“The sunset signifies the ending of a new period in our lives. You’ve been together as students at the crossroads of high school and the time has come to turn the page to another chapter. In the next chapter, you will keep old friends and make new ones but the memories and the friendship you made at Kagman High will forever remain in your hearts,” the faculty and staff said in their statement to the students.
One of the graduation day event chairs, Rosalyn Ajoste, said it was the first time they held the gathering on campus because “we feel a little bit better this year.”
The annual activity is a gesture of appreciation for the students, Ajoste said, adding that it was school principal Alfred Ada’s idea to have a “sunset barbeque” with the senior students.
“This is one way of celebrating our success,” Kimberly C. Camacho, a senior student, said. “It’s wonderful being together with friends and classmates.”
Camacho said their teachers have been their inspiration and have helped them become models citizen in the community. “I will pursue my education at [Northern Marianas College] and take up education.”
Angela Cabrera said “it’s a great opportunity to meet with other seniors for the last time before graduation day,” which is scheduled on June 9.
May 29 was the last school day of the senior class.
Student Council president Naomi Benjamin, a graduating student, had this message to the senior class: “Just stay the course, aim for better academic endeavors and study hard.”
Benjamin said she is hoping that the school will continue holding the activity every year.
Ada said next year, they might include the junior high school students.
School vice principal Eric M. Magofna said they will plan an even better activity for the next senior class.
“We like to show our appreciation to students who have been working very hard for the whole year,” he said.
Thomas Castro, a senior student, told his classmates “not to give up and strive hard to achieve the things that you want.”
Castro said he will be pursuing his college education in the U.S.
Terence Duenas said he will study at an off-island college because “there’s a lot of opportunities with my family there.”
“I enjoy this last moment of our class,” he added.
During the barbecue, the students were asked to express their thoughts about the school and their classmates.
