The highest honor, the Board of Education Award, was given to Kenlyn Pearl Palmes Butters.
Butters also received three other awards for her exemplary achievements in mathematics, physical education and language arts. She’s one of the CNMI students who have been awarded a Robert C. Byrd Scholarship grant.
The second highest honor, the Commissioner’s Award, was given to Terrence John Babauta Duenas, another Robert C. Byrd scholar and a recipient of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarship grant.
He was also awarded for his excellent academic performance in language arts, mathematics, science and foreign language.
The rest of the top 10 students were Loremel Aguelo Hocog, Querlaince Brittney DLG. Blas, Daisy Lynn Tudela Demapan, Naomi Therese DLG. Benjamin, Ryan Francis DLG. Ada, Bonny Lynn Aguon Cruz, Ashley Renea Camacho Fujihir and Yvette Marie DLG. Bennett.
The Governor’s Award was given to Naomi Therese DLG. Benjamin.
Jessica Riva Babauta was the recipient of the Principal’s Award, while Peter Ocampo Delos Reyes received the Milestone Award.
KagHS vice principal for discipline Eric Magofna was the Parent Teacher Student Association awardee.
KagHS Principal Alfred B. Ada congratulated the students and said: “If you are not sure how to survive adulthood, Kagman High School has given you all the tools through the pillars of character. Applying these to your everyday life will take you far.”
He added, “Wherever you go…always carry with you the advice that character counts. Be respectful at all times to people. Be responsible for all your actions — good or bad. Honesty will set you free. Be caring to others and yourself. The world needs more people with caring attitudes. Be a good citizen. Do good for your community. Be trustworthy.”
Butters and Duenas also delivered their messages to their fellow students.
In an interview, Butters said “the people in government should present themselves as good models. We are the future and they should show us how to be good leaders.”
Duenas said the government should further improve the status of the youth.
The ceremony started with the procession of teachers and the graduates followed by the KagHS Color Guard.
The mistress of ceremonies Rosalyn A. Ajoste, a senior language arts instructor, introduced Tanya Dela Cruz, Thomas Rabauliman and Nicolas Palacios who then led the singing of the national and CNMI anthems.
The ceremony was witnessed by Board of Education Chairwoman Lucy Blanco-Maratita, BOE member Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero, BOE Vice Chairman Herman T. Guerrero, BOE student representative Francine Babauta, the governor’s special assistant for administration Ester Fleming, and Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela.
The keynote address was delivered by former Assistant Attorneys General Jeffery and Rebecca Warfield.
Senior student Albertha-Lynn Lisafilmal Tarope delivered a tribute to their teachers, while Juan Aschingip Taisakan Iguel paid tribute to the parents.
Tanya Macachor Dela Cruz gave her senior class president’s speech.
