MHS’ Dolphin battalion changes command

The Marianas High School gym was the setting for the recent Dolphin Battalion change of command that was witnessed by MHS students who had gathered to participate in the remarkable and impressive ceremony.

The occasion is an annual traditional event conducted to formally transfer the duty to command, and the authority and responsibility that goes along with it, from one commander to another.

The cadet formation consisted of three cadet companies commanded by cadet Capt. Rico Mendiola for Headquarters Company; cadet Capt. Adrianne Flores for Alpha Company; and cadet Capt. Janelle Reyes for Bravo Company. The color guard team was commanded by cadet 1st Sgt. Frank Sablan. The commander of cadets was cadet Capt. Marvin Tamangided. Battalion adjutant was cadet Capt. Andrew San Nicolas. The battalion command sergeant was cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Galang, while the masters of ceremony was cadet Capt. Lorraine Catienza.

The highlight of the change of command was the relinquishing of the Dolphin Battalion Command from cadet Lt. Col. Charlotte Kenty to the incoming commander, cadet Lt. Col. Normaine Pangelinan.

Kenty was quite emotional when she spoke of how her job as the commander had required of her to be hard and demanding on the Dolphin cadets. She apologized for being hard and demanding at times, but humbly expressed that everything she did was for the good of the Dolphins.

The incoming commander, Pangelinan, said in her remarks that as the new commander, she will be learning along the way, and will be making decisions that may or may not be too popular. She insisted that she will do what is best and what is right for the battalion.

She also pledged to the Dolphin cadets that she will do her best to continue to maintain the proud heritage and tradition of the Dolphin Battalion.

The Dolphin Battalion was established on August 21, 1991.

MHS principal James Denight and Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Dave Borja, who represented Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos, inspected the cadet formation.

During the actual reading of the changing and assumption of command, Denight symbolically and honorably passed the Battalion color between the two Battalion commanders.

During the ceremony, Kenty was presented the American Veterans Award for her diligence in the discharge of duties and willingness to serve both God and her country for the mutual benefit of all.

Besides Denight and Borja, others who graced this significant and traditional ceremony were Karen Borja, Vice Principal for MHS; Alfred Taitano, Stephen Smith, other distinguished guests, the entire MHS student body, teachers; and Charley Kenty, father of Charlotte; and parents of Pangelinan.

This is the second time that Pangelinan’s parents became parents of the Dolphin Battalion commander. The previous Dolphin Battalion commander was also their son, cadet Lt. Col. Randy Pangelinan.

The Dolphin Battalion is thankful to Jim Feger for allowing them to use the MHS Gym for their practice on May 6 and the actual ceremony on May 7.

“Feger has always been a great help and supporter of the JROTC program,” a statement from the battalion said. “Thanks also goes to Harold Eason for his usual cooperation and generous support in providing the public address system support.”