Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan said each scholarship is a four-year scholarship at $1,500 per year or $6,000 total scholarship.
Sablan stated that the number of qualified applicants far exceeded the eight scholarships that the U.S. Department of Education has made available each year to the PSS this year.
Sablan commended the students for their excellent essays, for their excellent cumulative high school grade point averages which range from 3.9 to 4.0, the teachers for their fine recommendation letters and, most especially, the parents of each of the eight Robert C. Byrd scholars for all the quality time they have invested in helping their child achieve the academic success that a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship conveys.
The Robert C. Byrd Honors scholars are as follows:
• Keith Flores Sablan is the son of Joseph D. and Benita F. Sablan of Capital Hill. Keith is a senior at Grace Christian Academy. Keith has been accepted to Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii. He plans on majoring in bio-chemistry as part of an undergraduate program in pre-medical studies. After graduation from Hawaii Pacific University, Keith plans on attending medical school and studying to become a dermatologist. After graduating from medical school, Keith plans on returning to Saipan so that residents of the CNMI with skin conditions no longer have to be referred off-island because the CNMI lacks a dermatologist.
• Terrence Babauta Duenas is the son of Ronald M. Dulog and Ann Doris Babauta-Dulog of Kagman III. Terrence is a senior at Kagman High School. Terrence has been accepted to attend Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington. He plans on majoring in Engineering. Terrence plans on becoming an electrical engineer and becoming the second electrical engineer in the family following in the footsteps of his grandfather.
• Janina Maratita is the daughter of Janet U. Maratita of San Antonio. Janina is a senior attending Saipan Southern High School. Janina has been accepted to attend Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. She plans on majoring in English and pre-law criminology. After graduation from Chaminade University, Janinna plans on either attending law school or perhaps pursuing a career in either journalism or teaching. After that, she plans on returning to Saipan and pursuing her chosen career.
• Kenlyn PalmesButters is the daughter of Joseph and Feline Butters of Papago. Kenlyn is a senior at Kagman High School. Kenlyn plans on attending the University of Guam and plans on majoring in accounting and education. Kenlyn plans on returning to Saipan after she graduates from college and contributing to the CNMI.
• BonnyLynn A. Cruz is the daughter of Patricia Aguon-Cruz of Kagman II. Bonny is a senior at Kagman High School. Bonny has been accepted to attend Northern Marianas College and plans on majoring in health and education.
• Naomi DLG Benjamin is the daughter of Nicholas W. and Elaine DLG. Benjamin of As Matuis. Naomi is a senior at Kagman High School. Naomi has been accepted to attend Northern Marianas College and plans majoring in education. She plans on attending medical school after attaining her four year degree and becoming a physician. Naomi plans on serving the community as a teacher here in Saipan after she graduates from college.
• Loremel Aguelo Hocog is the son of Jesus and Genoveva Hocog of Kagman II. Loremel is a senior at Kagman High School. Loremel has been accepted to attend Northern Marianas College. Loremel plans on majoring in liberal arts with a major in drama and mathematics.
• Yvonne DLG. Bennett is the daughter of Ambrose and Lillian Bennett of Kagman III. Yvonne is a senior at Kagman High School. Yvonne has been accepted to attend the University of Guam. She plans on majoring in business and culinary arts. Her plans after college include returning to Saipan and opening a bakery.
