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Cruz tops Tinian Jr Sr HS graduation
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Posted on Jun 03 2012
[B]TINIAN[/B]—Senior Maegan Cruz encouraged her peers to “explore, experience, and make a difference” during Tinian Junior Senior High School’s Class of 2012 commencement exercise held last Friday evening here.
Cruz, 18, who embodies academic achievement and leadership, is the Class of 2012 valedictorian. She had her sights set for college, applying at the Florida State Community College.
“We are ‘key’ to our own destiny in life. It’s time to wake up and realize that nobody is going to strike gold in our backyard,” she said in her valedictory address. “That doesn’t happen to people like you and I, and for where we come from. We’ve go to change for the better.”
“This is just the beginning (of) a huge step to bigger challenges. Let us go out now and explore, experience, and make a difference,” she added.
Cruz was also named recipient of this year’s Board of Education Award that was presented by no less than BOE Chair Maria Lourdes S. Ada.
Chloe Hofschneider, another active student leader, is the class salutatorian.
“Although it is a significant achievement we have reached, just keep in mind that high school is just a stepping stone for a greater path in our lives. It is a time where we find out who we want to be, what we want to be, and the person that we are destine to be,” Hofschneider said in her address.
Thirty-two graduates received their diplomas here on Friday evening, in a ceremony that saw the attendance of key government leaders. They include acting governor Eloy S. Inos, U.S. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan who joined Ada and PSS officials led by Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan.
The Tinian Legislative Delegation and Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz also joined this community in the ceremony held at the Antonio M. Borja Amphitheatre.
Third honor is Mary Mendiola Hocog, the Board of Education Student Representative.
U.S. Delegate Sablan presented her a special recognition to Hocog for being one of the only two CNMI students who qualified to the elite Gates Millennium Scholarship Program.
Inos named salutatorian Hofshnieder as this year’s recipient of the Governor’s Award.
Rounding the top ten are Ervin John Cruz, 4th honor; Richeena Farrell, 5th honor; Richelle Padre, 7th honor; Thomelane Mendiola, 8th honor; Kenneth Cruz, Jr., 9th honor and Mario Alo, 10th honor.
