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9 Da’ok Academy students secure spots to graduate in June
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Posted on Jan 30 2020
Da’ok Academy students pose with Alternative Education Program director Jonathan Aguon and Northern Marianas Technical Institute chief executive officer Agnes M. McPhetres, fourth from left, at the Da’ok Academy graduation last Jan. 28 at Kanoa Resort Saipan in Susupe. (JUSTINE NAUTA)
Nine students of Da’ok Academy High School, which is an Alternative Education Program, have already completed their requirements that will allow them to graduate this June 2020.
The students are Jovanavin Dela Cruz, Guillermo Itibus, Katherine Johnson, Markisha Manalo, Seirrumwi Maggie Nekaifes, Andruw Omelau, Jake Rabauliman, Mikaela Siksei, and Allison Sumor.
In a ceremony last Jan. 28 at Kanoa Resort, AEP director Jonathan Aguon said that alternative schools have a negative stigma but he said this must be dispelled. “These students are able to perform and achieve but they have ‘needs’ that can be addressed better in a smaller environment,” he said.
Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada, who was also present at the occasion, said, “These students are very special to me. They met us halfway, because we try to help them move forward in life. We prepare them to be career- or college-ready and they’re ready.”
Also present Tuesday was guest speaker John Sanchez, who is a former teacher at Kagman High School. “You’ve got your back against the wall and you have to start 10 steps behind [but] I see it as an opportunity to break down the wall,” Sanchez said, “and prove the world wrong 10 times through. So I ask you today, how far are you willing to go? Are you [going to stay] here where you started or will you go beyond that wall?”
Other than the nine students, other Da’ok Academy students were also awarded certificates such as top student in U.S. government, U.S. history, science, exceptional performance in math, outstanding improvement in math, most helpful in math, most improved in language arts, highest star reading growth, academic excellence in language arts, top performance in Co-op, most athletic shark, and school citizenship award.
“I just want to send out the message that the Da’ok Academy that we provide is extra attention and support for the students within [the Public School System],” said Aguon. “The goal is to work together to support this system for the students to be successful.”
