Christine Torres graduates from USCG Academy

[B]NEW LONDON, Connecticut[/B]—Representing the beautiful islands of the Northern Mariana Islands, Christine Dela Cruz Torres from Saipan, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Wednesday, May 21, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard. Torres has the remarkable distinction and honor of being the first Northern Marianas resident to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy.

The Coast Guard Academy is the smallest of the five U.S. service academies. It offers elite higher education, rigorous professional development, and the honor and traditions of a military academy but with a more personalized approach. Vice President Dick Cheney delivered the commencement address to the graduates.

Torres, the eldest daughter of Antonio Tudela and Consolacion Dela Cruz Torres of Capital Hill, Saipan, graduated with honors from Mount Carmel High School in 2002 and was active in various community services and higher school activities. While in high school, she participated in the Junior Statesmen of America Summer School Programs at Northwestern, Georgetown and Stanford Universities. She also served as Vice Speaker of the 4th CNMI Youth Congress.

She graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Basic Training at Cape May, New Jersey, in September 2002; served as an engineer on the USCGC MELLON in Seattle, Washington; and attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island before entering the Coast Guard Academy in June 2004.

Among the many friends and family members from the CNMI and the U.S. mainland who made the long journey to New London, Connecticut to attend her graduation were her parents Tony and Connie Torres, her sister Ana Maria and Gov. Benigno Fitial. Ed Pangelinan and Bo Palacios of the Office of the Resident Representative also attended on behalf of Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio.

“Everyone in the CNMI is proud of your academic achievements and in particular for being the first resident of the CNMI to excel in one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Additionally, in becoming an officer of the United States military, you are serving as an exceptional role model for all our young people in the CNMI by pursuing a career in the service of our great Nation and to be a future leader of America,” said Tenorio.

When pressed for words of encouragements to share with the CNMI’s youth, Torres said: “Don’t be afraid to continue learning. Don’t stop after high school. Further your education and bring back what you’ve learned to the CNMI, so we can help each other prosper and move our people forward. If you have a goal or dream and you truly want it, don’t stop until you accomplish what you set out to do. Finish what you start. Never expect anything to be handed to you on a silver platter. Work hard and do your best in every aspect of your life, and success will come on its own.” [B](PR)[/B]