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Saipan student named Boise Rotary scholar
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Posted on Apr 20 2012
The Rotary Club of Boise recently selected Thomas Jude Duenas Torres as one of its Century Scholars in recognition of his exceptional academic performances and for being among Boise’s Top 100 graduates from the Class of 2012.
Known to his family and friends as “TJ,” the student is a senior at Borah High School in Boise, Idaho and will be graduating on June 2. He was awarded a full scholarship to attend Oregon State University to major in pharmacy. Torres is a member of the National Honor Society and is involved in many community projects.
Thomas is the son of Ralph Mendiola-Torres and Ruby Duenas-Torres, who moved from Saipan to Boise, Idaho in 2007. He is the oldest among five siblings, which includes Tinisha, Ralph III, Casilda, and Jerraine. He attended San Antonio Elementary School and Hopwood Jr. High School on Saipan.
Saipan Tribune learned that Torres not only excels academically but is also an expert in computer repair.
According to his father, he was amazed when they went to Las Vegas to visit the father’s brother when his son fixed all of his uncle’s computers.
The elder Torres is a former Department of Public Safety officer on Saipan. The father said his son’s achievement is a success story that brings pride to their families. He is a role model that inspires other students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
In a statement, Thomas Jude Duenas Torres said he owes his success to his family. “I owe my success to my father and mother for their love and support and for encouraging me to aim for the star and to do my best.”
He also gave credit to his teacher, Barbara Beautrow, for challenging and pushing him to work hard and think in different ways. “She introduced skills that I still use today, including time management and voicing my opinion,” Thomas said.
Thomas’ grandfather, Tom Duenas Sr., said he is proud of his grandson and have high hopes for the young achiever. “I am proud of my grandson. I have high hopes for TJ and wish him luck in his college career,” he said, and credited Thomas’ parents for their son’s achievements. Relatives Mike Aldan and Lorraine Pangelinan also congratulated the young family members on his latest achievement.
