Hopwood Middle School inducted 24 new members of the National Junior Honor Society last Feb. 19 at Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Roque Indalecio, an active member of the honor society when he was a student. He is the recipient of the prestigious CNMI Teacher of the Year award. Indalecio has a passion for education and aspires to work toward progressive improvement. He is one of the youngest Public School System educators with doctorate degrees in education. He currently teaches at Marianas High School. In his encouraging address, Indalecio told the NJHS inductees to never give up.

“May you embrace each day with a sense of wonder and joy, remembering to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the journey of life. Know your worth and believe in the profound impact you can make in this world. Remember, you will always have someone rooting for you, someone who will forever be proud of all your accomplishments.”

In her message to inductees, NJHS Hopwood chapter advisor Esco Anne Ulloa said, “Congratulations to our inductees who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and for consistently striving for knowledge and understanding! Your dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character serves as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the importance of lifelong learning.”

According to Marilet Tuzon, NJHS president, “Being a part of this society provided me with an opportunity to develop leadership skills, improve my academic performance, and engage in community service projects. Through NJHS, I learned the significance of teamwork, responsibility, and service. The society motivated me to strive for excellence in my academic studies and inspired me to contribute positively to my community. Overall, being a part of NJHS was a great experience that helped me grow as a student both personally and academically.”

Irish Ann San Nicolas, Hopwood math teacher and NJHS advisor said, “Our NJHS members have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, consistently striving for knowledge and understanding. Their dedication to scholarship serves as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the importance of lifelong learning. I am immensely proud of the accomplishments of this group of students. They are not just students; they are leaders, scholars, and compassionate individuals who are destined to make a positive impact on the world. As their advisor, I have no doubt that the future holds incredible achievements for each and every one of them.”

Hopwood principal Victorino Borja gave the welcoming remarks. Vice principals Karen Manuel and Ben Seman led the inductees to their pledge membership and gave the closing remarks, respectively. NJHS Faculty Council members and advisors, Hopwood teachers, staff, and parents graced the induction ceremony. This year’s theme is a quote from one of the most prominent leaders in the Civil Rights Movement and political philosopher, Martin Luther King Jr., “Intelligence plus character. That is the true goal of education.”

NJHS incumbent officers and members

Charlotte Amano

Evan Mclaren Carlo P. Cabrera

Sandra T. Chargualaf

Walter Josh N. Clave

Raven N. Pascual – historian

Maria Susana N. Quidato

Alexis Danielle M. Salundaguit – secretary

Carlin Mei L. Santos

Ricky Tang — vice president

Marilet Faye M. Tuazon – president

Grant Li

Jazzmine R. Apasan

Kaedee Celene A. Valencia — PRO

Kian Andrei G. Estolas – treasurer

Mihhran Ahmed

Steven Lian

Victor Joseph Mallari

Yu Jie Zhang

Amber Faith Guevarra

Danielle Kriss M. Joson

Doreane Viana Dilkau T. Tudela

Hanna Reign Baltazar

Hanna Katelyn C. Bechayda

Hanna Marie P. Padolina

Henna Mae C. Valdez

Jeraleigh Naraja

John Joseph V. Vergara

Kadesh Job B. Pelayo

Louise Miel R. Achas

Matt Adriel A. Sencio

Mst Tharatun Tazri

Nia Isabella Margaret E. Que

Precious Chrizmel Galapon

Rhima Viel G. Alfonso

Therese Lina Belle DB. Castillo

2024 inductees

Marq Reinier Hernandez

Anna Sophia Becina

John Paul Binghit

Andrew Jian Xin Yang

Leila Asher Leightley

Eidrian Dane Calibo

Dounnie Valmarie Santos

Winnie Lu

Alexander Joseph Salundaguit

Brent Ryle Villanueva

Yumi Viel Francia

Maria Venice Enriquez

RomDon Jacob Bautista

Samantha Escarcha

Rhia Mhier Hernandez

Rayanne Mae Aguilar

Elyza Mae Brillo

Ernest Jielyan Dela Cruz

Alyssa Borlongan

Rosemary Isabella Castro

Aquinna Dion Santos

Clark Rey Oropesa

John Michael Ignacio

Yong Jun Lin

The NJHS is an international student organization that consists of chapters in middle schools. NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and around the world. NJHS elevates a school’s commitment to the values of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. It is estimated that more than one million students participate in NJHS activities worldwide. (PR)