Ryu, Lee top Saipan Community School graduates

Fourteen-year-olds Jin Min Ryu and Yeo Jin Lee emerged as outstanding graduates of Saipan Community School after receiving the highest academic honors during the school’s commencement exercises held Thursday at the Korean Presbyterian Church in Chinatown.

Ryu was named this year’s valedictorian and recipient of four other special honors including perfect attendance, outstanding academic achievement award, student of the month, and ukulele elite award.

Ryu is the eldest daughter of Ryo Yang Soo and Lee Kin Hee who are based in Korea.

In her valedictory address, the honor student emotionally expressed her gratitude to her grandparents—Hong Ae Ja and Lee Moon Heang—who guided her through the years.

“I am greatly honored to receive this award…and I would like to dedicate this to my grandparents who supported and guided me all the way. I will not be standing here today if not for their sacrifices,” she said.

Ryu also commended the hard work and dedication of her mentors who helped her to become a good student.

“We will never forget you all for what you have done for us…for our education,” she said.

Ryu will enroll at Mount Carmel School to continue her secondary education.

“This is just the beginning…and I am excited for my high school,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Yeo Jin Lee, for he part, was named the class salutatorian. She was also awarded three other recognitions including perfect attendance, outstanding academic achievement award, and the school’s loyalty award.

She is the youngest daughter of Kyung Yi Lee and Kyung Soo.

“It feels good!” she said after the momentous moment.

Lee said she’s excited to start another chapter of her life. “I am excited for my high school.”

“I thanked my parents for working hard to educate me. I know it’s not an easy work to do…and I truly appreciate their support,” she said.

This year’s batch of graduates was comprised of 18 middle schoolers.

Principal Bobby Winkfield and Debbie Winkfield also named Sabina Calvo, Bryan Cho, Justin Poon, Hee Ji Cho and Jonelie Torres as the other awardees for best attendance.

Gold medalists for the President’s Education awards included Ryu and Justin Poon, while silver medals were awarded to Lee, Savina Calvo, Hee Jin Cho, Christian Tudela, Francisco Camacho, Albert Yen, Bryan Cho, and Jonelie Torres.

The other recipient of the ukulele elite award was bestowed to Jonelie Torres while Poon received the scholar/athlete award.

Students of the month who were recognized in the ceremony included Ting Fung Chan, Brian Cho, Sabina Calvo, Jonelie Torres, James Ko, Ji Min Ryu, Victoria Reyes, and Christian Tudela.

Tamiko Winkfield served as the event’s inspirational speaker for the graduates.

In his message, SCS principal Bobby Winkfield said he was proud of the students’ achievements.

“I hope and pray that you’ll be successful in whatever you do for your future. I thanked all the parents and teachers for their guidance and wisdom,” he told the crowd.

The event was also highlighted by a special video presentation by the graduates dedicated to their parents and guardians.