By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
LONG before they reached promotion day, the Chacha Oceanview Middle School Class of 2026 had already learned lessons that could never be found in a textbook.
They were elementary school students when Super Typhoon Yutu struck the Commonwealth. They navigated the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic. And just weeks before promotion, they experienced the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
On June 2, those experiences became part of the story celebrated as 82 eighth-grade students crossed the stage during Chacha Oceanview Middle School’s 23rd promotion ceremony under the theme “Success Is Our Investment Through Perseverance.” The theme was written by student Michael Christopher Hart.
All 82 promotees will continue their educational journey at Kagman High School.
The ceremony marked the 23rd promotion ceremony since Chacha Oceanview Middle School opened in August 2002 to serve students from Kagman, Capital Hill, Santa Lourdes, Papago and portions of San Vicente.
Families, teachers, administrators and community members filled the school courtyard to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
‘The spirit is here’
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho praised the students, families and school community, saying the energy throughout the ceremony reflected the pride and commitment that helped students reach promotion day.
“The spirit is here. I can feel it,” Camacho said.
He thanked parents, family members, teachers and staff for guiding students through their middle school years and helping them overcome the challenges they faced along the way.
Camacho encouraged the promotees to carry the lessons they learned at Chacha Oceanview Middle School with them as they transition to Kagman High School.
“This is a great celebration,” Camacho said. “Take that learning from Chacha to Kagman High School. Make good and remain good.”
He said the spirit of the school community was evident throughout the ceremony and reminded students that their success was built on the support of families, educators and the community behind them.
A theme earned through experience
Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas, making his first promotion address on Saipan, congratulated the students and thanked Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio for the opportunity to participate.
“Eighty-two young people are moving on to the next chapter of their lives,” Barcinas said. “And what a journey it has been.”
Barcinas noted that the Class of 2026 had experienced Super Typhoon Yutu, the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Sinlaku before reaching high school.
“Many adults have never had to navigate challenges like those. Yet these students have faced all three before reaching high school,” he said.
That, Barcinas said, is why this year’s theme, “Success Is Our Investment Through Perseverance,” carries special meaning.
“It is not just a theme printed in a program,” he said. “It is your story.”
Barcinas said the challenges students experienced taught them how to adapt, persevere and continue moving forward when circumstances were beyond their control.
Soon, he told the promotees, they will walk through the doors of Kagman High School. The expectations will be higher, the responsibilities greater, and the challenges different. But the obstacles they have already overcome have prepared them for what lies ahead.
“If the past several years have shown us anything, it is that you are capable of more than you realize,” Barcinas said.
Principal celebrates students and community
Principal Carla Sablan welcomed families and community members and described the ceremony as a celebration of growth, perseverance, memories and new beginnings.
Addressing the promotees, Sablan acknowledged the challenges of middle school and praised students for demonstrating determination and resilience.
“Our theme this year is ‘Success Is Our Investment Through Perseverance,’ and you are the perfect example of that message,” she said.
Sablan also thanked parents, teachers, staff members, the Kagman Unified PTSA, Kagman Elementary School, Kagman High School and the Public School System leadership team for supporting students throughout their journey.
Top honors
Reina Jade Benavente received the Board of Education Award and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2026. She received the award from BOE Chairwoman Tenorio, Vice Chair Barcinas, BOE member Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong and Student Rep. Jude Burgos.
Ashton Jofred Morelos Than received the Commissioner of Education Award and graduated as salutatorian. He received the award from Dr. Camacho, who was joined by the PSS key management team.
Suleman Mustansar received the Principal’s Award. He received the award from Principal Carla Sablan and Vice Principal Dr. Ben Seman.
Special awards
Additional honors presented during the ceremony included:
Leadership Award — Trey Ke’koa Camacho Manglona
Lancheru Spirit Award — Antonio Mateo Muna Borja Jr.
Male Athlete of the Year — Lysander Vince Palpallatoc Domingo
Female Athlete of the Year — Melanie Marie Secharmidal Cruz
Subject-area award recipients
Academic honors were also presented in various subject areas.
Ashton Jofred Than received awards in English Language Arts, Mathematics (co-recipient), Leadership Corps and Computer Studies.
Reina Jade Benavente received awards in Mathematics (co-recipient), Woodshop (co-recipient) and Chamorro Language Heritage Studies.
Nathan Ray Dela Cruz Susulin received the Science Award, while Suleman Mustansar earned honors in Social Studies and Business Math.
Additional award recipients included Antonio Mateo Muña Borja Jr. (Woodshop), Jayce Anthony Dris Alepuyo (Physical Education) and Olivia Claire Tudela Aldan (Carolinian Language Heritage Studies).
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
