By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Paul A. Manglona has introduced a resolution commending a student for her academic excellence.
Jamaica King, who is turning 18 on June 26, graduated salutatorian at Douglas McKay High School in Salem, Oregon with a 3.97 grade point average, according to Senate Resolution 15-50 offered by Manglona, R-Rota.
King earned a scholarship at Mount Holyoke College in Boston, where she will be attending this fall 2007.
King, the daughter of local residents Jose T. King and Jacoba F. King, was raised by her stepfather, Carl A. Atalig.
She attended the Academy of Our Lady of Guam before moving to Oregon.
At Oregon’s Douglas McKay High School, she studied English 10, honors algebra II as well as advance placement classes in psychology, chemistry, language and composition, U.S. history, literature and composition, and European history.
King likewise participated in various extra-curricular academic and sports-related activities.
“Ms. Jamaica King balanced athletics with her active schedule as she was the choreographer for Song Fest (class of 2007), a member of Diverse Flava (Dance Team), Junior Varsity Volleyball (Libero), Varsity Cheerleading and Monsters of Hip Hop, Seattle (dance convention),” the resolution reads.
King’s competitiveness and pursuit of academic excellence earned her numerous honors, including the Principal’s Award, Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll, Royal Scots of the Month, Coach’s Award.
“The Senate…expresses its sincere congratulations and commendations to Ms. Jamaica King for her hard work and dedication and for graduating salutatorian from Douglas McKay High School in Salem, Oregon and bringing pride to the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,” the Senate’s resolution stated.