Jacinto, Roberto lead SAMS promotion

Bernadette Jacinto and Andrea Roberto finished as the top two among 103 students from San Antonio Middle School in yesterday’s promotion ceremony held at the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort in Susupe. Jacinto was at the top of the class with Roberto not far behind.

Both Jacinto and Roberto said that they have a lot of memorable experiences in their two-year stay at SAMS, under principal James Sablan.

“I can’t choose one since I have a lot of fond memories here,” said Jacinto, the eldest of two daughters of Teddy Jacinto and Elizabeth Ramos. Her younger sister, Angel Joy Jacinto, is an incoming 5th grader at Koblerville Elementary School.

“Everyday was a learning experience for me,” added Roberto, who excelled in Language Arts and Social Studies. Her parents are Raymond and the late Zenaida Javier.

They also agreed that it is still too early for them to decide what course to take in college, take it one step at a time, and see what subjects they would further excel in once they are in high school.

Jacinto, who finished on top of the class, said she would take the same subjects that are required for every freshman. “But I’m also open to new things. I want to experience other things.”

“My plan and goal when I get to high school is to join the National Honors Society of Saipan Southern High School,” added Jacinto, who was received the Academic Excellence in Mathematics and Science awards.

She said that she wasn’t aware of receiving the highest honor with her parents also surprised to learn on the day of the promotion that their daughter was the school’s valedictorian.

“I was really surprised when my name was called. For me, there are a lot of students who are also deserving to receive the award,” said Jacinto, who aims to start her collegiate studies at the Northern Marianas College.

Teddy, her father, said they kind of got a hint that their daughter would receive an award. “We were not expecting it but when she told us that she needs to prepare a speech, we know that she’ll receive an award. But we don’t what kind of award,” he said in Filipino.

Jacinto told her peers to keep their bonds of friendship even after their years at SAMS. “We must always remember to be always there for each other. We can move forward if we push together our problems.”

Her father, Teddy when asked what promotion gift they would give her, said that they would get their daughter a new mobile smartphone. “She has an old Blu phone, we’re planning to give her a Samsung brand.”

Chacaha Oceanview
Chacha also had their promotion ceremony yesterday with Nina Lauren Fugaban Valdisimo and Keisa Ann Tudela Duenas earning the top two academic honors. Valdisimo was the Board of Education award recipient while Duenas earned the Commissioners.

Valdisimo was also the top student in mathematics, science, social studies, woodworking, and Chamorro culture and language heritage studies, while Duenas was No. 1 in business mathematics.

Christian Anthony Barcinas Alepuyo (language arts) and Jennifer Thorie Chong Muna (computer application) were the other academic excellence award recipients.

Carolyn Divine Cabrera was the leadership awardee with Diony Reyes Camacho Jr., Jerrilyn Jane Cruz Reyes, and Jacob Isaiah Igisomar Trecho composing the leadership corps.