Santos, 14, is the only son of Tina and Edward Santos.
He is the recipient of the highest academic achievement — the Board of Education Award — and five other special recognitions for excellence in language arts, science, math, civics, and economics and woodshop.
“I am very proud because I feel like I keep moving forward,” he told Variety yesterday.
He described junior high school as “very challenging.”
“I learned to manage my time wisely between study and play, being able to be resilient,” he said. “I also learned the virtue of being patient. I was determined.”
In his remarks during yesterday’s ceremony, Christopher Santos reminded his fellow students to keep in mind that there are more hurdles ahead of them.
Santos at the same time expressed gratitude to his mentors for imparting the knowledge students need to prepare for their future and for patiently dealing with unique personalities with never-ending questions.
He encourages his fellow graduates to continue to do an outstanding job as they “explore and enhance” their knowledge in high school and beyond.
Santos acknowledged his parents’ unconditional love, support and understanding. He said they taught him “the value of everyday life in the real world” while trusting and believing in him.
This year’s salutatorian — the recipient of the Commissioner of Education Award — was Allyssa E. Arangorin.
The 14-year-old student is the daughter of Norbe and Manolo Arangorin. She is also the recipient of a special award for excellence in the small business class.
“For me, it’s not hard to reach our dreams whether we are rich or poor,” she said. “It is in our hands — hard work, dedication and when we put God in the center of our lives.”
She expressed gratitude to her family for all their guidance and support.
“As we move to the next stages of our lives, I ask only one thing: Always remember our lancheru family,” she said. “It’s been an honor to be part of such an admirable class.” The school’s motto is “Unity in Striving for Excellence – Lancheru Style.” Lancheru is the Chamorro for “farmer.”
The top 10 students were Santos, Arangorin, Elloise Dana L. Lotoc, Ronnie Cherise C. Camacho, Patsylynn M. Jetley, Kevin E. Santiago, Erbert C. Santiago Jr., John S. Norita, Justin Ray S. Kumagai and Anjannete J. Narvaez.
Also receiving awards were April Jean Tumada for best in art and Raphael Zapanta for best in computer applications.
