Fan, Lopez are named top graduates of MHS

The Marianas High School Class of 2014 was headed by Mariana Fan and Matthew Martin Lopez, who were presented with the prestigious State Board of Education and Commissioner of Education Awards respectively during the graduation ceremony last night at the school’s gymnasium.

Fan, 18, was hailed the class valedictorian. She is the daughter of Yaoxing Fan and Zhu Yao Chen. She will soon be flying to the University of California to pursue a major in computer engineering.

In her address to the graduating class, Fan expressed her appreciation and gratitude to her parents, family, mentors, and friends who in one way or another helped shaped her to become what she is now.

She encouraged her peers, as they pursue their dreams, to never stop believing in themselves. “The only person that can stop you from succeeding is yourself…”

Lopez, the class salutatorian, shared with Saipan Tribune his dream of becoming a registered nurse. After high school, he will enroll at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee to pursue a nursing degree. He also plans to obtaining graduate degrees in public health. Lopez, the son of Lovely and Joey Lopez, vows to return to the CNMI and serve at the public hospital.

Lopez was also the recipient of the Principal’s Award for school year 2014. The award was presented by MHS principal Cherlyn Cabrera.

In his address, Lopez especially recognized his parents for “they are the reason why I never gave up on myself, and they continue to inspire me to reach the impossible.”

He also left his peers with a meaningful message that touched the crowd.

“As the salutatorian, I stand before you today not as a person who has achieved the second highest GPA…but as a person who believes that each and every one of you would one day change the world! As we take our final walk, let us leave here today with an ignited heart, determined to serve and inspire others in whatever career paths we choose to take,” he said.

MHS bestowed its prestigious Top 10 award to the following graduates: Fan, Lopez, Magdiel Job Corpuz, Harold Aranda, Kristine Sophia Batac, Stephanie Jing We Xiao, Jonavelle Cuerdo, Ericka Marie Garcia, Hannah Alcordo, and Jill Ann Arada.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos presented the prestigious Governor’s Award to Harold Aranda, also the class’ Top 4 student.

With the theme “The Only Person that Can Stop You from Succeeding is Yourself,” last night’s ceremonies was keynoted by Bob Coldeen Jr. The occasion was also graced by Board of Education and Public School System officials led by BOE chair Herman T. Guerrero and Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan.

Janice Tenorio delivered the congratulatory remarks on behalf of the education board while Commissioner Sablan spoke for PSS.

Other speakers in last night ceremonies included Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), MHS principal Cabrera, and vice principal John Davis Jr.