The Honor Guard and Color Guard in position during the flag ceremony.
The Stallion Battalion’s former special projects officer, Ryan Michael Nuera, right, and former Alpha Company commander, Saim Ali, are the valedictorian and salutatorian of Tinian High School’s Class of 2023.
The Class of 2023’s top 10 graduates.
TINIAN — On Saturday, May 22, 2023, the Stallion Battalion Honor Guard and Color Guard took part in this year’s Tinian High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 at Jones Beach with 41 students graduating and ready to begin a new chapter in their life.
During the ceremony, as the seniors walked across the stage, the honor guards stood with rifles, presenting arms as they passed along. Afterward, our color guard presented the colors, which was led by C/CPT Tano King, along with C/1LT Edgard Acollador, C/1LT Joseph Santos, and C/1LT Sophia Su.
The ceremony continued with the principal, Lizabeth Prezinski, and vice principal, Nikita Mendiola giving their heartwarming speeches to the graduating seniors. Following that this year’s valedictorian, the former special projects officer or SPO, Ryan Michael Nuera, gave his own speech as well as this year’s salutatorian, the former Alpha Company commander, Saim Ali.
Afterward, the ceremony continued as they gave awards to the class valedictorian, salutatorian, and the rest of the top 10 by the Board of Education and commissioner of education. In the end, the seniors got awarded their diplomas and turned their tassels, and finally graduated. Following the end of the ceremony, the Retirement of the Colors took place with the graduates then walking down the stage following behind. Graduates were congratulated by family and friends filled with emotions around them.
“During the graduation ceremony, I felt really excited but sad because most of the people that graduated I was friends with them,” said C/2LT Yeongchae Yoon. “I felt sad that I will be the next senior and I will be the one graduating next.”
“I was definitely feeling a mix of emotions being there at the ceremony. Seeing my friends receive awards and their diplomas filled me with pride for how far they have come,” said C/1LT Joseph Santos. “Still, it was an emotional moment to know that we likely wouldn’t see their faces at school or on the island anymore.”
“I felt sad and proud, it’s kind of sad seeing all of your friends slowly branch off and explore the world, but I am proud that they included me in their life and I know they will accomplish great things,” C/CPL Adriel Lenteja said.
We then asked a few of the honor guards and color guard how it was being honor guard/color guard for this year’s graduation.
“I felt proud to be part of the honor guard because I was able to not only be part of the program but also being able to witness the graduates walk to their seats,” said C/2LT Abbygaile Ong.
“Being an honor guard was a really fun experience. Lots of practice was done for us to be extra pristine and sharp,” said C/CPL Justice Aldan. “For me personally it was an honor to be a part of the graduation. Definitely something I can see myself doing again!”
We also asked graduating cadets what they will remember most from JROTC and what advice they have for current cadets.
“One thing I truly learned from JROTC is to never give up no matter the challenge. Throughout the program I have dealt with multiple challenges that have challenged my mindset and my willingness to keep going,” said former SPO Ryan Nuera. “However, I taught myself to believe in myself and my peers and to keep pushing though. The most important lesson was to never give up and believe in yourself.”
“Something I’ll remember from JROTC is the camaraderie I had with the instructors and cadets. Because of them, I am where I am right now and I will forever cherish the memories I made while I was in JROTC,” said former Public Affairs Officer (S5) Ismail Hossain. “My only advice to the cadets is to not be afraid to try new things. JROTC is full of many opportunities and the only way you could seek your true potential is if you try them out.”
“I just want to say I’m beyond proud of our battalion and what it has become, continue to strive for greater things and always break old traditions and create new ones. I can’t stress enough this program has helped me improve as an individual, but to the incoming cadets I just want to encourage you all to try the program out. It’s not just learning basic military things and getting connected to the military, but it helps build you as an individual,” said former Battalion Commander Ciara Santos. “You develop your own leadership, gain more experience, develop interpersonal skills, learn things you need to guide you through life, and it’s just fun overall, you have something to do when there’s not a lot to do on this island. But yea just be open to try everything and anything because the more experiences will help you navigate where you wanna go and what you wanna do in life.”
To all graduates of the Class of 2023 and outgoing cadets, the Stallion Battalion congratulates and wishes you good luck in your new chapter in life and wishes you the very best.
