7 graduate from ABE program on Tinian

Seven individuals on Tinian have completed a federally funded program that allows adults to obtain their high school certificates.

Tinian students Herman P. Aldan, Zachery P. Manglona, Isidro C. Tudela, Larry J. Indalecio, Jay B. San Nicolas, Blane C. Martinez II Jr., and Dennis S. Reyes graduated from their Adult Basic Education Program at the Antonio M. Borja Ampitheater at the Natibu Park in Tinian.

The ABE Program is a program that allows its graduates to earn a high school equivalency diploma, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.

Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Tinian Sens Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian), Francisco Borja, Francisco Cruz (R-Tinian), and (R-Tinian), attended the event over the weekend, including members of the Tinian Municipal Council, Tinian Northern Marianas College staff, and NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico.

“We are very proud for your accomplishments today,” Eliptico said in his speech, referring to the graduates. “Obtaining your high school diploma marks a major milestone in your lives, and, more importantly, opens many more doors of opportunity.”

Eliptico noted that obtaining a high school diploma is one of few steps toward earning a college degree.

“We already have a number of students from Tinian who were in your shoes and who are now on their way to their college degrees. Please know that whether you decide to continue your education toward a college degree immediately after this [graduation] or whether you decide to consider enrolling later, know that we will always be looking forward to welcoming you at NMC,” he said.

“In completing the ABE program, you have opened so many doors for yourself. You are now able to attend college. You are eligible to work for the civil service. With some college courses, you can join the military. There are so many possibilities,” Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan noted in his congratulatory remarks.

“You are here because you’ve made great progress in your personal and professional lives. And in doing so, you’ve indirectly improved the lives of those around you. You open doors not only for yourself, but for your families and you set a wonderful example for your peers. In bettering yourselves, you have made our island better,” he added.

According to a statement from NMC, the Tinian campus has been graduating students from the ABE program since 2004, many of whom now hold jobs such as senior technicians at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., ranking officers at the Commonwealth Ports Police, and a plumber at CUC.

One, the college noted, even pursued an associate degree and is now a teacher aide at the Tinian High School.