Alternative education graduates ready for next adventure

The 2016 graduating class of the CNMI Public School System’s Alternative Education program join education officials, principals of the three high schools, and their teachers for a group photo after yesterday’s ceremony at Marianas High School. (Jon Perez)

Six of the 10 graduates of the CNMI Public School System’s Alternative Education said they are ready to face their next adventure. Two will be going to college; two more will be joining the U.S. Marines Corps, while two others are already working with the hopes of someday making a career in engineering.

Seven of the 10 attended yesterday’s simple graduation ceremonies held at the Alternative Education building inside the Marianas High School compound. Six of the graduates came from MHS while Kagman and Saipan Southern high schools had two each.

Education officials—led by CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman Guerrero, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, and Alternative Education director Felisa Brel—their teachers, parents, and relatives were also present to join them in celebrating this important part of their lives.

Kekoa Ruak and Janet Jones have decided to go to college with Ethan Calvo and Marco Dela Rosa saying they would join the Marines. Jocelyn Deleon Guerrero and Jerrold Calvo are already part of the island’s local labor force.

Ruak told his fellow graduates to be proud since they are now part of the foundation of the new reputation of alternative education. He said that he would work first and save money before going to college. “I plan to go to Colorado for college. Although, I just haven’t decided where to apply and what course to take.”

He added that it would be a total adventure going to Colorado since they don’t have any relatives living or working there. “That’s the sense of adventure, I just want to get lost unlike here on Saipan where you know everyone and it is easy to get around.”

Jones, meanwhile, chose to go south of the CNMI at the University of Guam where she hopes to finish a degree in language arts. The 20-year-old, who was awarded a certificate of recognition for the determination she has shown, added that she plans to come back to Saipan and be a teacher.

PSS behavioral consultant Tai Doram, the guest inspirational speaker, told Dela Rosa and Ethan Calvo that the United States Armed Forces has two-year military courses that give you the rank of second lieutenant in the Army, Marines, and Air Force and ensign in the Navy.

Doram encouraged the graduates to continue believing in themselves, telling them the difference between crabs and ants. “Crabs inside bucket, if one of them tries to get out, will be pulled down by the others. But the ants, they would help each other by forming a bridge for everyone’s survival.”

“The greatness of who you are as a person is already there. Do not take advice from unproductive people. Don’t follow anyone who is not going anywhere. If you decided to stay in the CNMI, make sure it is your own choice and you are not forced.h”

Sablan, meanwhile, revealed that the Alternative Education program will have a new home in one of the buildings at the PSS office compound near MHS.