(PSS) — In a notable achievement for the CNMI Public School System, 58 students have earned recognition as Advanced Placement Scholars, reflecting a 53% increase in honors during the 2024–2025 school year. These students demonstrated exceptional aptitude by excelling in a series of rigorous AP exams, which offer high school students the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework.
This marks the largest increase in AP Scholar status among public school students to date.
The AP program not only equips students with skills needed for higher education but also opens doors to potential college credit at institutions across the United States and beyond. Many colleges and universities outside the Commonwealth offer college credit or advanced placement for students who perform well on AP exams.
The College Board recognized students’ achievements at various levels of distinction based on their exam performance.
AP Scholar with Distinction
Awarded to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams:
Justin Afable (SSHS)
Jedric Aniciete (MHS)
Chloe O. Camacho (SSHS)
Si Jin Cheng (MHS)
Tao Jin (SSHS)
Minseok Kim (MHS)
Eunice Molina (MHS)
Jia Ross B. Nicdao (MHS)
Koey Pan (MHS)
Earljean Jonathan S. Pantaleon (MHS)
Trixia Jhoanne R. Singca (MHS)
Gwanpil Son (MHS)
AP Scholar with Honor
Awarded to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams:
Nelson Isaac E. Acaba (MHS)
Seungwoo Choi (MHS)
Jasper X. Hall (MHS)
Zhalick L. Hane (MHS)
Mary Grace Kym V. Legaspi (MHS)
Diego Luis C. Metran (MHS)
Leia J. Pangelinan (SSHS)
Julia L. Taitano (MHS)
AP Scholar
Awarded to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams:
Franz D. Abadilla (SSHS)
Aron G. Ares (MHS)
Zeke A. Ayeras (SSHS)
David Z. Cai (MHS)
Grace P. Carreon (MHS)
YuLing Chai (SSHS)
Yu Xin Chen (MHS)
Jhaylin J. Cruz (MHS)
Clyve Jairus De Guzman (MHS)
Mathea D. Deocares (MHS)
Donehvyn N. Fejeran (MHS)
Princess Melaine M. Galapon (MHS)
Aaron D. Gamboa (MHS)
Lola G. Guerrero (MHS)
Zhendrix G. Jandoc (MHS)
Muhammad Arif H. Khan (SSHS)
Mokwon Kim (MHS)
Hannah Lim (MHS)
Boying Lin (MHS)
Sunny Y. Ma (MHS)
Rhoana Caylee A. Macalinao (MHS)
Liam Macatangay (MHS)
Audrein M. Mallari (MHS)
Angel Grace B. Mano (MHS)
Gabriel A. Narciso (MHS)
Bradley Zaike F. Ordona (MHS)
Raina Park (MHS)
Mai Peters (SSHS)
Ylliana Angel M. Poquiz (MHS)
Aubrey June S. Tabenas (SSHS)
Simon D. Tang (SSHS)
Ariel Jr. P. Villanueva (MHS)
Irene H. Wang (MHS)
Awen Zhang (SSHS)
Jenny Zhang (MHS)
Hyde Zhen (MHS)
Kelly Zheng (MHS)
Fiona Zhu (MHS)
AP International Diploma
Awarded to students who display exceptional achievement across a variety of disciplines:
Sunny Y. Ma (MHS)
Julia L. Taitano (MHS)
AP Capstone Diploma
Awarded to students who score a 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research exams, and a 3 or higher on four other AP exams:
Justin Afable (SSHS)
Tao Jin (SSHS)
Simon D. Tang (SSHS)
Awen Zhang (SSHS)
AP Seminar and Research Certificate
Awarded to students who score a 3 or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research exams:
Chloe O. Camacho (SSHS)
Leia J. Pangelinan (SSHS)
Aubrey June S. Tabenas (SSHS)
Broad range of subjects
The AP program is funded through the federal Consolidated Grant’s College, Career, Life Readiness Project, which covers exam fees for students and supports professional development for Pre-AP and AP teachers. The Consolidated Grant is managed by the PSS Federal Programs Office. While it is a standalone federal initiative for public high schools, the PSS’s Office of Instructional Technology and Distance Education also partners with the program.
In May, 454 CNMI public high school students took 710 AP exams across a broad range of subjects, including biology, calculus, chemistry, Chinese language and culture, computer science, computer principles, English language and composition, English literature and composition, human geography, Japanese language and culture, microeconomics, physics, physics: mechanics, psychology, research, seminar, statistics, U.S. government and politics, and world history.
Proud
Marianas High School Principal Melanie Rdiall said she is proud of her students’ accomplishments.
“We stand proud in recognizing and celebrating an outstanding group of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement on their recent AP exams. Your success is not just a reflection of intelligence, but also of commitment, discipline, and the courage to tackle rigorous, college-level coursework while still in high school. Congratulations, Dolphins! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to challenge yourselves and lead by example. Keep striving, keep growing, and know that we are with you every step of the way.”
Saipan Southern High School Principal Dr. Lynn Mendiola credited her students’ feat to hard work and dedication.
“I am filled with admiration as we honor and celebrate our students who have earned this recognition through their hard work and dedication to learning. A heartfelt thank you goes to our AP and Pre-AP teachers and coordinators, whose ongoing commitment and guidance have made these achievements possible. This is a testament to our efforts to strive for academic excellence in our schools and our district as a whole.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulated the students, their schools, and their parents, calling the partnership between families and schools key to raising academic standards.
“On behalf of the CNMI PSS, I extend my warmest congratulations to all of our students who excelled on their AP exams. Your dedication and perseverance have set a high standard for academic achievement. We are incredibly proud of each of you, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make as you pursue your education and future endeavors.”
