Anne Sanchez is Tinian High’s valedictorian

Forced to do social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tinian Jr./Sr. High School held a virtual and drive-thru graduation ceremony yesterday that saw Anne Francesca Libut Sanchez being recognized as the class valedictorian.

Sanchez was genuinely surprised at being conferred the honor, saying her sole focus wasn’t academics so much as her leadership roles in school. “Along with focusing on my academics, I also focused a lot of my time into my leadership positions, my service hours, my after-school activities, so it came as a shock to me to find out that I was the valedictorian. This revelation made me believe that hard work and effort truly does help you achieve your goals. I know it’s been said a million times, but it was the recipe that helped me become the Class of 2020 valedictorian,” she said in her valedictory speech.

Sanchez credits her achievement to her friends, classmates, teachers, school administration, club advisors, and her parents and family members. “For four years, you’ve all watched me stress about my hours and grades, you’ve all watched me run around campus juggling my National Honors Society and JROTC responsibilities. You’ve all watched me grow and prosper into the person you’re seeing right now,” she said.

Although her class’ senior year experience was cut short, she’s glad she was able to experience graduation day with them. “To the Class of 2020, I know this year has been cut short. We couldn’t experience our last months together as a class, but I’m glad that everyone is here to experience the day we’ve all been waiting for. Thank you for four amazing years in Tinian High School. I’ll hold o nto these experiences and remember the people that made a difference in my life,” she said.

Salutatorian Dea Marie Aubrey Rempillo Patio congratulated her class for being able to finish the school year despite the pandemic. “Change can be scary. The abrupt news about the pandemic happened and what do we have to show for? That we are still able to find ways to adapt, to keep moving. We’ve come a long way—pushing through the online courses, finishing our learning packets, and doing everything digitally. Now it’s time to give our virtual goodbyes,” she said.

Although it wasn’t the graduation she or her class expected, Patio said she is still proud of the resiliency they have demonstrated throughout their years together. “I’ve known most of you since first grade and have grown with you. This isn’t how I expected to graduate but I am proud of you, of us. We truly are a bright and resilient group. Thank you for making my junior high and high school years one of the most hectic and surreal moments of my life. I look forward to all your future endeavors,” she said.

The rest of the awards given out were:

• Anne Francesca Libut Sanchez: Valedictorian, Board of Education Award, honors

• Dea Marie Aubrey Rempillo Patio: Salutatorian, Commissioner of Education Award, honors

• Charlene Grace Linis Danganan: PTSA Award & Principal’s Award, honors

• Ryana Espartero Diaz: Honors

• Julia Raine Medina Biton: Honors

• Kaia Jade Fleming Lazaro: Honors

• Ina Jae Cepeda Dela Cruz: Honors

• Shanice Jorgette Arriola King: Honors

• Keyla Borja Flores: Honors

• Joelina Marcella Piloto Untalan: Honors