The 80 promoted Chacha Oceanview Middle School students perform a song for their families, friends and community members during the culmination of their promotion ceremony Wednesday at Saipan World Resort.
Valedictorian and Board of Education Academic Award recipient Gregorio Joseph Magofna Rodriguez, center, with BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja, right, and BOE Member Maisie B. Tenorio.
Salutatorian and Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award recipient Mary Devine Esteves Amog, center, with Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, right, and Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna.
McKelly Mariana Ada Reyes, right, is the recipient of the Principal’s Award. With her is Interim Chacha Principal Carla Sablan.
Ten subject awards were presented to four students: Salutatorian Mary Divine Esteves Amog — English Language Arts and Science; Valedictorian Gregorio Joseph Magofna Rodriguez — Math and Leadership Corps; Tina Marie Dela Cruz Kaneshi — Social Studies, Physical Education, Business Math and Woodshop; and McKelly Mariana Ada Reyes — Chamorro-Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies.
EIGHTY Chacha Oceanview Middle School students were promoted to high school in a ceremony Wednesday at Saipan World Resort.
Interim Principal Carla Sablan described the promoted eighth grade students as an academically competitive group. Most of them are members of the Youth Advisory Panel, the National Junior Honor Society and the Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies group.
Many of them are also athletes and multiple gold medal winners of this year’s University of Guam CHamoru language competition.
When the new school year starts on August 22, the promoted students will attend Kagman High School.
The class valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award is Gregorio Joseph Magofna Rodriguez. BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja and BOE Member Maisie B. Tenorio presented the award.
Mary Devine Esteves Amog is the salutatorian and recipient of the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award. Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada and Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna presented the award.
The Leadership Award went to Anastacia Remarii Minor while Santiago Lucas Seman received the Lancheru Spirit Award.
McKelly Mariana Ada Reyes is this year’s Principal’s awardee.
Subject awards
The presentation of ten subject awards was another highlight of the promotion ceremony.
The subject awards for English Language Arts and Science were presented to Salutatorian Mary Divine Esteves Amog.
The subject awards for Math and Leadership Corps went to Valedictorian Gregorio Joseph Magofna Rodriguez.
The Social Studies, Physical Education, Business Math and Woodshop subject awards went to Tina Marie Dela Cruz Kaneshi.
The subject award for Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies was presented to McKelly Mariana Ada Reyes.
‘Like basketball’
The class valedictorian, in his address, compared his middle school journey to playing basketball.
“Basketball is more than a sport. Basketball taught me self-discipline, teamwork and perseverance. I have had my fair share of trials and tribulation during my journey through middle school. From navigating through the new halls of a new school to navigating through myself as I continuously evolve as a student and individual. ‘Stress-free’ has become a foreign friend,” Rodriguez said. “We are all undergoing change — physically and mentally; and just like in basketball, we are all just trying to improve our position.”
He acknowledged his teachers —the “remarkable individuals” who helped him pave the way and guided him in his middle school success.
In honoring his teachers, Rodriguez said he was reminded of his mother. “My mother herself was an educator for over a decade, and I grew up witnessing her hard work, late nights and early mornings…. Teachers help mold tomorrow’s leaders and for that we are eternally grateful.”
He also thanked his sisters — Nana and Leilei — for their unconditional willingness to help him.
Of his parents’ sacrifices, Rodriguez said he is most thankful. “Through their sweat I am fortunate to have the luxury of prioritizing my education with no worry.”
A step closer
Class Salutatorian Mary Devine Esteves Amog, in her remarks, said their promotion is a step closer to the realization of their journey to succeed in life.
“To most of us, this day…the beginning of a chapter in the journey of our educational lives, because we have to admit, our sixth, seventh and eighth grade journeys have not been easy,” Amog said. “We’ve weathered many storms along with the challenges [of] online [learning] in order to gain an education.”
She added, “We came back on campus slowly, but it was like starting a new school year over and over again.”
Amog thanked Raven Fitial for composing their Class of 2023 promotion theme: “The greatest rewards come after the hardest battle.”
“Let your everyday battles continue to challenge you, and let them take you somewhere. Your battles should be…a starting point for further achievements, because your reward or rewards in the future will create new opportunities [as you] continue growing and learning, which you will carry out for the rest of your lives,” Amog said.
She dedicated her award to her family. “Thank you for your continued support since I’ve started my education. I know that me being up here has made you proud, and I will continue to make you proud.”
“To my lolo and lola [grandpa and grandma] — you have been the foundation of our successes as a family. You have given your children…the wisdom…that they carried over to us, your grandchildren.”
Thank your families
Interim Principal Sablan asked the promoted students to appreciate all the help and support they received.
“I would like for you to acknowledge all those who have helped you along your journey. Give your parents, families, and teachers a big thank you and a round of applause,” said Sablan.
She encouraged her students to always stay true to themselves, be kind to others, work hard, work smart and never give up on their dreams.
