TINIAN (PSS) — Tinian Middle School promoted 32 eighth graders to high school on Thursday, June 5 in a ceremony that brought together the Tinian and Aguiguan community.
The class valedictorian, Amina Fajamida Vera Hossain, received the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award from BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas and BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini, while the class salutatorian, Piper Rose Christian, received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho.
Joining the celebration were Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin Aldan, the members of the Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative Delegation and Municipal Council along with Rota Sen. Ronnie Calvo.
Unexpected
Class valedictorian Hossain was humbled to be recognized as the top student in her class.
“I honestly never expected that I would be the valedictorian [or] the salutatorian. It feels a little unreal, but I’m so proud to be here,” Hossain said.
She said middle school taught her more than just school subjects. “We learned how to overcome challenges, manage our time, and grow from our mistakes. It wasn’t always easy, but every experience, good or bad, helped shape who we are today.”
Hossain expressed her appreciation to her classmates for making middle school unforgettable and to their teachers and school staff for their patience and support.
To her parents, Hossain said, “The…things you both do make a huge impact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You believed in me even when I didn’t always believe in myself, and I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Best lessons
Class salutatorian Christian, in her address, said, “If someone had told me at the beginning of eighth grade that I would be the salutatorian of my class, I probably would have laughed, trying to figure out how that could even be possible.”
Now after two years of middle school, Christian said she looks forward spending four more years with her classmates, this time in high school.
“I hope to make the most of the time we have,” she said.
“Middle school was a journey where we started to find our footing. It was about learning about us. We figured out that it’s okay to try new things and to fail at new things. We discovered that the best lessons often come from the unexpected moments,” she added.
Commitment
In his remarks, Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas renewed the BOE’s commitment to ensure that all public school students in the CNMI have access to quality education.
“Education is constitutionally mandated. It is both your right, and it is a need,” Barcinas said.
Since its establishment 37 years ago, the BOE has worked diligently with the Public School System to promote student growth, excellence, and success.
“At the BOE, we advocate, we debate, and we all work together to give you access to better educational programs so none of you will be left behind,” Barcinas said.
He extended his gratitude to Tinian Middle School administrators for their dedication in supporting their students’ educational journey. He recognized Principal Liz Persinzking, Vice Principal Ed Hoschneider, and the teaching staff for ensuring the success of the students.
“They worked with you and with your parents to make sure that the previous years of your school life would lead to this very moment — your promotion today,” Barcinas told the students.
He praised parents and the community for their vital support in prioritizing education.
“Thank you for standing next to us throughout these years in making sure that education remains a priority — that it must always be students first, educators always.”
Next chapter
In his remarks, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho urged the promoted eighth graders to embrace the high school mindset.
He encouraged them to aim high and work diligently to achieve their goals, stressing the importance of starting strong in high school.
“To reach your dreams, you need to do well in high school,” he said. “You are the author of your own story. If you want to get into those schools that would help you reach your dreams of becoming successful after high school, you have to start now…. I challenge you to start visualizing yourself as high school students; you’re no longer middle school students,” Camacho said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of parents, families, and community members in fostering the success of the students. “Your prayers, blessings, and support have been essential in bringing the students to this important point,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the educators and administrators who have guided the students throughout their middle school years and prepared them for the challenges and growth of high school.
Camacho is optimistic about the promoted students’ future.
“One day, you will come back and share your story — the story you authored yourself,” he said.
Tinian Middle School class valedictorian Amina Fajamida Vera Hossain received the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award from BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas and BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini. Also in photo are Hossain’s family, Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Tinian Sen. Francsico Cruz, and Tinian Municipal Councilman Estevan P. Cabrera.
Class salutatorian and recipient of the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award Piper Rose Christian poses for a photo with her family, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other PSS officials.
Tinian Elementary School Principal Lou Connie Manglona poses with her promoted son, Galyug Untalan, and his father, Marcus.
The promoted eighth graders sing the national anthem.
Valedictorian Amina Fajamida Vera Hossain delivers her address.
Salutatorian Piper Rose Christian delivers her address.
BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas presents the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award to class valedictorian Amina Fajamida Vera Hossain while BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini, Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Tinian Sen. Francisco Cruz and Municipal Councilman Estevan P. Cabrera look on.
BOE Member Andrew L. Orsini congratulates class valedictorian Amina Fajamida Vera Hossain as BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas smiles.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulates salutatorian Piper Rose Christian as Special Assistant for Women’s Affairs Barbara Sablan looks on.
Tinian Middle School Vice Principal Edward Hofschneider delivers his remarks.
The Tinian Middle School cafeteria was the venue of the promotion ceremony.
BOE Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, left, delivers his remarks.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho delivers his remarks.
A promoted student is congratulated by Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna and Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan as Rota Sen. Ronnie Calvo applauds.
Parents and community members applaud the promoted students.
A Tinian Middle School promotee smiles at the conclusion of the ceremony.
A promoted student wears a money lei and holds money bouquets she received from her family.
Promoted students Austin Muna, left, and Cian Silvestre pose for a photo.
The promoted Tinian Middle School students exit the cafeteria at the conclusion of their promotion ceremony.