Fan, Bandales are top graduates of Hopwood

Mariana Fan and Joann Bandales were named most outstanding students of Hopwood Junior High School and were awarded the highest academic honors during a promotional ceremony on campus yesterday.

Fan was bestowed this year’s Board of Education award for her academic excellence, while Bandales was named Commissioner of Education awardee.

Fan, 15, is the daughter of Chen Zhu Yao and Yao Xing Fan. She was also named recipient of other special awards including president’s award for excellence, A honor roll, best in math, best in social studies, best in language arts, best in bilingual, and best in computer class.

Fan will enroll at Marianas High School for her secondary education. She dreams of becoming a computer specialist and vowed to strive harder to reach her goals.

“I am so happy…I feel that all my hard work and sacrifices were not wasted,” she told Saipan Tribune after the momentous occasion, adding that she is dedicating her achievements to her parents.

In her message to fellow students, Fan encouraged her peers to continue to strive for excellence and never give up on their dreams.

Named this year’s Commissioner of Education awardee was Joann Bandales, the daughter of John and Juanita Bandales. The 14-year-old top student will go to Saipan Southern High School next school year.

Bandales was also named recipient of other special recognitions given prior to the graduation.

Hopwood principal Jonas Barcinas, along with education officials, promoted 484 eighth graders to high school. He also bestowed this year’s principal’s leadership award to Angeline Orsini.

Along with Fan and Bandales, completing the Top 10 list were Angelyn Labadan, Daril Hermogenes, Jennella Nelmida, Malaina Kileleman, Ann Jeline Manabat, Jeffrey Centino, Mary Fem Urena, and Janet Estrellado.

The school also bestowed the athletes of the year awards to Corina Suda and John Babauta.

Recipients of the presidential excellence and academic awards were also recognized during yesterday’s ceremonies.

Because of the outstanding support demonstrated by the students’ parents this year, the school also bestowed the PTSA distinguished service award to officers and members of the group.

Yesterday’s ceremonies were keynoted by Bobby James Cruz and Rei Joyce Averion, alumni of the school and now serving as teachers of the Public School System.

Besides the top awardees, special messages and congratulatory remarks were shared to students by Board of Education chair Marylou Ada, Education Commissioner Rita Sablan, Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan.

Hundreds of families and supporters of graduates attended the promotional rites which theme was “Do not go where the path may lead…go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”