Taylor: Learning doesn’t end

CNMI State Public School System Career and Technical Education Program head Dr. Jessica B. Taylor, left, addresses the graduates and guests in last Saturday’s 5th Commencement Exercise of the Northern Marianas International School at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa. (Jon Perez)

Learning does not end in every graduation ceremony.

This was Dr. Jessica B. Taylor’s message to the graduating class of the Northern Marianas International School last Saturday.

“Learning does not end today. It does not end when you graduate high school or college. In college, you will be on your own and will be making your own decisions in navigating through the daily activities of your life. You just don’t know what life will give you,” Taylor said in her speech as keynote speaker of NMIS’ 5th Commencement Exercises at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

Taylor said graduations could be nostalgic for some and exciting for others but it also a time of celebration. “It is a time for celebration and contemplation on the milestones in your life. It is the time to recognize your achievements and accomplishments. Learning is all about life and life is all about learning,” she said.

Taylor, the CNMI State Public School System Career and Technical Education Program head, spoke before 47 students in five different grade levels.

Twelve NMIS students are moving up to K4 while 18 will be first graders in the next school year. The fifth and sixth graders had six students who are moving up while another five are entering high school.

Amy Rayn U. Soliman, Valedictorian

Eighth grade valedictorian Amy Rayn U. Soliman, in her address, said that “every student in this room is about to enter a new chapter in their life. Every student is about to follow his or her dreams. Every student’s journey to a great future starts now.”

“I started at NMIS and I am thankful for being part of the NMIS family. I thank my teachers at NMIS for believing in me, showing me what am I capable of, and bringing out the best in me,” she added.

Taylor, Rep. Ed K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) and Theodore R. Parker, R.Ph., MPH, joined NMIS president Erick Van Der Maas, board director Ronnie Tan, principal Dr. John B. Joyner, vice principal Jener A. Pineda, and marketing head Eden F. Guilo as dignitaries that graced the occasion. Former representative Tina Sablan attended in behalf of CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP).

Ma. Theresa F. Atienza’s K3 class is composed of Mathias C. Aderiano II, Jeremy Kyle R. Aque, Daniel Cai, Jairon Paul J. Gunnacao, Bre’aana Josephine N. Lisua, Jake Hiram M. Maratita Jr. (Valedictorian), Hunnie Tae B. Norita, Christine Lorraine T. Rebuenog, MST Ayesa Siddika, Chanel Marie Siruelo, and Fiona Yu (salutatorian).

Castiel Daniel C. Albert, Jaden Byron A. Apostol, Izaiah Hohn S. Attao, Kylee G. Babauta, Reign Reuel R. Belo, Xavier O. Brien, Jaron Anthony G. Burgos, Alexa Amber B. David, Goldie J. Ferrera, Yumi Viel R. Francia, Aleina Faith A. Iglecias, Lance Ivan P. Laxamana (valedictorian), Loriell C. Pantola, Joshua Duane Pitt, Mir Saba Rahman, Sara Josephine Murielle J. Sobremisana (salutatorian), Jeanne Kate L. Viola, and Yanni Zhang are Tissa Ann A. Salcedo’s K5 students.

Euanne Kyra M. Claveria, Samuel D. Cope (salutatorian), Jay Francis Dominic O. Pineda (valedictorian), Konane Walton Pitt, Jazel Star T. Rebuenog, and Simon Daniel Tang are the 5th graders of Levi P. Sobremisana, who also handles the sixth grade class that had Hannah Laine C. Abad, Ivan Yuri J. Ferrera, Betty A. Matson (salutatorian), Zillion Z. Pinote, Luke Raphael Marcel J. Sobremisana, and Juliana T. Vergara (valedictorian).
Laurence Raevin C. Abad, Eonzen V. Dela Paz, Alana Bryann Pitt, and Christian Troy J. Rosimo (Ssalutatorian) joined Soliman in the eighth grade class that would start high school in the 2018-2019 school year.