Cabrera leads Hopwood promotion

Hopwood Middle School’s promoting class of 317 eighth graders led by class valedictorian Alexis Marie P. Cabrera received their certificates under the new norm—drive-thru style—at their home campus in Chalan Piao last Thursday.

Cabrera, who had the highest grade point average among her fellow promotees, was also named the Board of Education awardee and class valedictorian.

Christine M. Retirado was named the class salutatorian for having the second highest GPA and was the recipient of the Commissioner of Education Award.

In her speech, Cabrera thanked her Hopwood teachers and administration as well as the Public School System officials for allowing the students to celebrate their promotion on home turf.

“Although this campus is partly in shambles, the emotions attached to this place will always have a special place in our hearts. This is where our middle school journey started and where it will end,” she said. Hopwood right now is sharing space with Koblerville Elementary School after Super Typhoon Yutu destroyed The Hopwood campus in Chalan Piao.

Cabrera said she hopes that the new campus will soon begin construction to serve as a permanent home for future students. “I hope we can work toward that dream,” she said.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it has brought to education, Retirado said quarantine has proved that learning is not confined to a classroom.

“It is still a long road ahead for each and every one of us, but I have no doubt in my mind that we have all become better and stronger individuals, ready to face the challenges of what lies ahead. I see a bright future for our generation and the generations to follow,” she said.

In her speech, HMS principal Dr. Rizalina Liwag said the promotees showed resilience after Super Typhoon Yutu destroyed their school in October 2018, and were molded by other adversities. “You have become even stronger as you face many difficulties in the tents that were your temporary classrooms,” she said.

Liwag added that the students developed the ability to adapt to the many uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic because of these adversities.

The following are the rest of the awards given out during Hopwood’s drive-thru graduation ceremony.

• Board of Education Award – Alexis Marie P. Cabrera

• Commissioner of Education Award – Christine M. Retirado

• School Leadership Award – Jane Nicole C. Mozunder

• Principal’s List Award – Ye Zhi Sablan, Paulo Jerome N. Quitado, Hana Rhys L. Diaz, Julie Ann V. Capayas, Ma. Abigail Nicole F. Alovera, Aisha Erica M. Lansangan, and Lawrence S. Tubera

• Best in Social Studies – Alexis Marie P. Cabrera and Ma. Abigail Nicole F. Alovera

• Best in Mathematics – Pony Tang and Jaimer Shawn S. Casama

• Best in Chamorro Carolinian Heritage Language Studies – Alexis Marie P. Cabrera and Paulo Jerome N. Quidato

• Best in Science – Raja L. Sevugan and Destiny Jade C. Pangelinan

• Best in English Language Arts – Christine M. Retirado and Ye Zhi Sablan

• Best in Physical Education – Christine M. Retirado

• Best in Middle School Leadership Corps – Mechaella De Ramos

• Best in Computer Literacy – Alexis Marie P. Cabrera

• Best in Agriculture – Miracle Joy C. Aldan