MHS inducts 27 into National Honor Society

Twenty-seven Marianas High School students were inducted into the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society on Tuesday at the Kanoa Resort and received their official certificates of acceptance from school principal Cherlyn Cabrera, MHS faculty, and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP).

“I honestly was not expecting to be in NHS this year,” said sophomore John Peter Gella. “But I am grateful and happy that I am officially a member of this organization. I vow to help the community, provide service, and uphold scholarship.”

Fellow inductees Maria Theresa Dizon and Scarlet Chen expressed the same sentiments.

Chen, a sophomore, was also shocked to learn that she was accepted into the prestigious organization. ”I was very happy when I officially took the oath. It does not end here and we have a lot of work to do. I hope others are inspired by us,” she said.

“I was scared when applying to be in this organization and when I got accepted I felt happy and confident about myself,” said Dizon. “This organization brings motivated people together who share the same inspiration and ideas to better serve our school and community.”

Barbara Sher, author of 10 books and a member of the PSS Special Education Department, delivered the night’s keynote address. Sher shared her personal story of moving to Saipan to work as an occupational therapist and how teamwork was key to her success in life and achieving happiness.

“If you enjoy your life, that is the biggest success of all,” Sher told the high school inductees.

Sablan, himself an MHS alumnus, urged the students to “be brave and dream” during his inspirational remarks.

“There is great potential in this room,” he said. “The community and nation need you to develop that potential to the max.”

Sablan reminded the inductees that joining the National Honor Society is a commitment to service and urged students to look ahead into the future.

“When you choose to work, choose a job that you can do with passion and never go for the safe and secure path. Take risks because we need leaders with new talent and thinking. …I know that you can be those leaders,” he added.

Leo Pangelinan, dean of Student Services at the Northern Marianas College, was also present and congratulated the inductees on their acceptance. Pangelinan emphasized the organization’s pillar of character. “Character is not something you can master now. It is something you will develop in your life time.”

NHS president Jonavelle Cuerdo thanked the parents, school faculty and staff, and the distinguished guests for participating in the ceremony and supporting the inductees.

Loraine Catienza, NHS adviser, MHS alumna, and former NHS president, told Saipan Tribune that despite the many financial difficulties the organization has faced, the students never fail to rise above adversity and make things possible.

The 27 inductees are composed of sophomore and junior students: Edna Nisola, John Peter Gella, Alexandria Vergara, Kristine Batac, Yoneil Maniacop, Ryan Edquiba, Solomon Ko, Scarlet Chen, Masrur Alam, Teisha Camacho, Jewel Olivos, Roselyn Tanghal, Dianne Pablo, Angela Aninon, Diana Lopera, Karl Lacanilao, Jo Ann Reyes, Carlo Ocaya, Ronnel Daven Ringor, Mary tiglao, Elaine Ermitanio, Bohyum Mun, Jenny Habijan, Maria Theresa Dizon, angelica Rcaelis, Justina Lee, and Suzanne Jetnil.

MHS National Honor Society members must have a GPA of at least 3.5 and uphold the organization’s pillars of scholarship, character, service, and leadership to the highest standards. The applicants also undergo a rigorous application process and interview by the school’s administration and NHS faculty council.