Ishida, Son are this year’s top SSHS graduates

Saipan Southern High School bestowed its highest academic honors on Lica Ishida and Jua Son, who emerged as the top two outstanding graduates this year, receiving the prestigious Board of Education and Commissioner of Education awards, respectively.

Ishida was hailed the class valedictorian for school year 2013-2014. She led the school’s batch of 149 graduates during the institution’s 12th Graduation Ceremony at its campus.

The 18-year-old is the daughter of Nahoko and Soichiro Ishida. She will soon be moving to Iowa to pursue her education at Grinnell College. Ishida will major in education and music.

Elated by the recognition, Ishida said the honor was unexpected but that all her hard work has paid off.

Son, the second top graduate this year, plans to pursue a nursing degree at Adelphi University in New York. Jua is the daughter of Jae Ok Son and Sun Ja Kim.

In their separate addresses to the graduating class, the two dedicated their achievements and honors to their parents, families, guardians, mentors, and friends.

“It’s time we start setting goals for our future. It’s time we start fulfilling our dreams with dedication, determination, and focus that we used to survive high school. And we must not be afraid to fail because failure makes us stronger and prepare us for what’s coming up next…” Ishida said in her valedictory address.

Salutatorian Jua Son had this message for her peers: “We have the skills to learn, we have the aptitude to succeed, and we have the ability to make a difference. We’re all ready to go…Class of 2014.”

Gov. Eloy S. Inos presented the prestigious Governor’s Award to Marielle B. Kapileo, also the Class Top 9. The Principal’s Award went to Rachel Jude Ramirez.

This year’s Top 10 awardees were Ishida, Son, Se Yun Moon, Ye Lin Lee, Young Jeong (Annie) Kim, Katrina May Cruz, Dhale Posadas, Marielle Kapileo, and Allysha Hillary Lloren.

In an interview with Inos, he said he has nothing but confidence and faith on the ability of all graduates to succeed in the future.

Inos said he’s hopeful that the graduates—from both public and private secondary schools—will do meaningful things, something practical and useful so that they can return and help the islands. He described the graduates as the “future” of the CNMI.

This year’s commencement exercise at SSHS was keynoted by teacher Dr. Dora B. Miura who talked about the ceremony’s theme “Take a Chance, Make a Difference.”

BOE chair Herman T. Guerrero and Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan also delivered congratulatory remarks to the graduates.

“Life is about choices. Take control of your personal power and remember to choose wisely. Let your success today serve as an inspiration to who will come next to you,” said Guerrero.

SSHS acting principal Jonathan Cabrera urged the graduates to “grow in word”; “to grow out-word”; and “to grow forward.”

Yesterday’s ceremony was also graced by members of the Legislature, education officials, and guests.