Children of NMSA Hall of Famer receive full scholarship

From left, Michail Villagomez, Arizona State University Educational Outreach coordinator Randell Green, and Michael Thomas Villagomez. (Contributed Photo)

The children of Northern Marianas Sports Association Hall of Famer Mike Villagomez received full scholarships from the Barrett Summer School Program at the Arizona State University.

Unlike Villagomez, who has represented the CNMI in multiple international swimming competitions, and received an athletic scholarship from the University of Indianapolis, sons Michail and Michael Thomas Villagomez received and completed the full scholarship on academic grounds.

The Barrett Summer School Program is a program of ASU that allows 7th to 9th graders in the campus to take on various activities and to attend college level classes.

Michail Villagomez entered the BSS Program on ASU’s West Campus, while Michael Thomas Villagomez took part in ASU’s Tempe campus designed for 7th and 9th grade, respectively. The 7th grade BSS Program that Michail attended lasted for two weeks, while the 9th grade BSS Program that Michael Thomas attended lasted for a week.

“The BSS program allowed them to interact with other scholars, engage in intellectual discussions, and sharpened their critical thinking skills. The boys became more independent and are excited about attending college,” said Mike Villagomez.

Arizona State University Educational Outreach coordinator Randell Green, in the acceptance letter sent to the Villagomezes, congratulated Michail and Michael for being accepted to the BSS Program.

“Congratulations on being selected for the 2016 Barrett Summer Scholars (BSS) program at Arizona State University! The applicant pool was highly competitive and you should be proud of your achievement in being selected for BSS.”

Green added, “On behalf of all of our program staff, I wanted to extend endless gratitude to you and your families for choosing to be part of our prohgram. The amount of passion and dedication you each show to your education and your future is ttruly inspiring. I appreciate all of your hard work in your courses, your openness to new experiences and new people, and the unique qualities you possess which make BSS such an amazing family!” the acceptance letter continued.

The BSS Program 9th Grade session ran from June 5 through June 17, while the 7th Grade session ran from June 26 through July 1.

Michail and Michael Thomas Villagomez are former students at Kagman High School. They also swam for the Saipan Swimming Club like their father who also used to coach the team. (Erwin Encinares)