Cabrera, 17, is this year’s valedictorian, receiving the prestigious Board of Education Award while Benjamin, 17, was named salutatorian and the recipient of the Commissioner’s Award.
School principal Alfred Ada, along with Public School System and Board of Education representatives conferred the diplomas to 81 seniors.
Cabrera is the eldest daughter of Betty Ann and John “JJ” Cabrera. She is also the recipient of nine other special awards including the Community Service Award, the Joeten Scholarship, and for excellence in English, math, science, social studies, Japanese, business and fine arts.
Her mother, Betty Ann P. Cabrera, said their family is proud of her daughter’s achievements and will always support her in her future endeavors. Also present to congratulate their granddaughters were former Rep. Herman T. Palacios and Eugenia D. Dela Cruz.
This year’s Commissioner awardee was Nadia Rae DLG. Benjamin, who also received the Governor’s Award, the Women’s Affairs Award and awards for excellence in English, math, science, social studies, Latin and physical education.
The 17-year-old is the daughter of Elaine and Nicholas Benjamin.
In her message, she told her fellow graduates: “The day we have been waiting for, praying for, maybe even sometimes begging for, since freshman year is finally here. Today is the day that our pep rally performances and our last-minute study sessions, in school come to an end. Today is our graduation day. This is our day.”
Benjamin said they are now officially members of the real world.
“It may be a day of sadness for those who aren’t ready to leave high school. For most, it’s a day of overwhelming joy — one that we’ve been looking forward to for several years. Some of us will travel off for college. Some will join the military. Some will stay on our island. Whatever future holds for you, I wish you all the best of luck,” she said.
She offered her awards to her parents and the two other important people in her lives — Nohno Car and Grandma Bodig, who were not physically present during Tuesday’s event.
Kagman’s top seven students were Cabrera, Benjamin, Rosemarie Epiti, Margarita A. Aldan, Athena D. Ogumoro, Carson Y. Shiro, Caroline P. Izawa.
The honorable mentions were Catherine H. Hiney and Alexandra Silva.
Other awardees included Athena D. Ogumoro who received the Principal’s Award, and Ali Nawaz who was named the Parents–Teachers-Students Association awardee.
School principal Alfred Ada said it has been a great pleasure to serve the students of Kagman High.
“I commend you all for all your achievements,” he said. “Your high school years are ending but your new adult life begins. Whatever you plan to do in life, stay on course with your goals and dreams until the finish line. Enjoy what you do, find your passion, and laugh a lot. Doing that defines success.”
