133 Ayuyus complete high school

The slight drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of the members of Kagman High School’s 2018 graduating class, where 133 Ayuyus received their diplomas as proof of completing their high school journey.

Class valedictorian Mannelyn Aida Sotto Cabrera was also the CNMI State Board of Education awardee, while salutatorian Frances Rosemarie Galicia Santos was honored by the CNMI State Public School System Commissioners award.

In her valedictory address, Cabrera told her classmates that they still have a long way to go to achieve their dreams. “To my class, I am proud of each and every one of you. We finally did it. But don’t get your hopes up, we’re just done with high school. We [still] had a long way to go. We survived, I mean barely, at least we did. We are through with the stressful days, for now.”

“There is also one thing that I can guarantee, we are the most attractive class,” added Cabrera, which drew cheers and applause from her classmates and the entire crowd that witnessed the commencement exercises at the American Memorial Park amphitheater.

She said that the four years of their high school life are a worthy part of their learning experience as they continue their journey. “Don’t let fear, doubt, and negative thoughts enter your mind. I need you all to realize that failure is not in your DNA.”

“I’m standing here, giving my speech, not because I’m smart. It’s because I studied smart. I worked hard for what I want to accomplish. I put time and effort into my work. There’s no magic in being successful, I promise you that you would never meet a successful person that did not work hard.”

Santos told her classmates to get out of their comfort zone. “What I’m really thankful [for] is not what I’ve learned with my academics. It is life lessons, which is to get out of my comfort zone. Try something new. Something challenging.”

“I was always in my comfort zone, doing the same routine every day. I was always a shy girl, staying with the same circle of friends. …I barely took risks.”

It was in her junior year that she tried something new when she was nominated to be an officer of one of KHS’ campus clubs. “I did not regret a single thing because I gained responsibility and flexibility.”

“This is why, I’ve decided to further my education in the mainland. Far away from home, friends and family, the red rice and barbecue with coco. Far from everything I love. Everything will be different but I’m up for the challenge.”

KHS vice principal Ben Jones Jr., who was the keynote speaker, advised his students to work on their own timeline, like what he did after graduating at the top of the 2004 high school class.

“Everyone has their time limit, their own timeline, their own clock. Don’t let anyone rush you. Go at your own pace. I graduated at the top of my class [but] I was confused on what I wanted to do. I changed my major five times and it cost me a little longer in college. I majored in [physical education] while my classmates took engineering, medicine, law, and business. You should have seen how I felt.” Despite all that transpired, which included becoming a father after graduation, he remained true to his plans and followed his own clock. “I followed my clock, my time, and my way.”

“Yes, I was behind my friends and peers. But it allowed me to spend more time with my parents and family. It allowed me to work on Saipan and save money in the first three years of college instead of paying rent in an off-island college or university.”

Gedin Auria Avinon Cabrera, Edson Lui Fugaban Valdisimo, Dionessis Jone Fugaban Valdisimo, Francine Brianna Tabang Rago, Ella Mae Lenon Eusebio, Patrick Jerome Wanphen Santos Jr., Aaron Luis Aweltiip Ogumoro, and Alyssa Rae Cabrera Cepeda joined Santos and Cabrera in the Top 10.

Enrique Joven Bajado Rabauliman received the Governor’s Award while the Lieutenant Governor Excelsior recipient was Esmcleebert Siden, who later joined Charlen Tagabuel Moded and Kayjon Bradley Torres Boadi as the Principal’s awardees. Daniel Roque Taitano Suel Jr. was the Parent-Teacher-Student Association awardee.