153 KagES students take next step

The Kagman Elementary School multi-purpose room was jampacked yesterday as parents, relatives, friends, and school officials honored fifth grade students who earned certificates of completion and promotion to the junior high school level.

A total of 153 students were greeted with thunderous applause as they marched into the building for their farewell ceremony.

The students, divided into five classes the past school year, kicked off their ceremony by singing the U.S. and CNMI anthems, followed by reciting the Peace Builder Pledge.

After an invocation by Rev. David E. Bucher and remarks from school principal Ignacia T. Demapan and Parents-Teachers Association president Daisy Mendiola, the ceremony hit high gear, with school alumnus Mercilyn Kaneshi, currently a seventh grade student at Cha Cha Ocean View Junior High School, taking the podium and offered inspirational words on her experiences after her tenure in grade school.

“Becoming a successful junior high school student is not that easy,” she told the students. “Along the road to success you have your ups and downs. You get stepped on and you step on some people. [But] no matter what, you need to stay determined, motivated and never give up. We all go through problems…but those are just some of the littlest of life’s many obstacles, so don’t give up and just know that [that] whatever you go through, you are not alone.”

Further, Kaneshi advised the students to be appreciative of the educators and staff of the grade school.

“Look around, look at your supportive parents, to every teacher, staff member, your vice principal, your hard working principal…everyone, and thank them,” she said.

Several students were then presented with individual awards—Presidential awards and subject awards.

Spearheading the cast of awardees was Kioni B. Santos, who was the recipient of the Commissioner’s Award after posting the highest Grade Point Average from fourth to sixth grade.

For her part, Kaelani Marie Demapan was recognized for posting the second highest GPA, and was awarded with the Principal’s Award.

After a sensational singing performance of the song I Believe I Can Fly, the students finally received their well-deserved certificates.

Vice principal Bobbie Merfarlen then closed the ceremony with a few words of wisdom.

“Follow two simple rules to get along in life: Do your best and turn in on time.”