ROTA’S Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior-Senior High School promoted 45 eighth graders to high school during its 13th annual promotion ceremony on Wednesday, June 5.
The class salutatorian is Sayema A. Sidur, who was presented with the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award by acting BOE Chair Maisie B. Tenorio and BOE member Andrew L. Orsini.
The class salutatorian is Jashly G. Vilaspir, who received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other Public School System officials: Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, Special Education State Director Donna M. Flores, Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, Finance Director Arlene Lizama, Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero, Head Start Director Lathania Angui, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Director Lorraine Catienza, high school principal representative Vince Dela Cruz, Senior Directors Jackie Quitugua, Yvonne Pangelinan and Rizalina Liwag.
Principal Annette Calvo presented the Principal Leadership Award to Nitu Ali. Calvo, the school’s former long-time vice principal, was named its administrator early this year.
Other awards
The subject merit awardees are: valedictorian Sidur for merit in English, mathematics, social studies, Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies, computer studies and leadership corps; class salutatorian Vilaspir received the merit award for English, leadership corps, and career and fine arts; Nitu Ali for English, Science, Chamorro, and leadership corps; Haani Joy Barcinas for Chamorro and Physical Education; Sophia Barcinas for computer studies; Raiahli Barcinas for computer studies; Iha Farah Muna Hocog for computer studies; J’ana Edat Ogo Hocog for computer studies; Hannah Isabel Reyes Salas for computer studies; and Hailey Sage Chuman Manglona for physical education.
3 reasons
In his remarks, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho told the promoted students that there are three reasons to applaud and celebrate their success: “1) your parents and the community who helped shape you; 2) you are surrounded with your family of educators under the direction of Principal Annette Calvo; and 3) your Board of Education members who came here to celebrate your promotion with your Rota leaders.”
Camacho also congratulated the class advisers of the promoted eighth grade class: Deseriee Pendergrass, Brandee Mendiola and Therese Manalang.
Journey
Class valedictorian Sidur, in her address, said: “I never imagined I’d find myself in the position of a top student, especially considering the challenges I faced when I first moved from Bangladesh. As a child, it was hard to learn English. Adjusting to a new language and culture was overwhelming. School instructions often felt like a puzzle that I could not solve, leaving me feeling insecure and uncertain about my abilities.”
“However,” she added, “with the unwavering support of my teachers, support from home, and of my friends, I began to navigate through these difficulties. Their patience and encouragement helped me gain confidence and slowly but surely, I started to understand more. Through countless hours of studying, being dedicated and working hard, I improved my English and excelled academically.”
Sidur said the “journey from struggling to understand basic instructions to standing here as the valedictorian has been incredible. It’s proof of what perseverance can do and how much supportive relationships matter. I’m really grateful for the guidance and encouragement I’ve received along the way — this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without it. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family for their constant support and belief in me. Your love, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the foundation of my success, and I am deeply thankful for everything you’ve done for me.”
New chapter
In her address, class salutatorian Vilaspir said her promotion “brings me so much pride and gratitude. It marks the end of an incredible chapter and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our lives. Thinking back to our first day in middle school. We were so nervous yet excited, stepping into a new chapter. Since then, we’ve faced many challenges, enjoyed memorable school events, and survived those awkward moments that have bonded us together.”
She honored her parents as the foundation of her success. “First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents and my family, especially my mom Johana and my dad Jayson. Thank you for always supporting me, encouraging me, being patient, and filling me up with so much love. You both are the foundation of my success. I couldn’t have done it without you, even when I was driving you crazy with last-minute project deadlines.”
She reminded her fellow promotees to remain humble, and praised her RHI teachers and staff for their passion and dedication. “You’ve pushed us to reach our potential and supported us every step of the way. We pray you continue to bear with us for the next four years of our high school lives.”
Class valedictorian Sayema A. Sidur delivers her address.
Class salutatorian Jashly G. Vilaspir delivers her address.
Valedictorian Sayema A. Sidur is joined by her family on stage to receive her Board of Education Academic Excellence Award from acting BOE Chair Maisie B. Tenorio and member Andrew L. Orsini.
Class salutatorian Jashly G. Vilaspir is joined by her parents as she receives the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other PSS officials.
Principal Annette Calvo, second right, presents the Principal Leadership Award to Nitu Ali. Calvo, the school’s long time vice principal, was named the school administrator early this year. Also in photo are RHI’s middle school teachers.
The subject merit awardees are: valedictorian Sidur for English, mathematics, social studies, Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies, computer studies, and leadership corps; class salutatorian Vilaspir for English, leadership corps, and career and fine arts; Nitu Ali for English, Science, Chamorro, and leadership corps; Haani Joy Barcinas for Chamorro and Physical Education; Sophia Barcinas for computer studies; Raiahli Barcinas for computer studies; Iha Farah Muna Hocog for computer studies; J’ana Edat Ogo Hocog for computer studies; Hannah Isabel Reyes Salas for computer studies; and Hailey Sage Chuman Manglona for physical education. The merit awards were presented by Principal Annette Calvo, left, and RHI’s middle school teachers.
