HOPWOOD Middle School promoted 212 eighth graders to high school on Tuesday, June 6.
School Principal Victorino Borja said this year’s promoted students overcame obstacles “through resiliency and determination and with the support of their family, friends, and the staff of Hopwood Middle School.”
The class valedictorian is John Peter Niniano Quidato who received the Board of Education Academic Award from Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, and Member Maisie B. Tenorio.
The class salutatorian is Adrian Mallari Lubao who received the Commissioner of Education Academic Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
School Principal Borja and Vice Principals Karen Manuel and Benjamin Seman announced the recipients of 18 subject awards, divided in two teams.
Quidato, the class valedictorian, received the awards in Science and Middle School Leadership Corps or under “Team F.”
Lubao, the class salutatorian, received the awards in Social Studies, Physical Education, and Career Technical and Education-Agriculture under “Team E.”
The other subject awardees of “Team E” are Nagi Maria T. Tenorio in Math, Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies or CCLHS, and Science; Roman Joseph Dionn A. Bautista in English Language Arts; Tasi Willy Reyes in Middle School Leadership Corps; and Fiona Lao Zhu, in Career Technical and Education-Computer Literacy
For “Team F,” the other subject award recipients are Kaye Anne O. Costales in Social Studies; Kelly Lina in Math; Rhian Courtney G. Alfonso in CCLHS; Aron Dale Blancia in ELA; Princess Elaine Capangpangan Lopez, in CTE-Computer Literacy and CTE-Agriculture.
Shocked
In his address, Quidato said he was “shocked” when he learned that he was the class valedictorian.
“Which also meant I had two days to write this speech, but I was able to finish it with the help of my family and our vice principals. This will be my first speech and last assignment,” Quidato said.
He congratulated his fellow promoted students for making it through “a pandemic, online classes, exams, and the Leadership Corps.”
“I am proud to be part of Class 2023,” he added. “We’ve represented Hopwood in many extracurricular activities or clubs. I’m proud of what our clubs have accomplished during our stay here in Hopwood.”
He also thanked his mother “for being a big part of my journey”; and his friends “for cheering me up and making me laugh every day [in] school.”
He likewise praised his Hopwood teachers “for being patient with us and preparing us for high school.”
Memories
Class salutatorian Lubao thanked Hopwood for all the support he received in middle school.
“This school and the experiences have made me the person I am today and I can only be grateful to have those memories, which I will hold forever,” Lubao said.
“It seems like we just started sixth grade yesterday and now we’re promoted to high school. I’ve learned so much over the years and I can only hope for the best for us in high school,” he added.
He thanked his family, teachers, and friends for “all the support.”
“See you all in high school!” he said.
Modular classrooms
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada announced during the promotion ceremony that they had already signed the contract for the construction of 20 modular classrooms, which will be ready for use when the new school year begins in August.
In Oct. 2018, Super Typhoon Yutu destroyed several of Hopwood’s buildings and classrooms.
“Our leaders are now doing their very best to ensure that we get our 20 temporary classrooms as soon as possible and eventually renovate our buildings to provide adequate facilities for our students and staff,” School Principal Borja said.
The full renovation of Hopwood will take place next year.
Unwavering spirit
BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja, in his remarks, said, like the Hilitai or the monitor lizard, which is Hopwood’s mascot, the students persevered because they showed strength. “You’ve completed your middle school journey by demonstrating fortitude, tenacity, and most notably, consistency. Consistency in your dedication to learning, in your friendships, and in the unwavering spirit with which you’ve tackled every challenge,” the BOE chairman said.
“The pride we feel in your accomplishments is profound, and our anticipation for your future is vast,” he added. “You now stand on the brink of a thrilling new chapter — high school.”
Commissioner Ada told the promotes that it was a great opportunity “to work with your teachers and principals in making sure teaching and learning happens” at Hopwood.
Despite the super typhoon and the pandemic, he added, “your hardworking school officials and classroom teachers ensure that learning continued to take place.”
Hopwood PTSA President Jerika Laniyo, in her closing remarks, said the promoted eighth graders “did a great job in succeeding and overcoming all challenges.”
“Four more years and you’ll be in college or something great that awaits you,” Laniyo added.
Class valedictorian John Peter Niniano Quidato is congratulated by Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, and Board Member Maisie B. Tenorio
Class salutatorian Adrian Mallari Lubao receives his award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada
Class valedictorian John Peter Niniano Quidato delivers his address.
Class salutatorian Adrian Mallari Lubao delivers his address.
The subject award recipients for Team E: Adrian Mallari Lubao for Social Studies, Physical Education and Career Technical and Education-Agriculture; Nagi Maria T. Tenorio for Math, Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies, and Science; Roman Joseph Dionn A. Bautista for English Language Arts; Tasi Willy Reyes for Middle School Leadership Corps; and Fiona Lao Zhu for Career Technical and Education-Computer Literacy. For Team F: John Peter Quidato for Science and Middle School Leadership Corps; Kaye Anne O. Costales for Social Studies; Kelly Lina for Math; Rhian Courtney G. Alfonso for Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies; Aron Dale Blancia for English Language Arts; Princess Elaine Capangpangan Lopez for Career Technical and Education-Computer Literacy and Agriculture.
The Male Athlete of the Year is John Peter Niniano Quidato who received his award from Public School System Athletics Director Nick Gross.
PSS Athletics Director Nick Gross presented the Female Athlete of the Year Award to Chlelsea Mae Duremdes Sonoda.
The Principal’s Leadership Award was presented to Andri James Hechanova Sonio by Hopwood Principal Victorino Borja and Vice Principals Karen Manuel and Benjamin Seman.
The Hopwood promotees perform their school song, “Here at Hopwood.”
The Hopwood promotes perform their class song, “I Lived” by OneRepublic.
The promoted Hopwood Middle School students are ready for high school.
The promoted students of Hopwood Middle School.
