Cabrera, Bocago lead SSHS commencement rites

Saipan Southern High School held its commencement ceremony last Friday at their school campus, honoring Jolyn Antonette Cabrera and Kenrick Benjamin Decena Bocago as top students of the graduating class.

Cabrera was declared the Valedictorian, while Bocago was named Salutatorian to lead the 163 graduating class this year.

This year’s graduation theme was “It’s been a good time together, but the best is yet to come.”

Cabrera, 17, said she doesn’t feel surprised at all. “It didn’t quite hit me because I knew that this was coming up, but I also feel great for my accomplishment and very excited to go to my college,” said Cabrera.

She will be going to San Diego State University in two months. She wants to major in Biology. Cabrera, who was also top 2 when she graduated from Koblerville Elementary School, sends her gratitude to her family, friends and teachers.

Cabrera not only received this year’s top award but also the Gates Scholarship and Board of Education award.

Bocago, 17, the son of Benjamin and Franciosa, is the youngest among three siblings and was a Valedictorian when he was in elementary.

“He is not only a smart student, but his oldest sister, Frances, was also Valedictorian, and his brother Carlo was also a top student. I really feel overwhelmed and proud of Kenrick’s accomplishments,” said his father, Benjamin.

Bocago managed to be a salutatorian while he working part-time for Carmen Safeway.

In his speech, Bocago shared his award with all of his fellow graduates, saying “we all have shared our parts in contributing to each other’s achievements and success, as well as that of our own class.”

He urged his classmates to be prepared for all future challenges. “We [should] face them with courages, patience, and dedication. We must consider these new hardships as another competition to fight, conquer, and win!”

Bocago plans to go to the University of Guam and major in Business. He has been involved with other community events like National Honor Society, Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corp, AmeriCorp, and an alter server.

The top ten SSHS students were Jolyn Antonette Cabrera, Kenrick Benjamin Decena Bocago, Jocelyn Mira Abrigo Cabrera, Hae Jun Lee, Jong Won Lee, Richille Vela Denora, Jolene Sunio Aguon, Kayla Marie Matagolai Techur, Lloyd Garcia Abigania, and Doriann Moteisou Libunao.