Mikaela Diaz is the class valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Award.
The daughter of Frances and Francisco Diaz, the 18-year-old will pursue her college education at Oregon State University where she will major in mathematics.
“It felt good because I’ve been dreaming of this honor since my freshman year,” she told Variety. “It’s a great accomplishment for me because I made my family proud and happy.”
She said her sister Martina also graduated as a valedictorian, who inspired her to also achieve academic excellence.
In her message to her fellow students, Diaz said she’s longing for the “big day.”
“I guess the saying really is true. It’s not until we reach the end, when we remember the beginning. I remember my first year in high school. Every morning felt like a drag to get out of bed and go to school. And I remember longing for the day where I didn’t have to do any more homework or study for any more quizzes or do any more papers. I longed for the day of graduation. And now that that the day is finally here, I don’t want to let go,” she said.
“From the drama to the mamas, from the tears to the laughs, from the birth of a beautiful baby to the loss of a loved one. Through all of this, there were those who stood by me and supported me and encouraged me to do my very best,” she said, adding that the memories of her boyfriend guided her to rebuild her strength.
She added, “After six years of waiting, it’s finally happening. After this evening, we are no longer students and kids but rather responsible members of the community, at least if you want to be. I hope you become what you always dreamed of becoming and accomplish all the goals you set for yourself.”
Diaz is grateful to her parents for their unconditional love and support.
This year’s salutatorian was Frank Mendiola, the recipient of the Commissioner’s Award.
He is the son of Erlinda and Francisco B. Mendiola.
The 18-year-old student wants to join the Air Force, go to college and become a surgeon one day.
His sister, Nara Mendiola, said their family is proud of his brother’s achievements and will continue to support his future endeavors.
Tinian High School top 10 students this year were Diaz, Mendiola, student representative to the Board of Education Louvele Borja, Adrian Quijano, Francine Dosulua, Paula Evangelista, Genevieve Santos, Inas Aquiningoc, Tawnee Hofschneider and Peter Palacios.
