203 graduate from NMC

Northern Marianas College conferred diplomas and certificates to 203 students during its 29th commencement exercise Saturday that saw the attendance of hundreds of guests and spectators at Marianas High School Gymnasium.

The institution also recognized the achievements of outstanding graduates conferring academic awards to two summa cum laude, 13 magna cum laude, and 22 cum laude students.

Top on the list were Nicole Deleon Guerrero Benjamin from the associate in applied science in business administration program, and Jan Michael Macaraeg Reyes from the liberal arts associate program who were named this year’s summa cum laude.

In their commencement address, the two gave back the honors to their families in recognition of their unconditional support to their goals.

They lauded the college for persevering to become the best institution for everyone on island.

Both are grateful to their mentors in aiding them to successfully complete their two-year program at the college.

Top honors in the bachelor degree programs were Lourdes Liane Hart and Keoni Deleon Guerrero Ichihara from the bachelor of science in elementary education.

Hart, a mother to two kids, will be starting her career in Fall semester as a second grade classroom teacher at Public School System and vowed to pursue her master’s degree at the Framingham College at the same time.

“Never stop learning, keep going for your goals and don’t let little setbacks sets you back because I believe when you push forward and you try really hard you will get the end result…which is the degree that you desire,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Ichihara, who came from the family of educators, said he’s excited to begin the new chapter of his life.

In September, he will join the public school system as a sixth grade classroom teacher at William S. Reyes Elementary School.

He plans of taking his master’s after gaining a year teaching experience to better equip and prepare him to the next level of education.

“I had a great experience all throughout my four-year course at NMC and I am proud of what we achieved today,” he told Saipan Tribune. Ichihara’s parents and two older sisters and a number of relatives are all serving the public and private schools.

“It runs in the family…and I am happy to join them in this profession,” he added.

Acting Gov. Eloy Inos and NMC president Dr. Carmen Fernandez also named two students as this year’s student leadership awardees: Matthew Camacho Cabrera from the associate degree and Joaquin Ogo Kiyoshi Jr. from the bachelor degree.

Students who were recognized for their outstanding achievements in their field included Juan O. Cruz III from the adult basic school diploma and Janel Pangelinan from the general education development diploma.

The list of outstanding graduates included:

– Summa cum laude: Lourdes Liane Hart, Keoni Deleon Guerrero Ichihara, Nicole Deleon Guerrero Benjamin, and Jan Michael Macaraeg Reyes.

– Magna cum laude: Roxanne April C. Pangelinan, Aileen S. Benavente, Emily Young, Gina Lynn B. Tomokane, Dawei Tang, Wilma Atalig, Laurence L. Cambe, Lourdes Liane Hart, Keoni Deleon Guerrero Ichihara, Erin Kathleen Mortensen, Joseph John S. Muna, and Nerine Villagomez.

– Cum laude: Vanessa Cabrera, Roque Indalecio, Tasi Faith Taitano, Victoria Emilia Tudela, Angelina Noemi Yobech, Sandra Lynn Arnold, Zayna-Zoe Zeme Camacho, Rowena Cunanan, Mary Rose Alvarez, Jihyun Kim, Carlynn Attao, Soledad Franchesca Camacho, Clarissa Ann Cruz, Nanette Yvonne Hurst, Jingmin Zhu Indalecio, Joo Hee Kim, Joaquin Ogo Kiyoshi Jr., Diane Abigania Mallari, Elena Marie Basa Mendiola, Hae Mi Oh, Maria Joannes Tumaquip, and Lourdes Villazon.