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HJHS’ Palacios, Salen take top honors
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Posted on May 25 2006
By CASSIE DLG FEJERAN
Special to the Saipan Tribune
Some 465 students of the Hopwood Junior High School were promoted to high school during ceremonies held at the school’s campus late Wednesday afternoon, with Albert T. Palacios leading the students as class valedictorian.
Palacios also received the Student Leadership Award. Taking second highest honors as salutatorian was Cheska Salen. The Principals Award was presented to both Irenia San Nicolas and Heartim Williams.
With the theme “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,” the graduation ceremony was attended by families, relatives and friends of the students.
Keynote speaker Cinta Kaipat shared with the pupils a lesson she learned growing up. “If you fall, pick yourself up. Life holds many promises for each and every one of you…learning is a life long process, “ she said.
Kaipat commended the students and stressed the importance of life. “Life is not a rehearsal, this only happens once. Make the most of your life today. If you have a vision, share it with others,” she said. “As you go on, think of the CNMI, this is your home. Have pride in yourself and pride in where you are from.”
Also awarded for her commitment to the school was Parent Teacher Students Association President Maggie Wonenberg.
Wonenberg was present to witness the promotional ceremony for her daughter Jacque. “We’re extremely proud of her. She’s very self-motivated and works hard because she has a strong sense of obligation to her family, team, school, and community,” she said.
Department of Public Safety acting commissioner Ray Mafnas was on hand to share with his son the momentous occasion. “This is only the beginning of a long journey for my son [Rafael Mafnas]. He’s ready for high school,” he said.
In addition to the family and friends, Gov. Ben Fitial, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, Rep. Ben Seman, and Board of Education chair Roman Benavente were on hand to commend the students for their hard work and dedication.
