Janet Phan is this year’s GCA valedictorian

Janet Laquian Phan, a 17-year-old senior at Grace Christian Academy, did her parents proud Friday after being recognized as this year’s valedictorian during the commencement exercise held at the campus.

Phan, daughter of Jack and Minda Phan, was also the second runner up for the Eagle Award. Phan was also the school’s senior class treasurer and national honor society president.

Da Min Kim, the former student council treasurer and NHS vice president, was awarded salutatorian, while Charis Dunn Lopez received the prestigious Eagle Award.

The Eagle Award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in academics, citizenship, and Christian character.

The three were among the 12 GCA students who graduated this year, heralded by the theme “Choose to win.”

Phan said, “We were in this journey together since the very beginning and now it’s coming to an end. We have gone through a whole lot together and have made many memories that I will never forget. Keep reaching for your goals. Never give up. Continue to have a relationship with God. He will never let you down. I wish you all the best in life.”

Kim, on the other hand, said: “Time went by really fast, and I still can’t believe that I’m graduating! I’m really happy, but at the same time, really sad. My years in Grace Christian Academy are valuable, and I will surely miss it.”

Both expressed gratitude to God, family and the GCA faculty and staff.

Saipan Mayor Juan Borja Tudela had encouraging words for the graduates. “Your journey should be a contributing and positive force in society regardless if you are an ordinary citizen, a college student, a businessperson, a service provider, a caregiver, a community leader or a spiritual leader. In some way, all of us are in pursuit of a place called life, a place called community, like raising family, joining the military, or even charting a new path in life previously uncharted and unexplored, inspired by the music in your heart and guided by your abiding faith in Almighty,” he said.

“From here on always, there is but no time to look back, or even stand still. We must all look forward to the future and help one another reach our goals in life with integrity and honesty,” he added.

GCA principal Faith Dela Rosa told the graduating class, “We will be committed to pray for you and we look forward to hearing back from you and seeing you come back in God’s time.”