Cabrera, Kiyoshi are NMC’s leadership awardees

Matthew Camacho Cabrera and Jack O. Kiyoshi will be honored by the Northern Marianas College as its Spring leadership awardees during the graduation rites at Marianas High School tomorrow.

The NMC Student Leadership Award is given to a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional leadership and service to the college and to the community and any student, staff, or faculty member may nominate a graduating student for the award.

Cabrera will be receiving his associate degree in liberal arts, while Kiyoshi will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

The two were selected by the Student Leadership Award Committee for the award.

On his nomination form, Cabrera was described as someone who has demonstrated leadership through his hard work, ensuring that goals are met. “He is a doer, a go-getter, and one that anyone would want on their team,” the nomination states.

Cabrera, a graduate of Marianas Baptist Academy, led the volunteer committee for the Kaba Modern Concert held a few months ago. He was also involved in a class project about federalization where he helped create brochures and coordinated public awareness of the presentation; was chair of the marketing committee for the recent Charter Day event, and has been involved in the planning and organization of the college’s information sessions.

Cabrera also received a Service Learning Award in 2008.

“I am a very determined person and very goal-oriented. I am a good listener, am open to new ideas. I feel strongly about issues like stopping vandalism in the community. I have a big interest in helping to improve, maintain, and renovate public buildings like the San Vicente Memorial Hall. I am also interested in educating the youth about the dangers of using drugs,” Cabrera told Saipan Tribune.

Kiyoshi was described on his nomination form as “someone who has taken on many leadership roles to support both the college and the community. He is great at picking up the torch and running with it.”

Kiyoshi has received numerous awards and has been active in community events, including as president of Napu Life Foundation, secretary of the NMC Alumni Association, and president of the 2009 Graduating Class of NMC.

He has been on the NMC President’s List and won first place in the 2008 Gold’s Gym Body Success Challenge.

“My goals include becoming an educator in the CNMI in either Social Science or Language Arts. I want to also get my doctorate before I’m 40,” he said. “I am passionate about educating the community about HIV/AIDS, and I want to help establish programs that provide opportunities for youth to learn about these issues.”

Cabrera and Kiyoshi are among the 238 students who will be conferred diplomas and certificates in tomorrow’s graduation ceremony.