PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSMIS) — Federated States of Micronesia President Leo A. Falcam attended the commencement ceremonies for Yap States Outer Islands High School, where he delivered the keynote address to the graduates.
Along with the president and his delegation, a number of dignitaries also attended the commencement ceremonies, among which included, Yap State Lt. Gov. Andrew Yatilman, Yap State Sen. Tony Tereg, Education Director Henry Falan, and Navy Capt. Dave Allen.
Falcam’s keynote address provided more than just sound advice to the 19-member graduating class, he shared with the graduates an intimate look into the formation of the Federated States of Micronesia.
In true island style form of education, Falcam shared a story about a group of leaders from all over Micronesia who came together almost 40 years ago to share their vision of real island nations that would chart their own course into the future.
Having been subjected to years of foreign rule, the leaders envisioned nations built on principles of independence and democracy, free from foreign control. Based on those principles, the leaders formed the Marshall Islands, Palau and a Constitutional Federation that today is known as the Federated States of Micronesia.
Falcam said through the leaders’ perseverance, the FSM became, “a fully sovereign, democratic federation with a 23-year track record of stability and unity.
“This is the homeland to which your founding father added an enduring political structure, and within which you can build a confident future,” he said.
Falcam went on to detail the efforts and perseverance of the founding fathers to ensure that the newly formed federation would be an independent, self-sustaining and sovereign nation. He continued on the establishment of the Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United States as a relationship based on “mutual respect and mutual interest.”
The graduates were advised to learn from the founding fathers’ whose courage and inspiration persevered over all uncertainties. The president added that, “just as no one could have reassured them of the future, no one here today, can warn you about what may lie ahead.”
Falcam said one of the challenges for the 2002 Graduating Class of OIHS is to “continue to move this nation toward economic self-sufficiency. Each new generation must face its own challenges, but you should take encouragement that your own forebears achieved so much.”
In the new age of communications and technology, Falcam said the graduates would “encourage incredible opportunities” that are beyond the forefathers’ dreams.
“The way now lies open to you.”
Following the Ulithi commencement, Falcam and his delegation went on to Woleai Atoll where he participated in a similar exercise for Woleai High School.
