{"id":411360,"date":"2024-07-01T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=411360"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Celebrating-the-CNMI-s-valedictorians-and-top-students-of-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Celebrating-the-CNMI-s-valedictorians-and-top-students-of-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating the CNMI\u2019s valedictorians and top students of 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the academic year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the valedictorians of 2024 here in the CNMI. These remarkable students have demonstrated unparalleled dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, earning the highest academic honors at their respective schools. In this special feature, we shine a spotlight on their inspiring journeys, remarkable accomplishments, and the bright futures that lie ahead. Join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals who embody the spirit of perseverance and ambition, setting a shining example for future generations of students in the Marianas.<\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Congratulations to all of us for making it through over 12 years of school, despite typhoons, the coronavirus, personal challenges, and even stage four senioritis. We did it! Remember each of you is talented and smart in your own unique ways, but talent without effort is meaningless.<\/p>\n<p>Success isn\u2019t about perfect grades; it\u2019s about effort and seizing opportunities. Talking about opportunities, I would like to take this chance to thank Run Saipan, Northern Marianas Athletics, Hyatt, PSS, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, CNMI Mathcourt, and many more.<\/p>\n<p>As we move on with our lives, I just wanted to remind you to prioritize your health, enjoy our beautiful tropical island, and make the most out of your life.<\/p>\n<p>Now that we graduated, we move on to new goals, but always remember to enjoy the process and make memories. Life is like a camera, just focus on what\u2019s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don\u2019t work out, take another shot.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, success and failure both have seven letters and you have the freedom to choose which one you want.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you to everyone who has supported us, thank you to all the people who have made this graduation possible, and most importantly, thank yourself for all the hard work and perseverance. We did it!<\/p>\n<p>Pony Tang<\/p>\n<p><em>Marianas High School<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span>\u25a0\u00a0<\/span><span>\u25a0\u00a0<\/span><span>\u25a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt takes a village to raise a child. The honor of receiving the valedictorian award is not mine alone; it is a collective triumph, a reminder of the love, guidance, and encouragement of my loving family, friends, teachers, and God. This award is not just a recognition of my hard work; it is a testament to the community of people who have shaped and nurtured me and all of us graduates. For that, I am deeply and eternally grateful. Thank you for being the people that have propelled me to where I am today. Let us all look around to the village of people who have raised you and thank them for it, and remember to recognize all the efforts they have put into your life into shaping who you are today. Also, be a part of that village for others and make an effort to guide others towards their goals in life like our community has done for us.<\/p>\n<p>Andrew Jeren Nunez<\/p>\n<p><em>Grace Christian Academy<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>First and foremost, I want to bestow the greatest honor to God, Who has led all of us to this place. He is the One Who showed me and all the graduates His Divine ways and plans. I want to thank Him for helping me finish my education at Agape Christian School. Without His help, I would not have made it. No matter what challenges I faced, God showed me His way every time.<\/p>\n<p>I would also like to show my utmost gratitude to my parents, guardians at Agape, teachers, and those who have taught me so much in academics and life. I now know that my parents sacrificed a great deal for me by sending me here to Agape to get a good education. I would also like to thank my guardians in this school. Pastor Pang and Preacher James. Thank you for the spiritual teaching you have given me every day for the last four years. Also, thank you, Mrs. Pang. Thank you for all you do for us at this school, planning and praying for us. Thank you also to Ma\u2019am Lydia. Because of your guidance, I grew from a tiny little girl into a strong woman. Lastly, I want to thank all the teachers and coaches who taught, loved, and prayed for us.<\/p>\n<p>I would like to share James 1:17 with everyone here: \u201cEvery good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.\u201d Everything that we are grateful for comes from God.<\/p>\n<p>Yilin (Elim) Huang<\/p>\n<p><em>Agape Christian School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>I am truly honored to be named the valedictorian of a vibrant and talented class. It is with absolute pride that I acknowledge the people around us who made this happen. To the teachers, school staff, parents, family, and friends, I want to extend the Class of 2024\u2019s most profound gratitude for their unwavering support. I would never trade the love and respect our community has shown us for anything.<\/p>\n<p>To my fellow Class of 2024: I know how nerve-racking it is to be stepping into adulthood, but I hope you will go forth knowing that your fellow graduates wish you the best. Remember that we will always have your backs, no matter how scattered we might be around the globe. As much as I am excited to set sail on this new journey, I am confident you are as well. I wish nothing but Godspeed for all of you.<\/p>\n<p>Eunkyu (Joey) Hong<\/p>\n<p><em>Mount Carmel School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Goodbye, is the word I\u2019ve been repeating over the past 10 years I have been at my aunt\u2019s homestay as the youngest one. Then all of a sudden, I am the eldest, one step closer to leaving what has become my home and the people who have become my family. Changes like this may be uncomfortable, but they provide opportunities, personal growth, and resilience. In my case, it was moving to an island without my parents and having to live with a bunch of students I had never met. In hindsight, the challenges of living with so many different people allowed me to learn that decisions weren\u2019t made by me but by us. Difficulties were not faced by myself but by us. Delight was not only mine but was shared among us. I was able to face all these changes and grow from them thanks to the people around me. First of all, thank you, Mom and Dad, for supporting my decisions all the way through even though it must have been hard to be away from your only daughter. Next, thank you to all the teachers and tutors who guided me throughout all those years with love and sincerity. Thank you, my Casa de Song family, for making me realize how angry I could get but more importantly, how much joy I could feel around people. Thank you, my friends, for going through the ups and downs of school life. Lastly and most importantly, thank you, Auntie Song, for treating me like your daughter and always being the number one supporter who constantly challenged me with new opportunities to help me grow. Thank you, everyone.<\/p>\n<p>Our graduation is a reminder for all of us that it is time for us to face new changes in our lives. Our high school life started with many things being a \u201cnot yet\u201d. Have you gone to prom? Not yet. Have you gotten your driver\u2019s license? Not yet. Have you even thought about college? Not yet. However, in these seemingly long four years of our high school career, all of these \u201cnot yets\u201d passed us by in the blink of an eye and became a \u201cnot anymore.\u201d In this constantly changing world, we must learn to embrace each moment with gratitude and grace. Now it is time to say goodbye, and although this marks the ending of our chapter, it is also the beginning of each of our new stories. I LOVE YOU CLASS OF 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Stephanie Kim<\/p>\n<p><em>Saipan International School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Watching several graduation speeches made me realize how fortunate I am to be part of a close-knit class where everyone knows each other\u2019s names and has shared meaningful interactions. Unlike larger schools where graduates might barely know their peers, our experience has been one of familiarity and connection. We\u2019ve grown up together, sharing laughter, tears, and making memories throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Over the years, we experienced both joyful and challenging times\u2014winning pep rallies and sports days, facing the sadness of friends moving away, and adapting to online classes during the pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the initial difficulties, we became resilient, discovering our strengths and passions. As graduates, we\u2019ve blossomed into diverse, remarkable individuals, each contributing uniquely to our family, school, and community. Our resilience, symbolized by the hibiscus thriving in Tinian\u2019s scorching climate, embodies our class\u2019s spirit. As we step into the next chapter of our lives, I offer this advice: never let anyone limit you or discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Feeling fulfilled comes from the positive impact you make and the inner satisfaction of knowing your purpose. Let\u2019s face the future with courage and confidence, assured in our ability to weather any storm.<\/p>\n<p>Clarize Paraiso Rodriguez<\/p>\n<p><em>Tinian Jr. Sr. High School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>My name is Rexy Eirah Baybay Doronila, and I am the valedictorian of FMSMS. My journey to becoming valedictorian wasn\u2019t easy, there were multiple hardships and challenges throughout my journey. But through determination, dedication, commitment, and support from my loved ones, I was able to do it. Thank you to everyone who supported me along my journey on becoming valedictorian. I originally wasn\u2019t aiming for this title however as time went on, I decided to make this my goal. I started joining more clubs and putting myself out there, at first it was scary but soon enough. It was fun, doing this made me find new hobbies and find out I have so much potential to do many great things. One of those new hobbies was writing, I found out I had a passion for writing after entering the \u201cKnow Your Worth\u201d contest in the essay category and winning first place. This was the first time I joined a competition like that so winning first place was a shock. Nonetheless, I\u2019m glad to have taken that risk and join something I had no experience in, as I now have a passion for something I once hated. Now to those who are struggling and think they can\u2019t accomplish their goals. Remember that it may seem scary at first but no matter what happens, don\u2019t be discouraged and take that risk.<\/p>\n<p>Rexy Eirah Baybay Doronila<\/p>\n<p><em>Francisco Mendiola Sablan Middle School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Receiving this reward is an incredible honor that comes with both pride and gratitude. It serves as a great reminder of all the effort and discipline I had to have throughout these past four years. To say it was easy would be such a lie, but having tremendous support from my family, friends, and educators definitely made things possible. This title will continue to serve as a symbol of hope and dreams for not only myself but my family; you are able to do hard things only if you are willing to work for them. <em>Un d\u00e5ngkulu na si yu\u2019us ma\u2019\u00e5se. Hu guiya h\u00e5o.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Zunica Mae Castro<\/p>\n<p><em>Kagman High School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Ye Zhi Sablan is Saipan Southern High School\u2019s valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Award.<\/p>\n<p>Ye Zhi Sablan<\/p>\n<p><em>Saipan Southern High School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn\u2019t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.\u201d This was a quote by Mark Twain that I quoted in my valedictory address. The message I was trying to convey was to take chances, because even if you fail, even if you do not succeed, the world will still be moving. Life around you will still progress, and Earth will still be rotating. So, take those chances, because there will always be another day to live. School year 2023-2024 was a rollercoaster, and unfortunately, I was in the front row. But I have to say, it was fun. Learning about different topics, getting to know more about my classmates, and competing in different competitions, were more exciting than it was last year. Though this time, I am not doing it alone. Another thing I learned during this school year was that you are never truly alone. There will always be someone who cares, someone who listens, and someone who will always be there with you during tough times. This school year helped me understand the responsibility entrusted to students, especially to me. I am glad to have spent these years in Green Meadow School, learning and absorbing all the knowledge given to me since I was young. Being surrounded by amazing people who inspired me to be a better person just changed my perspective of life in general. This school year taught me valuable things, not just the usual school subjects such as Math, Science, or Grammar, but also it is okay to fail sometimes, and it is okay to fall. Because like a Falcon, we will get up, and soar high again. Congratulations to all the graduates of the class of 2024!<\/p>\n<p>Isabella Marie A. Mallari<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Green Meadow School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Graduating as the valedictorian of the Class of 2024 is a profound honor. Our journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, shaping us into resilient and ambitious individuals. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our teachers, families, and friends who have guided us. As we step into the future, let\u2019s carry forward the lessons we\u2019ve learned and the strength we\u2019ve gained. Remember, our potential is limitless, and with determination and hard work, we can achieve anything. Congratulations to my fellow graduates, our journey is just beginning!<\/p>\n<p>Jessica An<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Saipan Seventh-day Adventist School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>Class of 2024, all of us are very smart, gifted, and talented in our own special way. And I am excited to see all of you go far in life. I would like to thank my parents for sending me to this school, where I have learned and grown so much.<\/p>\n<p>Reyviel Van Labao Escarlan<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Agape Christian School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>I am deeply honored to have been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2024 at Northern Marianas International School. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and dedicated teachers. I am grateful for all the memories and lessons learned during my time at NMIS, and I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my journey. Thank you all for being a part of this incredible experience.<\/p>\n<p>Izeiah Walter Sambile Deleon Guerrero<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Northern Marianas International School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>When my teacher told me that I was going to be NMIS 2024 class valedictorian, I couldn\u2019t believe it. I worked hard all year, there were tough times but I made it through. I am grateful for the lessons I\u2019ve learned and the friends I\u2019ve made. This journey has been long and hard but I was able to overcome it with the help of my teachers at NMIS, my friends and my family. You have prepared me for the challenges that will come in the future. I am indebted to all of you for your encouragement and support.<\/p>\n<p>Austin Dominiq Quintos Quiambao<\/p>\n<p><em>5th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Northern Marianas International School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>To all future graduates, do your best in school, and to my fellow classmates I wish you luck in middle school!<\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Frederick T. Cariaso<\/p>\n<p><em>5th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Golden Harvest International School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>This award is unlike many others and I\u2019m grateful to have been given this award. It\u2019s truly an unexplainable feeling. And it wasn\u2019t an easy three years, balancing academic life along with sports, and lots of late nights and stress. But in the end, it was all worth it. Thank you to DanDan Middle School for their unwavering commitment to our future and for providing us with the resources and opportunities to succeed. Also, big thanks to my parents who have supported me and provided me with everything I needed, this award is for them. And for my friends who helped me get through my middle school years shoutout to you guys. Lastly, I would like to give a few of words, when we set our minds to something, we can accomplish great things!<\/p>\n<p>Normaine Nate<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Dandan Middle School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>In her valedictory speech, Annabella Tudela reflected on the journey through middle school, expressing gratitude to her family, friends, and the SCS staff for their unwavering support. She encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and cherish their memories at SCS. Annabella shared her personal story of perseverance, urging her classmates to never give up and always pursue their dreams.<\/p>\n<p>Annabella Tudela<\/p>\n<p><em>8th grade valedictorian<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Saipan Community School<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0\u00a0\u25a0<\/p>\n<p>An 18-year-old Da\u2019ok Academy graduate, Frank Baza, Jr., has received both the Principal\u2019s and Mayor\u2019s Awards. He struggled while attending two prior high schools, but since enrolling at Da\u2019ok Academy, things have changed. He has shown excellent leadership and has been a role model for our underclassmen. Frank joined Da\u2019ok Academy\u2019s Merchant Marine and Entrepreneurship pathways while also taking 6 classes each semester. He participated in school clubs such as Yearbook, Tasi to Table, and Close Up where he recently traveled to Washington DC with other PSS students.<\/p>\n<p>Frank Baza. Jr.<\/p>\n<p><em>Top student<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Da\u2019ok Academy<\/em><\/p>\n<p> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/images\/imgupload\/a16b4215ddf96260d56262b8832e4c38.png\" width=\"480\" height=\"360\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Pony Tang<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Andrew Jeren Nunez<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Yilin Huang<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Isabella Mallari<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Jessica An<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Reyviel Escarlan<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Izeiah Walter S. Deleon Guerrero<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Enkyu Joey Hong<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Stephanie Kim<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Clarize Paraiso Rodriguez<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Rexy Eirah Doronila<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Zunica Castro<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Ye Zhi Sablan<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Austin Quiambao<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Gabriel Cariaso<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Normaine Nate<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Annabella Tudela<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>Frank Baza Jr.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the academic year comes to a close, we are proud to celebrate the exceptional&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-411360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-local-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411360","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=411360"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/411360\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=411360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=411360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=411360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}