Class Valedictorian and Board of Education Academic Excellence Award recipient Ysharei Sanje, center, poses for a photo with her mother, Arlene Lizama, the Public School System’s budget and finance director, BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig and Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat. Borja. (More photos on pages 14-15)
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada presents the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award to the class salutatorian, Reese Kaeley Tolentino.
YSHAREI Sanje and Reese Tolentino are the top two eighth graders of Dandan Middle School who were promoted to high school on Monday, June 5.
They and the rest of the 138 newly promoted eighth-graders were commended by DMS Principal James Sablan for their resilience and ability to adapt to the environment like the Tottot or the Mariana fruit dove, the school mascot.
Sablan said the students survived super typhoons Soudelor and Yutu, the Covid-19 pandemic and school challenges such as peer pressure, projects, and assignment deadlines.
Because of this group of promoted students, Sablan added, “our future in the CNMI is promising.”
Board of Education Chairman Antonio L. Borja agreed, describing the promotees as “not only brilliant but resilient.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada said each of the promoted students will enter high school “ready to tackle new challenges, accomplish bigger milestones, and make many more memories.”
Awardees
Sanje, the class valedictorian, received the Board Education Academic Excellence Award from BOE Chairman Antonio L. Borja, BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Gregory Pat Borja, and BOE Member Maisie B. Tenorio.
Tolentino, the salutatorian, received the Commissioner of Education Academic Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Ada, who was with Senior Directors Jackie Quitugua, Dr. Rizalina Liwag, and Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero, Finance Director Arlene Lizama, Head Start Director Lathania Angui, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Director Lorraine Catienza, Media and Communications Coordinator Randee-Jo Barcinas-Manglona, and State Infrastructure and Technology Officer Jesse Tenorio.
Eight subject awards were presented during the promotion ceremony. These were awarded to the students who received the highest average grade in academics and character in a particular subject area. Students who received the English Language Arts and Mathematics subject awards must be on or above the grade level based on the STAR Assessment.
Class valedictorian Sanje received the subject awards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies, and Career and Technology.
The Physical Education Award was presented to Billie Pangelinan while the Leadership Corps Award went to Vinora Rabago.
Other awards
This year’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year are Christopher Cruz Jr. and Ayanna Stole.
The Leadership Award recipient is Angelina Camacho, who was honored for “exhibiting leadership qualities and has proven to lead the class in positive ways.” DMS’ grade-level teachers chose the award recipient.
Kian Gozun is the recipient of the Most Improved Award while the Tottot Award went to Jeremiah Roberto for “demonstrating tremendous effort, significant positive attitude and behavior in attendance and academics.”
Fly high
In her address, class valedictorian Sanje honored her fellow eighth graders for their hard work.
“As the class valedictorian, it is my greatest pleasure to stand before you to deliver this speech. Our constant nights of studying, last minute assignments, and mental breakdowns were all for this moment. We defied the gravity of stress and flew high like Tottots,” Sanje said.
“Our relationship grew stronger. We had to endure many obstacles and challenges whether it be personal or academic. However, we did not let it overpower us, we embraced them as an opportunity. Instead of avoiding all of the hardships we faced, we learned to live with them by uniting, embracing differences, and learning from each other…. These bonds made us more than just a school, but a family,” she added.
Sanje extended her deepest appreciation to her parents and other family members “for providing me with everything that I needed to become successful.”
She also thanked her DMS teachers for their encouragement “to try my best.”
As for her friends, Sanje said she wouldn’t be “standing here today without the support of all of you.”
“Whenever I look at this award, I will be reminded of the incredible journey we’ve been through together. Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far. Thank you DMS. Thank you for the memories.”
New chapter
Salutatorian Tolentino, in her address, said: “We are surrounded by people that have been with us throughout all these years in middle school. We are…setting a new milestone in our lives. A milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter.”
She said her “experience as a student has exceeded my expectations.” And despite the challenges, they all have overcome, she added.
“Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey,” Tolentino said, quoting author Roy T. Bennett.
She thanked her family and added that they are “worth more to me than anything.”
She likewise expressed her appreciation to friends and teachers for being there for her “unconditionally.”
“They have truly earned my undying gratitude,” she said.
Essential role
BOE Chairman Borja, in his remarks, recognized DMS’ parents, teachers and staff for their collective work and role in ensuring the success of every student.
He noted the students’ unending curiosity in learning and compassion toward others. This, he said, is because “of the parents, teachers, and staff that have played an essential role in nurturing the students in their educational journey and fostering their intellectual and emotional growth.”
Commissioner of Education Dr. Ada told the promoted students: “You have achieved a milestone in your life. I am proud of you and the resiliency you have shown throughout all the challenges and uncertainties.”
He added, “As you enter the next chapter of your life, my advice to you is to be flexible in your thinking, learn something new, and diversify your experiences. When you stop learning, you stop growing as a person. Treat every experience as a learning experience.”
Dandan Middle School subject award recipients Ysharei Sanje (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies, and Career and Technology), Billie Pangelinan (Physical Education) and Vinora Rabago (Leadership Corps) with their teachers.
Dandan Middle School Male Athlete of the Year Christopher Cruz, Jr, and Female Athlete of the Year Ayanna Stole with Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola, teachers and coaches.
Dandan Middle School Principal Leadership Award recipient Angelina Camacho with Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola.
Dandan Middle School’s Most Improved Award was presented to Kian Gozun by Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola.
The Tottot Award recipient is Jeremiah Roberto, center. Also in photo are his Dandan Middle School teachers.
Newly promoted Dandan Middle School student Alina Salas with parents Lorraine Catienza and Augusto Salas
Newly promoted Dandan Middle School student Jared Marion Ortiz smiles after receiving a certificate for Outstanding Academic Excellence.
Newly promoted Dandan Middle School student Lian Brien is congratulated by Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
Newly promoted Dandan Middle School student Colton John D. Guinto with proud parents Dorsha and Ed Guinto, DMS Principal James Sablan and Vice Principal Reo Arriola.
