Mariana Fan, valedictorian, received this year’s Board of Education Award while Joann Bandales, salutatorian, received the Commissioner of Education Award.
“You’ve proven that you’ve made it this far and can achieve something higher,” Bandales encouraged her fellow hilitai. “There will be many doors of opportunities as we leave.”
The top 10 students were Janet Estrellado, Mary Fem Urena, Jeffrey Centino, Ann Jeline Manabat, Malaina Kileleman, Jennella Nelmida, Daril Hermogenes, Angelyn Labadan, Joann Bandales, and Mariana Fan.
John D. Babauta and Corina Suda were recognized as male and female athletes of the year.
Angeline Orsini was presented with the Principal’s Leadership Award. Orsini was this year’s president of Hopwood’s Student Council, Youth Advisory Panel, and My Wave Club.
In a brief acceptance speech, she stressed that “we can’t all be rich, successful, and famous but we can all be loved…. Smile to someone and at that one moment you have the ability to make them feel special and loved.”
Principal Jonas M. Barcinas opened up the ceremony with his welcoming remarks.
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan and Board of Education Chairwoman Marylou S. Ada presented congratulatory addresses.
The keynote speakers of the ceremony were Bobby James Cruz and Rei Joyce Averion, both HJHS alumni and now teachers in the Public School System.
The PTSA Distinguished Service Award was presented to Manzural Alam, PTSA president.
Also recognized yesterday were the recipients of gold and silver Presidential Excellence Awards.
