Fitial returns from US trip

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has just returned from a trip to the United States, where he attended his daughter’s graduation ceremony in San Diego, California. Fitial, who returned with his wife and daughter last Wednesday, said attending his daughter’s college graduation ceremony was among the most gratifying moments of his life.

“My daughter graduated last Sunday, May 25, from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in English,” said Fitial. “She also received top honors in the English department for maintaining a 3.7 grade point average. My wife and I couldn’t be happier about our daughter’s successful graduation with honors.”

Christine Fitial also graduated from high school at the top of her class before attending the University of San Diego, a private Catholic University associated with more than 7,000 students. Christine Fitial graduated from Mount Carmel School, a private Catholic school, where her own father graduated in 1964.

According to the Governor, Christine Fitial plans to continue her studies by pursuing a master’s degree in English and a professional degree in law.

While in the U.S., Governor Fitial was also pleased to attend the graduation ceremony for Christine Torres, the first female cadet from Saipan to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Service Academy.

“Christine is like my daughter,” said Fitial. “She grew up with my daughter and they went to Mount Carmel School together; I was also very happy to attend her graduation at a U.S. service academy.”

Torres graduated on May 21, 2008, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Government.

“It took me three tries to finally make it into the Academy and, after being active duty enlisted in the Coast Guard and attending the Naval Academy Preparatory School, I knew I was ready for the academic, physical, and emotional challenges that the Academy threw my way. I think graduation is a sign that I battled all three pretty well,” said Torres.

Torres urged other CNMI students never to give up on their educational goals: “Never give up. Even a local girl from Saipan can run with the best and brightest students of the U.S. at a Federal Service Academy. If you want something bad enough – in my case, a free college education, a guaranteed career after graduation, and the opportunity to serve the United States as a Coastie – you’ll find a way to get it. So go for it.”

At the Coast Guard graduation ceremony for Torres, Fitial met Vice President Richard Cheney, who was the keynote speaker for the event.

Fitial also met with U.S. Interior officials during his recent trip and is expected to disclose details of those meetings in the coming week. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]