By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
A DOCTOR, teacher, soldier, entrepreneur or community leader may have been sitting in the crowd, but on graduation day the spotlight belonged to 120 Kagman High School seniors whose accomplishments reflected years of hard work, resilience and determination.
The Class of 2026 was led by valedictorian Vinnie Juan Quitugua Sablan, whose achievements across multiple academic disciplines highlighted a graduating class recognized for scholarship, leadership, athletics and service. In addition to earning the top academic honor, Sablan received the Board of Education Award, Governor’s Leadership Award, and subject awards in mathematics, science, social studies, Japanese, art and yearbook.
This year’s salutatorian was Cristino Manuel Dela Cruz Benavente, the recipient of the Commissioner’s Award. Benavente also earned recognition in science and computer studies, distinguishing himself as one of the school’s top academic performers while contributing to a class marked by excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Twenty-four of the graduating class received the President’s Gold Award for Educational Achievement, and thirty-nine received the President’s Silver Award for Educational Achievement.
Family members, educators, government officials and community supporters gathered to celebrate the graduates as they prepared to pursue higher education, military service and careers in the workforce at the American Memorial Park Amphitheater on June 2.
Principal Ben Jones and his KHS leadership team led the ceremony.
Among those attending were Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio, Vice Chair Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas, BOE member Aschumar Kodep Ogumuro- Uludong, Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, Student Representative Jude Burgos, Delegate Kimberlyn King Hinds, Gov. David M. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and other government and education officials.
BOE member Ogumoro-Uludong and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho shared messages centered on resilience, purpose, and moving forward after facing recent hardships like Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Stay the course
Principal Jones encouraged graduates to remain committed to their goals even when life takes unexpected turns, reminding them that challenges often test a person’s resolve and character.
Drawing from personal experience, he spoke to students who may have felt different, overlooked, or out of place at times, assuring them that they belong and have a community that supports them.
Jones also thanked parents, families, teachers, and staff for helping guide the Class of 2026, describing the Kagman High School community as a family that stood together throughout the students’ four-year journey.
Overcoming obstacles, building resilience
BOE member Ogumoro-Uludong reminded graduates that every obstacle they faced helped shape who they are today.
He reflected on the connections and inspiration shared throughout the school year, noting that each challenge served a purpose. Every step they took, he said, helped build the resilience that carried them to graduation day, while every choice helped shape their individual journey.
Foundation for the future
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho told graduates that the experiences, challenges and lessons they encountered have created a strong foundation for their future.
He reminded the Class of 2026 that the entire Marianas community is proud of their accomplishments and encouraged them to move forward with confidence as they begin writing the next chapter of their lives.
Top 10, special awards
The Class of 2026 also produced a distinguished group of academic achievers. Joining Sablan and Benavente in the Top 10 were: Tiana Lia Hamilton Aldan (3), Apollo Benjamen Sinfuego Sicad (4), Kianna Hope Taitano McFaddin (5), Erili Mae Masga Trinidad (6), Kiyoshi Rudy Camacho Takanobu (7), Isabella Teresa Laan Satur Yiftheg (8), Maximo Xavier San Nicolas Mangarero (9), and Jarrod Raychesko Chong Muna (10).
Monica Marie San Nicolas Mangarero received honorable mention recognition.
Several graduates were recognized for outstanding leadership, service and achievement.
Sablan received the Governor’s Leadership Award, while Amiah Grey Benavente earned the Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award. Paseva Kumiko Leisaramfuu Itibus Ngotel and Ulusmar Joaquin San Nicolas Ogumoro-Uludong received the Principal’s Award, while Joediana Mellaria Reyes Agulto and Spencer Eos Igitol Ngiraked received the Vice Principal’s Award.
Additional special recognitions included the Ayuyu Spirit Award presented to Rayne Acejo Indalecio, the OFEGRA Award presented to Hayden Julianne Babauta Norita, the PTSA Award presented to Jasmine Meleana Villagomez Deleon Guerrero, and the Mayor’s Award presented to Zackary Galrutun Dafrow.
In athletics, Ry’ahna Jordin Attao Quitano was named Female Athlete of the Year, while Nolan Manuel Tsuneo Sablan Ngewakl received Male Athlete of the Year honors.
Departmental awards highlighted excellence across multiple academic disciplines.
Sablan earned recognition in mathematics, science, social studies, Japanese, art and yearbook.
Benavente received recognition in science, computer studies and Chamorro.
Other departmental award recipients are:
– Aldan in English Language Arts and Chamorro, Benavente in science, computer studies and Chamorro
– McFaddin in computer studies, yearbook
– Apollo Bejamen Sinfuego Sicad in mathematics
– Tayshawn Jogn Forbes Benavente in social studies
– Benavente, McFaddin, and Nathaniel Edwin Arriola Marcil for computer
– Jasmine Deleon Guerrero, Rayne Indalecio, Sablan Wallace, Francis Tomokane, Jayden Torres and Konalee Tracy for physical education
– Nalicia Yang Reyes for art
– Amiah Benavente and Destiny Cabanayan for culinary art
– Tiana Aldan, Trishelle Basa, Destiny Cabanaya, Dorishalyn Dela Cruz, Kennte Kapileo, Maximo Mangarero, Kianna McFaddin, Nola Ngewakl, Paseva Ngotel, Ry’aeko Quitano, Rey’ahna Quitano, Kimora Quitugua, Chloe Sablan, and Erili Mae Masga Trinidad for Chamorro.
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.
