THE 123 promoted students of Francisco M. Sablan Middle School “learned with wonder, asked bold questions, and explored with open minds,” according to FMS Principal Cherlyn Cabrera Osung.
Speaking at the promotion ceremony on Monday, June 2, at the Koblerville gymnasium, Osung highlighted how the students’ curiosity led them to discoveries in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and within themselves.
She said the incoming high school students include members of the Student Council and the National Junior Honor Society.
They have participated in the performing arts and joined various clubs, including the Micronesian Culture Club and the Book Club. Many are also active in sports such as cross country, girls’ basketball, track and field, basketball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, and softball.
In addition, the students have taken part in art, essay, and photo contests; the Math Court; the Academic Challenge Bowl; national speech and debate competitions; thespian events; the Leadership Cadet Challenge; the drill competition; and Chamorro and Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies.
Noting this year’s promotion theme, “Napu Riders Always Thrive,” Osung praised the promotees for not giving up and learning from each other.
Jean Paul Reyes, one of the promotees, authored the theme.
Top students
Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu was the class valedictorian, achieving the highest academic standing throughout sixth, seventh and eighth grades. She received the Board of Education Academic Achievement Award from Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumuro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony Barcinas, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini and BOE members Maisie B. Tenorio presented.
Jie Yi Yan, the class salutatorian, received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other PSS officials.
The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Dezmon Gabriel Mareham Camacho for his “excellent leadership abilities to motivate and inspire students towards success.” He received the award from Principal Cherlyn Cabera Osung.
Subject awards
The subject awardees were also honored:
Academic Excellence in Computer Technology — William Yu, Jean Paul B. Reyes, and Phangwadee K. Claridades
Academic Excellence in Carolian Language and Heritage Studies — Elika A. Mendiola
Academic Excellence in Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies — Elerie Rose D. Reyes and Ailana A Mendiola
Academic Excellence in Social Studies — Elika A. Mendiola.
Academic Excellence in Physical Education — Jannie Jade H. Manglona
Academic Excellence in Leadership Corps — Yoheveth Adeline Feria and Gabriella Jesusa H. Mitchell
Academic Excellence in Mathematics — Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu
Academic Excellence in Fine Arts — Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu
Academic Excellence in the Way/STEM — Phil William L. Lumactod
Academic Excellence in Science, — Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu
Academic Excellence in English Language Arts — Jie Yi Yan, Arra Serena B Arceo, and Yuanyuan Wren Xu
Academic Excellence in Music — Paul Arthur A. Jacoba, Umme Salma M. Islam, Kelvin Bryan R. John, Jon Dane T. Rebuenog, Peter Joe T. Santos, Roman David M. Ayuyu, and Jean Paul B. Reyes
Academic Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism — Ricah B. Alvarado, Timothy Joseph L. Espiritu, Jie Yi Yan, Elika A Mendiola, and Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu
Napu Spirit Award — Kelvin Bryan Ropon John and Kris Angel Alcasid Patricio. They were honored for “exemplifying amazing school spirit and citizenship” and for their “commitment and perseverance, when no task was too big, and no effort too small.”
Three years
In her address, class valedictorian Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu said “these three years have been both long and short. The longest time was when I did IXL in 7th grade. It filled my brain and added many memories to that year.”
“In sixth grade,” she added, “you may have wondered what kind of friends we would make in middle school and what we would learn. It was this curiosity that helped us grow, think, and become more familiar with school life.”
“However,” she said, “our three years in middle school were not always smooth sailing. We faced many exams, several group projects, and countless lessons about what we were supposed to have learned in elementary school. But because of our hearts to strive and never give up, we’re all here today, together. This invaluable lesson was taught to us by our middle school teachers and our Principal Mrs. Cherlyn Osung.”
Wild ride
In her address, salutatorian Jie Yi Yan said, “I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say this year has been a wild ride, filled with laughter echoing through the hallways, surprises around every corner, and countless memories that will stick with us long after we walk off this stage.”
“From the nerve wracking first day when we wondered what sixth to eighth grade would be like, to the group projects that turned into lifelong friendships, every single moment was a part of our journey,” she said “We faced challenges…but through it all, we kept going. We laughed together, learned together, and supported one another every step of the way. Those million little moments, the jokes, the high-fives, the last-minute studies before tests, will stay with us forever.”
She reminded her fellow promotes that “you’ll need extra brain cells because, trust me, you’ll need every single one of them to survive [high school]. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember: You got this. After all, we did it.”
Board of Education Chairman of Aschumar Kodep Ogumuro-Uludong congratulates Francisco M. Sablan Middle School valedictorian Yuanyuan “Wren” Xu as BOE members Andrew L. Orsini and Maisie B. Tenorio look on
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, right, poses with FMS class salutatorian Jie Yi Yan and her mother.
The Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Dezmon Gabriel Mareham Camacho by FSM Principal Cherlyn Cabera Osung as Vice Principal Catherine A. Cabrera looks on.
The Excellence in Subject awardees are William Yu, Jean Paul B. Reyes, Phangwadee K. Claridades, Elika A. Mendiola, Elerie Rose D. Reyes, Ailana A Mendiola, Jannie Jade H. Manglona, Yoheveth Adeline Feria, Gabriella Jesusa H. Mitchell, Yuanyuan Wren Xu, Phil William L. Lumactod, Yi Yan, Arra Serena B Arceo, Paul Arthur A. Jacoba, Umme Salma M. Islam, Kelvin Bryan R. John, Jon Dane T. Rebuenog, Peter Joe T. Santos, Roman David M. Ayuyu, Ricah B. Alvarado, Timothy Joseph L. Espiritu, Jie Yi Yan, Kelvin Bryan Ropon John, and Kris Angel Alcasid Patricio.
The Napu Riders cheer after receiving their certificates of promotion to high school.
Kelvin Bryan Ropon John is one of the two Napu Spirit Award recipients. Also in photo are his family members and FMS Principal Cherlyn C. Osung and Vice Principal Catherin Cabrera.
The other Napu Spirit Award recipient is Kris Angel Alcasid Patricio.
The high school-bound Napu Riders exit the Koblerville gymnasium at the conclusion of the promotion ceremony on Monday, June 2, 2025.
