Satur, Frank Cabrera and Joshua Berger were present in Friday’s ceremonies.