(PSS) — Da’ok Academy celebrated the graduation of its 24 high school seniors with a community ceremony that highlighted their growth and accomplishments.
The Class of 2025 graduation ceremony was held on Thursday, May 29 in the Koblerville cafeteria.
The “Shark” graduates are Renato Abubo Jr., Angelica Aquino, Aliesha Borja, Iyannah Cabrera, Michael G. Camacho Jr., PJ Chipuelong, Princess Debengek, Lourese Faisao, Melmalena Hofschneider, Jorunicia Igisair, Jefferson Isaac, Raymond Kaipat, Hope C. Maratita, Javan Mnuna, Isaiah Ogumoro, Sammuel Pangelinan, Melvin Rai, Clancy Ramangmou, Jonovan Rosario-Hernandez, Masaky Sallem, Naysin Solomon Jr., Daniel Taisakan, Jeran Tudela, and Dreyvan Villagomez.
The Outstanding Female Graduate Award was presented to Princess Hana B. Debengek, who is also the recipient of the Governor’s Leadership Award. Debengek placed second in the 2025 Valentin N. Sengebau Poetry Competition of the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.
The Mayor’s Award went to Renato L. Abubo Jr., who placed second in the 2025 PSS-wide Chamorro Carolinian Language and Heritage Studies Language and Cultural Performing Arts Competition.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award was presented to Melmalena Leona P. Hofschneider, who placed second in the Chamorro Contemporary Dance Category of the PSS-wide CCLHS Language and Cultural Performing Arts Competition this year.
The Da’ok Academy Trailblazer Award or the Da’ok Counselor Award was given to Javan Jesus C. Muna for “being the first to do something — one that blazes a trail to guide others.”
Another Da’ok Counselor Award, the Resilience Award, was given to Hope Hevannah Cabrera Maratita, who was recognized for her “resilience…and…ability to successfully adapt to stressors, maintaining psychological well-being in the face of adversity,” and “bouncing back” from difficult experiences.
The Overall Shark Student Award was given to Clancy Joel C. Ramangmou for “exemplifying an outstanding spirit, exceptional character, and dedication to school.”
The recipient of the Da’ok Academy Principal’s Award was Hope Hevannah Cabrera Maratita. She achieved the top grade point average on her transcript, actively served as student council president, and held memberships in the Youth Advisory Panel and MY WAVE club. She also serves as a student voice and youth leader in the PTSA.
Collective work and support
Principal Christine Tudela described the students’ graduation as “leveling up in proficiency excellence,” an achievement made possible through the collective effort and support of Da’ok Academy’s leadership, teachers, and staff, as well as the school district leadership.
“Thank you for always seeing the potential of our school district and our students and believing in our students,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to “the Da’ok Academy educators and staff who continue to give their full will and might to guide our Sharks as they take a leap of faith towards fulfilling their highest potential to meet their graduation requirements and become productive members of our society.”
Tudela said the collective effort of the Da’ok Academy team, the Board of Education, the Public School System and the community as a whole led to the students’ success.
“A special salute to all of you graduates, parents, guardians, Da’ok staff, and to all our supporters!” she added. “Your love and care throughout the year made it all possible. It is an honor to be a part of your educational accomplishment today.”
She described the graduates as hardworking and driven, overcoming numerous challenges to reach this milestone.
“Never give up and love yourself gracefully to create a happy life! Imagine a brighter life for yourself and do what makes you happy,” she told the graduates.
Next chapter
For his part, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro Uludong reaffirmed the BOE’s support for public education.
“I (and my colleagues) are really proud to be here to support you…and to congratulate you on your accomplishment,” he told the graduates.
He said as they prepare to embark on their next chapter in life, “we wish you the best…and we will be here to provide the space for you to continue becoming productive citizens in our island community.”
He noted that one of the graduating students represented the CNMI at the Island Sustainability Conference held on Guam.
“It was fulfilling to see our students — and one of your student leaders — make the CNMI proud in their presentations. Their work reflects the bright future that lies ahead for our islands,” the BOE chairman said.
A sense of community
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, in his remarks, praised the vital role of the community in the success of Da’ok Academy.
“We are proud of our Da’ok Academy community — our parents, family members, friends, and industry partners,” he said.
“It takes a higher community to really develop a formation of individuals such as yourselves, myself, and everyone here,” he added.
Camacho said the graduates should reflect on the support system that helped them reach this milestone.
He encouraged them to take a moment after the ceremony to express their gratitude by sending photo messages to those who have supported them throughout their academic journey.
“When I was signing your diplomas,” he added, “I was so proud that you are who you are today.”
The graduation ceremony for Da’ok Academy’s Class of 2025 was held on May 29 in the Koblerville Elementary School cafeteria. Twenty-four high school seniors received their diplomas and will either pursue higher education, join the military, or explore career opportunities.
The Overall Shark Student Award was presented to Clancy Joel C. Ramangmou by Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela.
The Governor’s Leadership Award recipient is Hana B. Debengek.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award was presented to Melmalena Leona P. Hofschneider.
The Mayor’s Award went to Renato L. Abubo Jr.
Princess Hana B. Debengek is the Outstanding Female Graduate awardee.
The recipient of the Da’ok Academy Principal’s Award is Hope Hevannah Cabrera Maratita.
The Da’ok Academy Trailblazer Award or the Da’ok Counselor Award was presented to Javan Jesus C. Muna.
BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumor-Uludong, right, with Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, left, and Da’ok Academy Principal Christine M. Tudela.
The members of Da’ok Academy’s Class of 2025 perform their tribute song to honor their school, their parents, and the community.
