(PSS) — Dandan Middle School — the Home of the Tottots (Mariana fruit doves) — promoted 130 eighth graders on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
For their promotion theme, the students chose “Today’s studies create tomorrow’s dreams.”
The class valedictorian was Clyde Manangan, who received the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award from BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura.
Yuxi Lu, the class salutatorian, received the Commissioner of Education Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other Public School System officials.
The Athlete of the Year Award was presented by DMS physical education teachers, Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola to three students: Genicia Agulto, Zhi Jin, and Jacob Encabo.
The Distinguished Middle School Leadership Award went to DMS student Logan Matsumoto, who was chosen among the nominated outstanding cadets from all six middle schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho said the CNMI MSLC awardee was chosen for “exemplifying outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and promoting citizenship.”
The Principal Leadership Award went to Rhodalyn Zandueta, while the Subject Award recipients were as follows:
• Clyde Manangan, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies;
• Rachel Ann Castillon, Social Studies;
• Yuxi Lu, Physical Education;
• Alyssa Mendiola, Leadership Corps; and
• Rhodalyn Zandueta, Career and Technical Education Program.
Among the government officials who joined the DMS community, PSS and BOE in celebrating the promotees were Saipan Mayor RB Camacho and Sen. Ronnie Calvo.
Accomplishments
In his remarks, DMS Principal James Sablan praised the promoted eighth-graders for their accomplishments in various fields, including poetry/literature, debate, soccer and other sports.
He also expressed his appreciation to the students’ parents: “Thank you for responding to our calls. You are always ready to assist your school. Thank you for collaborating with us.”
Virtues
BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, in his remarks, celebrated the students, their parents, and the school community by highlighting the importance of three timeless virtues: kindness, humility, and gratitude.
“Be kind, be humble, and be grateful, and you can never go wrong,” he said.
He also highlighted the accomplishments of the students, and said: “These journeys are part of life and what you make of them.”
He likewise celebrated the achievements of two eighth-graders from Dandan Middle School and one from Tanapag Middle School, who have been admitted to Xavier High School in Chuuk, one of Micronesia’s oldest private schools known for its rigorous academics and boarding experience.
“These…eighth graders had to apply for admission to a very special school in our region,” the BOE chairman said.
‘Persistence, belonging’
Commissioner of Education Camacho, in his remarks, told the students, “You are ready to soar big, to rise high, and to continue to grow as the wonderful students you are. Your journey is just beginning, and the sky is the limit.”
He praised the role of parents and the community partners in ensuring that DMS continues to provide quality education and learning to its students.
“Let’s give a round of applause to our teachers and to all our parents who help this great institution of learning. To our parents, your dedication has been the foundation of our students’ achievements,” Dr. Camacho said.
He encouraged the promoted students to be persistent.
“Continue to grow, continue to develop, and become that person who will one day reach their dreams. Roll up your sleeves, study hard, and embrace the belonging and spirit that will help you thrive in your next chapter.”
Making it happen
Valedictorian Clyde Manangan, in his address, said, “I couldn’t imagine myself to get this award, but I made it happen. The beginning of my journey these past three years, I have taught myself to become resilient, strong, and always ready for the challenges ahead. All the lessons taught to me throughout my journey…are not just the only things that will help us in high school. We should remember all the values that were taught to us by our teachers, but most especially at home. These values go beyond what is taught in textbooks, this will not only carry us to our high school life, but even after that.”
He added, “Now that we have passed the challenges of middle school, it’s time for us to move to a bigger fight — high school. Are you guys ready? We need to be ready. High school life is harder than we think.”
A long way
In his address, class salutatorian Yuxi Lu said he and his promoted class have come into their own.
“From the small sixth graders we once were to the confident, capable young people we are today, we’ve come a long way. We’ve taken on challenging classes, completed scientific experiments, and passed physical tests. But more importantly, we’ve grown in character,” Lu said.
“We’ve learned values like respect, resilience, kindness, and teamwork — the kind of lessons that go far beyond any classroom and will guide us through the rest of our lives,” he added. “These years have been full of laughter, growth, memories, and lessons we’ll carry with us forever. So let’s remember them, and let’s be proud of how far we’ve come.”
Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora Miura congratulate Dandan Middle School class valedictorian and recipient of the BOE Academic Excellence Award, Clyde Manangan. Also in photo are DMS Vice Principal Reo Arriola, Sen. Ronnie Calvo and Saipan Major RB Camacho.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulates class salutatorian Yuxi Lu as Public School System officials look on.
The Athlete of the Year awardees: Genicia Agulto, Zhi Jin, and Jacob Encabo.
The Distinguished Middle School Leadership Award went to Logan Matsumoto.
The subject awardees are Clyde Manangan, Rachel Ann Castillon, Yuxi Lu, Alyssa Mendiola, and Rhodalyn Zandueta.
Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumor-Uludong adjusts the graduation stole of valedictorian Clyde Manangan.
Class salutatorian and Commissioner of Education Award recipient Yuxi Lu poses for a photo with his family along with Public School System officials and Dandan Middle School administrators.
Class valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award Clyde Manangan poses for a photo with his family. Joining them on stage are BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini, Teacher Representative Dr. Dora Miura, Sen. Ronnie Calvo, Saipan Major RB Camacho, Dandan Middle School Vice Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola.
A promoted student is congratulated by Dr. Lorraine Catienza, PSS Instructional Technology and Distance Education Program director.
An eighth grader in Black Spiderman costume was among the promotees.
A promoted student receives a hug from her homeroom teacher.
A promoted student who is also a member of DMS’ Youth Advisory Panel smiles
A special moment for a promoted student.
A proud moment for a promoted student and her teacher.
BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas bumps fists with a promoted student.
A special milestone for a promoted student.
Promoted students return to their seats after receiving their certificates.
It’s a proud moment for these promoted “Tottots.”
Promoted students stand at attention as JROTC cadets retire the colors.
