Reyes and Lansangan lead SHSS Class of 2023

Saipan Southern High School’s Class of 2023 Top 10. (CHRYSTAL MARINO)

A total of 133 students of Saipan Southern High School’s Class of 2023 officially ended the last chapter of high school when they received their diplomas last Tuesday at the school’s location in Koblerville.

JESSIE LYNN REYES
Valedictorian

Leading their entire class was valedictorian Jessie Lynn Reyes and salutatorian Aisha Erica Lansangan, who both thanked their friends, family, class, and school staff for their support. Lansangan, who is also an early graduate, encouraged those who aspire to graduate early that they could do it as well.

For the awards, Reyes was awarded the Board of Education Award, as well as the Governor’s Leadership Award. The Commissioners Award was given to Lansangan, the Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award went to Adrian Jay Manalang, and Jasmine Jaylyn John was the recipient of the Principal’s Award. Manalang and John were also among the Top 10; with Manalang at Top 5, and John Top 3.

This year, 11 individuals were awarded the Top 10 awards, since two students tied for Top 9, and there was also an honorable mention awardee recognized with the Top 10. The Top 10 awardees from first to tenth were Reyes, Lansangan, Jasmine Jaylyn John, Marion John Sayas, Adrian Jay Manalang, Leeza Marie Ngitiyeb, Michael Jermain Junya Peters, Andrea Rose Ramos; Dianna Marie Catigan and Alpha Joyce Sagun, who tied in Top 9; and Alyssa Rae David came in at 10. The honorable mention awardee was Andrew Bailey Sunderland.

SHSS Physical Education teacher Michael Mercado, who was the keynote speaker, shared moments from his own educational and experiences, noting that experience was the best teacher in life. Mercado told the graduates that the measure of their successes would not be based on the number of good grades or awards they received, but rather on the positive impact they leave on the world.

AISHA ERICA LANSANGAN
Salutatorian

“You are the leaders of tomorrow, and the world needs you. It needs your ideas, your passion, and your energy. It needs your creativity and your innovation. It needs your commitment to making a difference. So go out there, make the most of you education, your experiences, and your talents. Use them to make the world a better place,” he said.

Mercado encouraged the graduates to continue to learn, grow and pursue their dreams, but also never forget the people who helped them get to where they are now. “We are rooting for you all the way. …The world is waiting for you, Mantas. Wherever you will go, go with all your heart and make a difference!”