Da’ok Academy sees largest graduating class

Da’ok Academy held a drive-thru commencement ceremony for its largest graduating class at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan yesterday.

This year, Da’ok Academy’s Class of 2020 had 24 graduates; its first graduating class back in 2017 only had six graduates. In concession to the social distancing rules forced by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the academy held a motorcade and drive-thru ceremony as opposed to the traditional walk on stage.

The motorcade first made its way to the Northern Marianas Technical Institute in Lower Base to honor the institution that housed Da’ok Academy since the academy’s building was completely damaged from Super Typhoon Yutu. The final stop of the motorcade was at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan where the graduates received their high school diplomas by driving up to the lobby.

Graduates were in their vehicles the entire ceremony for social distancing purposes and each graduate was given a custom Da’ok Academy face mask before the event for safety.

Alvaughnna Pua bagged nearly all awards possible, attaining the Overall Outstanding Achievement Award, Subject Area Awards in Math, Science, and English Language Arts, and she was also the recipient of the Women’s Affair’s Office Outstanding Female Graduate Award, recognizing excellence in leadership.

Da’ok Academy interim principal Jonathan Aguon thanked the Fiesta Resort & Spa management and staff, as well as TanHoldings, which owns the hotel resort, for their generous support of sponsoring the event.

“They made this event so much more special for our biggest graduating class. Graduation is a milestone for any young person’s life, and it merits celebration,” said Aguon. “It truly takes a village to educate and care for our students, and building a wholesome supportive system made today a reality.”

The Public School System management was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, Jackie Quitugua, and Dr. Bobby Cruz, along with the Student Support Services Office, Instructional Technology program, and other high school principals.

Awards
Outstanding Female Graduate Award: Alvaughnna Pua

Governor’s Award: Bruce Romolor

Principal’s Award: Jake Rabauliman

Shark Award: Travis Galang

Overall Outstanding Academic Achievement: Alvaughnna Pua

Math Award: Alvaughnna Pua

Social Studies Awar: Patrick Acosta

English Language Arts Award: Alvaughnna Pua

Science Award: Alvaughnna Pua