FORTY kindergarten students of Dandan Elementary School bid each other farewell as they prepare to enter first grade.
Ms. CNMI-International Christine Cunanan, an honor student of the University of San Francisco, was the inspirational speaker for the school’s kindergarten commencement exercise yesterday.
She narrated a story about a small cat with dreams.
“Although you are small now, when you look into the mirror, you can (already) see your worth. You’re a lion in the eyes of your parents and in the eyes of your school,” Cunanan said.
She told the kindergartens there are only three things they must remember—faith in God, respect for parents and a desire to finish their education.
“I have three things to tell you. Number one, there’s God up there who loves you. If you need help, just pray. Second, respect your parents. They love you and they are working for you. Third, finish your education. You have 16 years ahead of you,” Cunanan told the children.
Cunanan says she wants to be a lawyer. She was supposed to leave the CNMI this August for law school but her reign won’t be over until next year.
“I have to stay for a year because of the pageant. So, I’m leaving for law school in August next year,” she said.
The school also held a ceremony for the 6th graders who will be promoted to junior high school.
The three Torres brothers who went to law school at the same time were their main speakers.
The brothers told the graduates they must always remember to listen and obey their parents. They were also advised to have goals.
“You have to have something to work for,” they said.
Board of Education Chairman Herman Guerrero asked the parents to “take great interest” in their children and help them become productive citizens later.
“You need to be there for them,” Guerrero said.
He also advised the students to stand firm for what they believe is right.
“It’s going to be harder but you have to remember, everyone needs to believe that in each one of you is a great person. All the good qualities are in you,” Guerrero said.
Dandan Elementary School officials said the Class of 2002 is dedicating their ceremony to the victims of Sept. 11, 2001 and their families.
