The teacher is visiting his relatives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and his long-distance message was one of the highlights of yesterday’s graduation ceremony which saw 186 students completing high school.
Algaier’s message based on this year’s theme “If you Can Dream It, You can Become It,” was shown on three monitors in the school gym.
The 20-minute message amused the graduates, the school administrators, teachers, guests, parents and visitors.
Awards were given to the most deserving students for their exemplary academic achievements.
Lyza Marillet Lacsina, 18, the class valedictorian, received the Board of Education Award, while Charlene Oliverio, 18, the class salutatorian, received the Commissioner’s Award.
Board of Education Chairwoman Lucia Blanco-Maratita and Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan presented the awards.
In her speech, Lacsina said the knowledge she acquired helped her become a better person.
“It wasn’t only academics that I learned here in high school but it also taught me how to be responsible and to develop as a person,” she said.
In an interview before the ceremony, Lacsina said she plans to join the U.S. Air Force.
Oliverio, for her part, said she was thankful for the support of her parents and teachers.
She said she will pursue her education at Northern Marianas College.
The recipient of the Governor’s Leadership Award, presented by Esther Fleming of the governor’s office was Leilani Cepeda.
Ariel Itibus received the Principal’s Leadership Award from MHS principal Karen L. Borja.
The MHS Alumni Award was given to Jason Quiblat, the senior class president, while Emelaine Rose Fejeran was the recipient of the Mayor’s Community Service Award.
MHS Alumni president Frankie Eliptico presented the award to Quiblat, while the mayor’s spokesman Tony Benavente handed the mayor’s award.
The top ten students of the Class of 2009 were Lyza Marillet Lacsina, Charlene Oliverio, Shannon P. Hofschneider, Jayce Emmalin Jurado, Jessy Cherish Jastillana, Joel Tudela, Jhumil Esposo, Mae Angelie Ito, Ron Ron Catap, and Eli Ebenezer Wong.
Student Council President Leilani Cepeda delivered her own.
The tribute to teachers and parents was given by Kalani Reyes and Venetia Deleon Guerrero.
Jason Quiblat, who delivered the class president’s address, said “the prize for hard work did not only come in the form of bragging rights but also in the good memories we shared and the pride of being the Class of 2009.”
In her message, Borja told the graduates to create new dreams that will define them.
“Live your lives with integrity, live your lives with a sense of purpose, and most importantly, live your lives with a spirit of generosity,” she said.
