JIA Li Chen and Juan Isaiah Jose Deleon Guerrero Ada are the top graduates of Saipan Southern High School’s Class of 2022.
They were among the 154 high school seniors who graduated at SSHS in a festive ceremony on May 19.
The Class of 2022 valedictorian, Jia Li Chen is also the recipient of the Governor’s Leadership Award which was presented by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and first lady Diann T. Torres; and the Board of Education Award which was presented by BOE Chairman Gregory Pat Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio and student representative to the BOE Jed Sta. Theresa.
Juan Isaiah Jose Deleon Guerrero Ada, the class salutatorian, received the Commissioner of Education Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
Fran’ko Antwan Pangelinan Deleon Guerrero received the Principal’s Award from SSHS Principal Vince Dela Cruz and Arisa Sakai Peters while Alyssa Jean Alegre received the Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award from Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
The rest of the top 10: Anna Pan (3), Diana Cao (4), Marie Ann Hembra (5), Marianne Kate Kapileo (6), Journey Te’i Mafnas (7), Alyssa Jean Alegre (7), Claire Eliesa Barrozo (9), and Pauline Shaine Viray (10).
‘We beat nature’
Valedictorian Jia Li Chen praised her fellow graduates for “beating nature.”
“I applaud all students that pull through with the constant change of schedule even though that means lunch will conflict with 2nd or 3rd period classes…[and] not having a full year of [face-to-face] instructions. But we are on stage today to prove to the world and ourselves that we persevered and developed that grit that is so strong that I can say ‘we beat nature’ and that we beat ourselves,” Chen said.
She said her parents are her “biggest inspirations and first loves.”
“Although they only finished middle school, they never fail to motivate me,” Chen said. “They taught me how to be independent…. There’s not one day that goes without hearing from them that education can make a difference in my household. To my parents: I have done this and reached the top because of you guys — thank you for being proud of me.”
Chen also expressed appreciation to her SSHS family. “Thank you for giving us a second home and providing education during the hardest times. And to every hardworking staff, teacher, and admin — thank you for ensuring that our school runs smoothly. I am glad to have spent my four years of high school here and not anywhere else. [SSHS] taught me what it is like to have a Manta spirit and how [to be] a leader.”
Laugh and love
Salutatorian Juan Isaiah Jose Deleon Guerrero Ada said his family has been his “great supporting pillars.”
“My late father, Raymond, and my brothers, Giovanni and Greg, as well as my family that I have overseas — thank you. And finally, saving the most important for last, I would like to thank my mother. Full legal name, Velma Yvette Aldan Deleon Guerrero-Ada. The greatest person I know and my inspiration. I made sure to use her full name in order to give a proper shout-out. Thank you, Mom. It has been a turbulent last four years but I am glad to say that the graduates that have gathered here today persevered through it all and completed a life goal.”
His advice to his peers: “Always laugh when you can; it’s the cheapest form of medicine. So please, laugh more and also love more. We need more love in the world. Especially in these trying times, we need all the love we can get.”
The Top 10 graduates of Saipan Southern High School’s Class of 2022. From right, Jia Li Chen (1), Juan Isaiah Jose Deleon Guerrero Ada (2), Anna Pan (3), Diana Cao (4), Marie Ann Hembra (5), Marianne Kate Kapileo (6), Journey Te’i Mafnas (7), Alyssa Jean Alegre (7), Claire Eliesa Barrozo (9), and Pauline Shaine Viray (10).
Valedictorian and Board of Education awardee Jia Li Chen, with her mother and father next to her, poses for a photo with BOE Chairman Gregory Pat Borja, Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio and student representative Jed Sta. Theresa.
Salutatorian Juan Isaiah Jose Deleon Guerrero Ada receives the Commissioner of Education Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada and Associate Commissioner Eric Magofna. Also in photo are the salutatorian’s mother and sibling.
SSHS Principal Vince Dela Cruz and Vice Principal Arisa Sakai Peters present the Principal’s Award to Fran’ko Antwan Pangelinan Deleon Guerrero.
Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres and first lady Diann Torres present the Governor’s Award to class valedictorian Jia Li Chen.
Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios presents the Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award to Alyssa Jean Alegre.
The Class of 2022’s Top 5, Marie Ann Hembra, poses for a photo with her parents Arsenio and Didith.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada delivers his congratulatory remarks.
CNMI and education officials join the SSHS community in celebrating its 154 graduates.
