3 Saipan students join nat’l scholars society

Three students from Saipan have recently been selected to become members of the esteemed National Society of High School Scholars. The organization recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment.

The three are Kagman High School students Jeromalyn W. Santos and Samuel David F. Santos, and Marianas Baptist Academy student Rachel V. Palijo.

The announcement was made by NSHSS founder and chair Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.

Jeromalyn said she is honored that to be a part of one of the most prestigious honor societies.

“Although it was new to me personally, it wasn’t so new within my family. My older sister is currently a member as well. I would have never gone this far if it wasn’t for my family and everybody else who surrounds me. I am deeply grateful for the different people who helped me walked through the paths of my life,” she said.

Samuel concedes that he’s not the smartest student in his class but becoming an NSHSS member embodies the dedication and effort that he puts into his education.

“I am currently attending [Northern Marianas College] as a college freshman and I am hoping to obtain my bachelor’s degree in education in the coming years. Regardless of the challenges that I have yet to face, as a member, I am bound to ‘maintain high standards of academic excellence’ and that is exactly what I’m after. I’ve always felt like these recognitions are meant to push an individual into striving for their goals. It’s not just about the title, or the lifetime membership, or the pomp and benefits that come with it. Becoming a member bounds you into a promise that no matter what, you will do your best.”

Nobel said he is honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that Jeromalyn, Samuel, and Palijo demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence.

He said the three are now members of a unique community of scholars—a community that represents the country’s very best hope for the future.

“Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,” stated NSHSS president James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community.”

Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, personalized recognition item, and publicity honors. For more information about NSHSS visit www.nshss.org.