Stephanie Flores
SAIPAN-BORN Stephanie Tan Flores, 19, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in biochemistry from Illinois College in Jacksonville on May 12, 2024.
She is the daughter of Judith and Steven Nino Flores of Saipan.
Stephanie is a member of the Class of 2021 of Marianas High School. She was among the top six students out of a total of 335 seniors.
At Illinois College, Flores was also named a Rammerlkamp Scholar, an honor awarded to the student with the highest cumulative GPA.
According to Illinois College, to graduate summa cum laude, a student must have a cumulative grade point of 3.9 to 4.0 and a full-time attendance in at least four semesters.
“As a passionate and driven student-athlete, I took immense pride in excelling both in academics and athletics. Being named a Rammelkamp Scholar, an honor awarded for the highest cumulative GPA, stands as a testament to my unwavering dedication and thirst for knowledge,” Stephanie told Variety.
“Graduating summa cum laude and as an honors scholar solidified my commitment to academic excellence. I accomplished this feat a year early, earning my degree at the age of 19. These achievements were the culmination of countless hours of diligent work, sacrifices made by myself, my parents, and mentors, and an insatiable desire to push beyond my limits,” she added.
While in high school, she was a straight “A” student who took AP classes, and entered Illinois College on full academic scholarship.
She also played for the Lady Blues, Illinois College’s soccer team in the NCAA D3 Midwest Conference.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities provided to me and the support system that enabled me to soar,” Stephanie said. “This journey has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge and a drive to continue striving for greatness in all my endeavors. Through discipline, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I have honed a mindset that will serve me well in future endeavors. The experiences and lessons learned during this transformative period have shaped me into a well-rounded individual, prepared to tackle challenges head-on and contribute positively to society,” she added.
Ulysses Torres-Sabuco
