Kagman High School’s 172 senior students made this challenge to themselves during their graduation ceremony yesterday.
School valedictorian Dion Shante Diaz and salutatorian Bofan David Zheng Cabrera stood together to deliver their unified speech.
They told fellow graduates to take pride in their accomplishments — their sports teams, including the first rugby team on Saipan, their JROTC’s gold star, the most Byrd scholarship recipients for two years in a row, and the numerous poetry jams.
In his brief remarks, KagHS principal Alfred B. Ada urged the students to continue setting and achieving their goals.
“Each of you can achieve everything you are passionate about. You need to know what you really want to do. Many of you do and some don’t. If you do, go for it,” Ada said.
Businessman Jose Ayuyu gave the keynote address with an urgent appeal to the Class of 2010.
He encouraged graduates to come back to help build a better commonwealth once they finish their college studies.
He said hard work will certainly address the economic crisis now facing the islands.
“Just remember, the CNMI is your home,” he added.
The Class of 2010’s theme was “Soaring with the Winds of Change.”
Diaz received the highest honor, the Board of Education Award, while Cabrera received the Commissioner’s Award, the second highest honor.
In an interview, Diaz said she will study civil engineering.
“The CNMI needs engineers,” she added.
Cabrera said he will take up liberal arts and later pursue computer science at Northern Marianas College.
The Governor’s Award was given to Richard Ogumoro; the Principal’s Award, Jessel Mesa; the PTSA Award, Juavalyn San Nicolas; and the Milestone Award, Robert Crisostomo Jr.
This year’s top 10 students were Diaz, Cabrera, Miki Nadia M. Dela Cruz, Sakurako Mado Halstead, Frances Lara Cam Lleva, Luella Lynn Orlando, Joseph Kumagai Jr., Remylynn Chugra Mafnas, Mindy Luka Lyze Castro and Elsiana Kaelik Taitano.
Senior class president Kavanni Max T. Cabrera delivered an appreciation message to parents, teachers and his fellow graduates.
The invocation was offered by Jessel Mesa, the Student Council president, while Miki Dela Cruz led the singing of the national and CNMI anthems.
School vice Ppincipal Eric M. Magofna led the turning of the tassel ceremony and delivered the closing remarks.
Teachers Jay Sanchez and Leila Staffler were the master and mistress of ceremonies.
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