THIRTY-ONE high school seniors of Da’ok Academy graduated on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
Education officials described the Class of 2023 as a resilient group whose “passion and curiosity will make them ready to explore after-high school opportunities.”
School Principal Christine Tudela said, “Together we faced the odds through many challenges and changes…but your determination created and built hope and gratitude that gave you the grace to stay focused.”
This year’s Governor’s Leadership Award recipient is Ryan Anfernee A. Quitano.
The Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award was presented to Lenelle Rylie D. Bansil while the Mayor’s awardee is Nathan J. Bauleong, for most service hours and volunteerism.
The Outstanding Female Graduate Award was presented to Anita S. Perez.
The Against All Odds Award was presented by the Office of the U.S. Congressional Delegate to MJ David.
Academic achievements
All members of the Class of 2023 received several medals for various academic awards:
Anita S. Perez, Outstanding Female Graduate Award and Youth Leader Award; Canfrancia Fitial, Resilience Award and Most Improved Achieve Lexile for English Language Arts or ELA; Chad K. Escaner, Shark Voice Award and Most Improved Achieve Lexile for ELA; Chelsea Mae S. Lorenzo, Youth Pride Award; Devin Luke R. Aldan, Achieve 3000 Highest Score for February, CNMI Public School System-wide, Most Improved in ELA, and Most Improved Achieve Lexile; Dominic S. Peter, Trailblazer Award; Ginalynn P. George, Shark Core Award; Hamina Akter, Shark Voice Award and Principal’s Award; Ignacio D. Palacios, Achieve 3000 Highest Score for January CNMI PSS-wide, Biology Academic Excellence, Math Improvement Award, and Most Improved Achieve Lexile; Joaquin Angel A. Deleon Guerrero, Shark Core Award; Jose Kaipat, Shark Voice Award; Lenelle Rylie D. Bansil, “A” Honor Roll in Language Arts, Future Journalist and Youth Leader Award; Markole J. Taneza, Achieve 3000 Highest Score for April CNMI PSS-wide, Aspiring Historian in NMI History, Overall Excellence in Social, Emotional Learning or SEL, Most Improved in Physical Education, Most Improved in Chemistry and Resilience Award; MJ David, Achieve 3000 Highest Score for May CNMI PSS-wide, Overall Excellence in SEL, Athlete Award, and Shark Voice Award; Nathan J. Bauleong, “A” Honor Roll in Language Arts, Helping Hand Award, Math Mentor Award and Youth Leader Award; Nicole E. Bauleong, “A” Honor Roll in Language Arts, Chemistry Academic Excellence, Future Scientists/Researcher, and Math Improvement Award; Peter John A. Aldan, Youth Leader Award; Rosa O. Salle, Achieve 3000 Highest Score for March CNMI PSS-wide; Math Improvement Award and Shark Core Award; Ryan Anfernee A. Quitano, Youth Leader Award; Serafin Rily T. Amirez, Most Improved in U.S. Government; Simkap Lighitisar R. Wabol, Most Improved in U.S. History and Future Rapper; Taisei Jesus N. Desebel Jr., Best in Career Technical Education, Math Excellence Achievement, Most Improved in ELA, Physical Education Academic Excellence, Youth Leader Award, and Most Improved Achieve Lexile; Trevon C. Lieto, Shark Voice Award; Tristan Patrick O. Manglona, Achievement Vocabulary Acquisition and Knowledge, Academic Excellence Award in U.S. Government, Shark Core Award, and Shark Award; and Xavier Jacob S. Sumor, Shark Voice Award.
Career pathways
This is also the first time that Da’ok Academy implemented career pathways or career courses in partnership with institutions such as the Northern Marianas Technical Institute. Students signed up for the following courses so that they will be career-ready after high school graduation: construction labor, maritime and entrepreneurship.
Four graduates are pursuing construction-laborer careers after completing NMTech’s Construction Program. They are Xavier Sumor, Nicole Bauleong, Taisei Desebel and Trevon Lieto.
Five graduates are ready to be deployed as merchant marine crew and are certified by the Western Pacific Mariners Academy. They are Anita Perez, Tristan Manglona, Simkap Wabol, Canfrancia Fitial, and Landon Delos Reyes.
“Being a mariner is a calling. They knew it. They were drawn by the call of the sea,” said Capt. Michael Bacher of the Western Pacific Mariners Academy.
Daok Principal Tudela and PSS Career, Technical and Education Program Director Dr. Jessica B. Taylor said the graduates who completed the entrepreneurship program are Devin Aldan and Serafin Amirez.
Transformation
Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja described the academic success of the Da’ok Academy graduates as a “transformation.”
“We are inspirated by your journey and excited for your bright future,” he said. “This marks a significant milestone of your remarkable journey. Like Sharks [the academy’s mascot], you’ve navigated through turbulent waters with courage and resilience, demonstrating that your past does not define your future.”
Borja added, “You have transformed challenges into stepping stones, a testament to your strength and the tenacity of the Shark spirit.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada told the graduates that they are “ready to make your own imprint.”
Noting the “amazing stories of success” of the graduates as they now pursue higher education, a vocation, join the military or the workforce, he said “it reaffirms my believe that our future is in very good hands.”
“We look forward to seeing where your adventures will take you, and how each of you will make a difference. From the bottom of my heart, well done Class of 2023!” Ada said.
School Principal Tudela, for her part, said: “As the future of our Marianas, continue to represent and share your cultural heritage, reach your highest potential goals, honor and practice respect, and continue learning each day and participating in any community-service, learning opportunities, even if you have to create that opportunity for yourself and others.”
The 31 graduates of Da’ok Academy’s Class of 2023 display their certificates, trophies and medals following their commencement ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023 at the Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
The members of the Class of 2023 of Da’ok Academy are introduced to the public.
The Governor’s Leadership Award was presented to Ryan Anfernee A. Quitano. Also in photo are Quitano’s mother, Northern Marianas Technical Institute Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao, Governor’s Special Assistant for Administration Oscar Babauta, Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela, Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, Member Maisie B. Tenorio, Member Andrew Orsini and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
The Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award was presented to Lenelle Rylie D. Bansil by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang’s Chief of Staff Henry S. Hofschneider. Also in photo are Bansil’s family, Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela, Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, Member Maisie B. Tenorio, Member Andrew Orsini and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
The Against All Odds Award was presented to MJ David by U.S. Congressional Delegate’s Office District Director Paula Bermudes-Castro. Also in photo are David’s family, Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela, Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, Member Maisie B. Tenorio, Member Andrew Orsini and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
The Outstanding Female Graduate awardee is Anita S. Perez.
The Mayor’s Award was presented to Nathan J. Bauleong.
The Da’ok Academy graduates who also completed the PSS Career Technical and Education Program’s Entrepreneurship Program are Devin Aldan and Serafin Amirez. Also in photo: PSS CTE Director Dr. Jessica Taylor, Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela, Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, Member Maisie B. Tenorio, Member Andrew Orsini and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
Anita Perez, Tristan Manglona, Simkap Wabol, Canfrancia Fitial, and Landon Delos Reyes completed the merchant marine program in partnership with the Western Pacific Mariners Academy. Joining them in the photo are Captain Michael Bacher of the Western Pacific Mariners Academy, PSS CTE Director Dr. Jessica Taylor, Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela, Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, Member Maisie B. Tenorio, Member Andrew Orsini and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
The Da’ok Academy’s Trailblazer Award was presented to Dominic S. Peter.
The Da’ok Academy’s Resilience awardees are Canfrancia Fitial and Markole J. Taneza.
Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela delivers her remarks.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada praised the graduates for their “resilience and for beating the odds.”
