280 promoted from Hopwood

Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School students eagerly await the start of their graduating ceremony last Friday at the at the Saipan Southern High School campus. (Erwin Encinares)

A total of 280 Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School students last Friday afternoon at the Saipan Southern High School campus were promoted to high school, the largest promotion on Saipan for this school year.

Mercedes P. Cabrera and Kina P. Rangamar led the 280-student class of 2019 as their valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

“I am very thankful and grateful,” Cabrera said in an interview, adding that she gave it her everything during her stay in Hopwood to achieve the award.

“I tried my best throughout the past three years in Hopwood, so I guess through my hard work and perseverance [I was able to achieve this award],” she said. Cabrera would be attending the Saipan Southern High School as a freshman next school year.

“I don’t know [what to expect for high school]. I’m just trying to live in the moment,” she continued.

Mercedes P. Cabrera,
Valedictorian

Rangamar, on the other hand, would be attending Marianas High School next school year.

“It’s definitely going to be a lot more different, but I’m excited,” she said in an interview about her expectations for high school. “I expect a lot more friends, a bigger campus, and a lot more challenges,” she continued.

She noted that she would continue sports through high school. Currently, she plays basketball, volleyball, and track and field.

“My family is very athletic, so we are really into sports. If I see a sport, I just sign up for it,” she said. After high school, Rangamar said she wants to go to either the University of California Los Angeles or the University of Hawaii Manoa, however, she did not specify a specific degree she wanted to pursue.

Kina P. Rangamar,
Salutatorian

“This year may be the most difficult year for all of us—particularly for our students,” said school principal Dr. Rizalina Liwag in her address. “The hardship that [Super] Typhoon Yutu brought upon us is beyond conceivable. Many of our families lost their homes and many students were displaced. Our campus was ruined and irreparable,” she continued, adding that Hopwood had to be relocated twice—once to MHS when they shared campus during double sessions and once more to Koblerville in federal government-issued tents.

“Despite these catastrophic [and misfortunate] events, Hopwood Middle School continued to be focused and as a result, we became stronger. We became resilient to all the challenges we have faced and yet to face,” she continued.