By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
FOR the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Class of 2026, promotion day was a chance to look ahead.
Ninety students crossed the stage on June 3 as members of the Napu Riders Class of 2026, marking the end of middle school and the beginning of a new chapter under the theme, “Rooted as Riders, Rising with the Tide.”
Families, educators, Board of Education members and Public School System officials gathered to celebrate the students, whose journey to high school unfolded during a school year that ended differently than expected because of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Acting Principal Preston Basa said the ceremony represented far more than an academic milestone.
“Today is more than a promotion ceremony. It is a celebration of your journey, your growth and your resilience,” Basa told the Class of 2026.
He reminded students that over the past several years, they had experienced challenges many their age had never faced, including Super Typhoon Yutu, the Covid-19 pandemic and, most recently, Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
“Yet here you stand today,” Basa said.
‘Rising with the tide’
Vice Principal Catherine Acera-Cabrera welcomed students, families and guests by reflecting on the significance of the theme, “Rooted as Riders, Rising with the Tide.”
She said the Class of 2026 grew up in a community familiar with overcoming adversity and moving forward through challenges.
“The impact of Sinlaku taught us that storms may shake us, but they do not define us. What defines us is how we respond,” Acera-Cabrera said.
She encouraged students to remain grounded in the school’s RIDERS values — Respect, Integrity, Discipline, Empathy, Responsibility and Success — as they prepare for high school.
“Our students have grown up in a community that knows how to face challenges head-on,” she said.
Acera-Cabrera reminded students to remain connected to their families, culture, school and community while pursuing new opportunities.
“The tide will continue to change, and life will bring new waves,” she said. “But if there’s one thing we know about this class, it’s that you know how to rise.”
Resilience and future leadership
Board of Education member Achumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong reminded students that their promotion came only weeks after Super Typhoon Sinlaku disrupted lives across the Commonwealth.
He asked students to reflect on their experiences during the storm, including power outages, fallen trees and damage to homes and communities, saying the disaster underscored the need for resilience and adaptation in island life.
Ogumoro-Uludong noted that the CNMI has faced numerous major storms over the past decade, highlighting the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators and problem-solvers.
He encouraged students to pursue studies in science, technology and other fields that can help strengthen communities, improve healthcare and support recovery efforts after disasters.
“The damage caused by Sinlaku reminds us that we need a generation of problem-solvers,” he said, adding that lessons learned in high school will help shape their future contributions to the Commonwealth.
‘You have a story to tell’
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulated students, families, educators and community members who helped make the promotion ceremony possible despite the challenges of the school year.
Camacho said the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students reflected the promise of the next generation of the Northern Mariana Islands.
“You have a story to tell and a dream to share,” he told the promotees.
Drawing from his upbringing in San Antonio, Camacho encouraged students to embrace opportunities ahead while remembering the lessons and values learned at Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.
He urged students to carry those experiences into high school and use them as inspiration as they pursue their goals and help shape the future of the Commonwealth.
“We learn from you,” Camacho said. “You are the new generation of our CNMI.”
Opportunity and possibility
Valedictorian Lindsay Bocago reflected on the friendships, mentors and everyday moments that shaped her middle school experience.
Although the school year ended earlier than expected because of Sinlaku, Bocago said the lessons and relationships built at FMS will remain with the class long after promotion day.
“Today is not just the end of middle school, it is the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity and possibility,” she said.
Salutatorian Ivan Lacson spoke about embracing opportunities, recounting how involvement in theater and leadership activities led him to unexpected experiences.
Quoting actress and author Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lacson told classmates that opportunities often arrive quietly and can shape the course of a person’s future.
“Sometimes the invitation you almost ignore becomes the opportunity that changes your life,” he said.
Among the major award recipients were Bocago, who received the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award and the Excellence in Leadership Award, and Lacson, who received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award.
Other special award recipients included Zayden Seman and Xianelle Tabenas, recipients of the Napu Spirit Award, and Riley Guinto Vicente, recipient of the Middle School Leadership Corps Award.
The subject-area award recipients were:
• English Language Arts: Ivan Lacson
• Science: Hannah Gabrielle Ramos and Lindsay Bocago
• Mathematics: Hannah Gabrielle Ramos
• Social Studies: Lindsay Bocago and Ivan Lacson
• Physical Education: Kevin Songao and Chloe Enriquez
• Computer Technology: Xianelle Tabenas
• Fine Arts: Kayla Tenorio
• Music: Ralph Alvarado, Moses Exley, Jeremy Mendiola, Tiffany Zhu, Ayena Ayena, Tyler Castro, Movansa Heben, Johanan Imperial, Zaida Magofna, Shamon Minto, Justin Montoya, Napu Pangelinan, Hannah Ramos, Subrona Shakh, Nnart Siech, Kayla Tenorio and Skyler Villagomez
• Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies: Carl Licop and Ha’anisha Taitano
• Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies: Lindsay Bocago
• Hospitality and Tourism: Xianelle Tabenas
• Leadership Corps: Lymmia Macaranas
• PLTW/STEM: Lindsay Bocago and Ivan Lacson
Character
In his closing remarks, Acting Principal Preston Basa said the promotion ceremony represented more than the completion of middle school.
He again emphasized that the event celebrated the students’ journey, growth and resilience.
Basa reflected on the challenges students faced throughout their school years, including Super Typhoon Yutu, the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Sinlaku, saying those experiences helped shape a generation that learned perseverance through adversity.
Connecting the school theme, “Rooted as Riders, Rising with the Tide,” to the RIDERS core values, Basa encouraged students to let character guide their decisions as they move into high school.
“Your grades may open doors, your talents may create opportunities, but it is your character that will determine how far you go and how many people you positively impact along the way,” he said.
Basa also pointed to a flame tree on the school campus as a symbol of resilience.
Before Sinlaku, the tree had already shed its leaves. While other trees struggled against the storm, the flame tree stood prepared. Weeks later, as other trees across the island continued recovering, it had returned in full bloom.
“There is wisdom in that tree,” Basa said. “Sometimes growth requires letting go. Sometimes strength comes from preparation.”
He encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt and grow stronger.
“Like that flame tree, may you continue to stand strong, adapt when necessary and bloom even after life’s storms have passed.”
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.
