Song, Lee are most outstanding graduates of SSHS

Min Jung Song and Doyi Lee, both 18, emerged as the most outstanding students of Saipan Southern High School during commencement exercises on campus last week.

Min Jung Song, the daughter of Song Byeong Sam and Shim Eun Hyun, was this year’s recipient of the Board of Education Award as class valedictorian. She was also presented with other special honors.

Song plans to pursue a nursing degree at the Northern Marianas College before transferring to California to further her studies.

In her valedictory address, Song acknowledged her family and friends for their support and guidance and encouraged her peers to take “that first step.”

“My friends, now it’s time for you to move on to what’s next. And don’t let anything stop you from taking that first step. Michael Dell once said, ‘Don’t spend so much time trying to choose the perfect opportunity, that you miss the right one. Realize that there will be failures and acknowledge that there will be obstacles. But you will learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, for there is very little learning in success.’ Class of 2012, as we start our own expedition, the first thing we should do is to draw our own maps. Life doesn’t come with a manual on how to become No. 1 in the world. We have to figure that out every step of the way. Go live, learn, love, and laugh,” she told the crowd.

This year’s salutatorian, Doyi Lee, was presented with the Commissioner of Education Award and other special recognitions and honors. She plans to take up psychology at Grinnell College in Iowa. Lee is the daughter of Bo Hwa Lee and Hong Sook Lee.

In her address, Lee gave thanks to her parents, mentors, and peers. “This is the day we become independent individuals set for our glowing futures in college, the military, and the work force, officially entering an absolutely different world that we’ve yet to adapt to. I though this day would never come; I’m sure you all have been thinking that as well. I’m deeply grateful for the fact that you joined my life and made a difference in me little by little. Congratulations Class of 2012!” said Lee.

Students on the Top 10 list included Min Jung Song, Doyi Lee, Soo Jin Choi, Momoko Nishikido, Minchong Kang, Hannah Shai, Carmen Borja, Richie Xu, Lallane Guiao, and Yuri Song.

SSHS presented diplomas to 159 graduates this year. Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos bestowed the Governor’s Award on Welington David, while Carmen Borja was named recipient of the OFEGRA Award. Principal Jesse Tudela and vice principal Jocelyn Manibusan bestowed the principal’s award on Lallane Guiao.

The awarding ceremony was attended by parents, community members, PSS and Education Board officials and was keynoted by Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan.