Green Meadow School celebrates promotion of 59 kindergarten, elementary and middle school students

(GMS) — On June 3, 2023, Green Meadow School, Chalan Kiya held a combined 20th Kindergarten, 13th Elementary and 5th Middle School promotion ceremony at the multi-purpose center in Susupe.

GMS Principal Mrs. Milagros M. Songcuan and Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Saturnino M. Songcuan headed the conferment of diplomas to a total of 59 students. Eighteen kinder-3 students, 19 kinder-5 students, 11 elementary students and 11 middle school students proudly moved their tassel to the right as they greeted the world as fresh promotees ready to move on to their next path in life.

The school’s maxim from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” resounded during the ceremony.

Department of Cultural and Community Affairs Secretary Mary Margaret “Maggie” Sablan gave an inspirational talk with a message for both students and parents. It is through our “educational journey” that we learn all our core values, she said. Her talk referenced Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” as she explained how children establish their lingering core values during that crucial time period.

The kindergarten students celebrated their brightest — Kinder-3 Gualo Rai Valedictorian Anaia Rose T. Reyes, Kinder-3 Chalan Kiya Valedictorian Miah Lynn A. Angcoy, Kinder-5 Salutatorian Gualo Rai Romeo Len P. De Vero, Kinder-5 Chalan Kiya Naa Kowah P. Lartey, Kinder-5 Gualo Rai Valedictorian Katrina Zoe B. Cortez and Kinder-5 Chalan Kiya Valedictorian Arianne Therese S. Buston.

Donna Flores, CNMI PSS director of special education, delivered an inspirational speech to the elementary and middle school graduates which centered on inclusion in the classroom and accepting and celebrating everyone regardless of their differences and special needs. She left the promotees with two meaningful takeaways: “Be kind” and that they, the students, “matter.” She said “when you find yourself in doubt…always remember that you matter and you are loved and cared for…. Your presence matters, your voice matters, and your happiness matters.”

Fifth Grade Salutatorian Miel Jewel L. Mabaquiao honored her parents, teachers, and specially mentioned each of her classmate as she stated, “this is the day when all our hard work, tears, and late nights of doing projects and homework pay off. I know you and I are extremely happy to see each [of us] with such honor and success.”

Eighth Grade Salutatorian Louise Elesha I. Manansala acknowledged her parents, teachers, classmates, and most importantly, God. “The Lord showed me that life was worth living and all I needed to do was believe. He lifted me when I was at my lowest and cheered me on when I was at my best. Today, I would not be here without Him, so with all my power, I would like to glorify Him,” she said.

Fifth Grade Valedictorian Jamie Andrea A. Palabay recognized GMS as her second home “where they witnessed me as I grew since I started Kindergarten at the age of 3 up to now in my elementary years,” she said. She paid tribute to all her teachers “who have made huge impact” on her life. “The years in Green Meadow School have led me here, in this moment,” she added.

Eighth Grade Valedictorian, Paula Angela E. Bernardo honored her previous teachers from K3 to 8th Grade, her parents Mr. Pablo and Mrs. Rose Bernardo, and lifted all her success to the Almighty God. She also recalled “all the competitions and last-minute submissions we would worry about, but I always remembered this Bible verse. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13.”

For more information about Green Meadow School, call (670) 235-2185, email info@greenmeadowschool.net or visit its our main campus in Chalan Kiya past Saipan Health Clinic.