By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
ACADEMIC achievement, leadership, athletic excellence, and perseverance took center stage on June 4 as 192 eighth-grade students of Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School celebrated their promotion to high school, marking the completion of a journey shaped by academic success, personal growth, and recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Held under the theme “New Beginnings, Next Chapter,” the ceremony recognized students whose accomplishments extended beyond the classroom, including top scholars, campus leaders, athletes, and recipients of distinguished academic awards as they prepare to enter high school.
The ceremony was held at the school’s main stage, against the backdrop of damaged buildings and aging facilities caused by previous typhoons and Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho led Public School System officials in congratulating the promoted students and their families. Camacho described the promotees as “champions who are ready to move to the next level.”
Joining the ceremony were Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio, Vice Chairman Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas, Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, and Student Representative Jude Burgos.
Academic excellence recognized
Leading the Class of 2026 was Dounnie Valmarie Rankin Santos, who received the Board of Education Award and was named Hopwood Middle School’s valedictorian.
The Commissioner of Education Award and salutatorian honors were presented to Marq Reinier Bustamante Hernandez, while Alexander Joseph Manaloto Salundaguit received the Principal’s Leadership Award for his contributions to the school community.
The three students headlined Hopwood’s Distinguished Awards program, which recognizes outstanding achievement in academics and leadership.
Athletes of the Year
Hopwood also recognized excellence beyond the classroom.
Joshua Jay C. Lizama was named Male Athlete of the Year, while Aubyguel A. Castro earned Female Athlete of the Year honors.
School officials said the awards reflect dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment both in competition and in the classroom.
Excellence across subject areas
Students were also recognized for outstanding achievement in individual academic disciplines.
The recipients were:
Zian Andrie Sinday and Alexander Joseph Salundaguit — English Language Arts
Rom Don Jacob Bautista and Dounnie Valmarie Santos — Mathematics
Rom Don Jacob Bautista and Maria Venice Enriquez — Science
Rom Don Jacob Bautista and Dounnie Valmarie Santos — Social Studies
Christaleine Xyryll Bernardo and Alexander Joseph Salundaguit — Chamorro-Carolinian Language Heritage Studies
Angel Venece Calayag and Marq Reinier Hernandez — Physical Education
Zian Lavarias and Alexander Joseph Salundaguit — Middle School Leadership Corps
Yumi Viel Francia and Alexander Joseph Salundaguit — Career Technical Education–Exploring Agriculture
Yumi Viel Francia and Maria Venice Enriquez — Career Technical Education–Computer Literacy and Entrepreneurship
The ceremony also recognized students who completed the IC3 Spark Digital Literacy Certification, highlighting the school’s continued emphasis on technology and digital readiness.
Commitment in the classroom
Seventeen students were recognized for maintaining perfect attendance throughout the school year.
Those who completed the school year without missing a single day of classes are: Rom Don Jacob Bautista, Amlesh David Jha Jr., Sheg Li, Britney Mano, Maimuna Motaleb, Prince Jhyann Rapanut, Tianci Sun, Adam Sureta, Sujin Bill Wang, We Xiu Zhang, Ryler Apritado, Andrew Borolongan, Marq Reinier Hernandez, Prince Ivan Losa, Roan Ace Sales, Thea Brianna Mhae Ytac, and Alisa Zhu.
Every experience shaped the journey
In his message to the promotees, Principal Victorino N. Borja reminded students that promotion marks both an achievement and a beginning.
Borja encouraged students to celebrate their accomplishments while preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead in high school.
Reflecting on the theme, he noted that the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku became part of the students’ story, with every success, setback, and lesson contributing to their growth.
He urged students to move forward with confidence, gratitude, and a commitment to continued learning.
Next chapter
Commissioner Camacho congratulated the promotees and again described them as champions as they prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
“You are champions,” Camacho told the students.
Before the ceremony, he spoke with several students about what the day meant to them. One student, Maria, said she was excited to celebrate her hard work and share the moment with her family.
Camacho said her response reflected the pride and excitement felt across the Class of 2026.
Reflecting on the campus, he pointed to trees surrounding the school that have shown signs of regrowth following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
“The trees are growing back because the ground is fertile,” Camacho said. “The same is true for our students.”
He said students continue to thrive because they are supported by teachers, administrators, staff, and families.
“Just as the trees are blossoming again, our students are blossoming too,” he said. “They are growing because they are planted in fertile ground.”
Camacho encouraged students to take pride in their accomplishments and carry forward the lessons they learned as they begin high school.
“As you move on to the next chapter, remember what brought you here — your hard work, perseverance, and the people who believed in you,” he said.
Resilience defined the class
Vice Principal Karen A. Manuel said the theme “New Beginnings, Next Chapter” carried special meaning for a class whose final semester was disrupted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
She said the storm brought uncertainty and hardship, but also revealed the resilience of students and the strength of the school community during recovery efforts.
Manuel encouraged students to remain bold, resilient, and compassionate as they enter high school, noting that the challenges they faced had prepared them for the future.
‘Families stand proudly behind you’
PTSA President Melisha Barcinas San Nicolas congratulated the Class of 2026 and encouraged students to embrace new opportunities as they move on to high school.
She also recognized the support of families and friends throughout the students’ academic journey and recovery from recent challenges.
“As we celebrate your hard work, resilience, and growth, know that your family and friends stand with you and are so proud of you,” she said.
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.
