By Cassandra Hamman
\nSpecial to the Saipan Tribune<\/p>\n
A crowd of girls chattered in the bathroom adjusting leis and refreshing hairstyles, while other soon-to-be graduates anxiously twirled their tassels with nervous grins. This was an important Friday at Grace Christian Academy\u2014graduation day.<\/p>\n
Nathan Torres, a student awaiting his diploma, strummed an acoustic guitar in the midst of rampant conversation among his classmates. \u201cI want to get people hyped up,\u201d he said. \u201cMan its over [high school]; it\u2019s over. I\u2019m psyched.\u201d <\/p>\n
Torres, who has attended GCA since first grade, plans to continue his education in San Diego at Grossmont Community College and study criminal justice. \u201cFinally!\u201d he said, on leaving the island. \u201cThe only place I would really go on vacation is Guam. I\u2019m actually going to stay on the mainland this time.\u201d <\/p>\n
Delia dela Llana, the class advisor, scurried around getting the students organized for pictures and commencement. \u201cI\u2019m sad, but hopeful for them. I will continuously guide them and communicate with them so they are on the right path,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
The ceremony, held at the GCA Auditorium Friday night, was filled with eloquent speeches from students and faculty. Saipan\u2019s own mayor, Juan B. Tudela, gave a thoughtful speech, followed by multiple awards allocated to outstanding students. The class valedictorian was Lovely Relado, while Hang Hyun Jun was declared class Salutatorian.<\/p>\n
The graduates also made an impressive video of the senior class touching on fond memories and accomplishments. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m nervous. We are all leaving each other,\u201d said graduate Cheryl Roppul. <\/p>\n
Graduate Marie Motsumoto agreed. \u201cYeah we are starting a new chapter of life. I can\u2019t believe it\u2019s the day.\u201d Motsumoto plans to move back to Japan, stay with her grandmother and attend college. She hopes to study special education. <\/p>\n
Most students graduated after attending GCA since kindergarten or first grade. They all spent their junior and senior year in the same classroom. \u201cThey\u2019ve been my friends all my life. They are like family,\u201d said Torres.<\/p>\n
Scho Saso, another graduate, plans to move to Houston Community College in Texas to study business. \u201cIt\u2019s another day,\u201d he said regarding graduation. \u201cBut when we leave it will hit us,\u201d said Keith Fabila, who plans to study nursing in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Saso won the Eagle Award, which Rev. Raymond S. Kinsella earlier described as the most prestigious award given by GCA. “The recipient of this award displays high academics, Christian character, and citizenship. This well-rounded character has proven outstanding leadership in class and is involved in a local church,” said Kinsella.<\/p>\n
The theme of the commencement \u201cA Journey with a Purpose\u201d echoed throughout the entire event. Tears and laughter, gratitude and accomplishment\u2014the graduates\u2019 emotions were full and rich. These students exemplified a strong will to succeed and a fervent passion for their Christian faith.<\/p>\n
Fabila put it bluntly, \u201cEverything we accomplished in high school\u2026without God it\u2019s worthless.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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