By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
MANY years ago, a student sat in a Public School System classroom much like those attended by the graduates of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School.
He progressed through the school system from elementary school to high school, pursued higher education, served his country, built a career, and eventually returned home to lead the very school system that helped shape him.
That student is now Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho.
Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas noted Camacho’s journey Friday evening as an example of what is possible for the RHI Class of 2026 as graduates gathered under the theme, “History in the Making.”
“I mention him not because this story is about him,” Barcinas told graduates. “I mention him because it is about what is possible.”
Barcinas said history is not made by people waiting for perfect conditions, but by those who continue moving forward even when circumstances are difficult.
Pointing to the ancient latte stones that continue to stand across Rota, he reminded graduates that the people who built them were not trying to make history.
They were building something meant to last.
“That is what you are about to do,” he said.
For Barcinas, the lesson was simple: where students begin does not determine where they will ultimately end up.
Whether their future leads to college, military service, public service, healthcare, business, skilled trades, or careers yet to be imagined, the opportunities before them remain wide open.
Those opportunities, he noted, are made possible every day by the educators who have invested in generations of Rota students.
Among them was Principal Annette A. Calvo, who for more than two decades has helped guide Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School, the island’s only public secondary school.
Together with teachers, support staff, and school employees, Calvo has helped prepare generations of Rota students for life beyond the classroom.
Friday night’s graduates joined a long line of Rota students who began their journey in the island’s public schools.
Leading the Class of 2026 was valedictorian Lovelee Zhene Baladad Jingco, recipient of the Board of Education Award and Governor’s Leadership Award. She received the awards from BOE Vice Chairman Anthony Dela Cruz Barcinas and BOE Secretary-Treasurer Antonio L. Borja.
Salutatorian Carlos Antonio Atalig Calvo, recipient of the Commissioner of Education Award, encouraged classmates to move forward with confidence and purpose. He received the award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and members of the PSS management team.
Top 10 graduates recognized
Joining Jingco and Calvo among the school’s Top 10 graduates were:
• Rianna Isa Tuazon Barcinas
• Bernice Chloe Abaca Feolino
• Eianne Miel Mangalindan Ladao
• Jelina Renee Aldis Calvo
• Danica Lovidad Malaborbor
• Edward Ulloa Maratita III
• John Henry Villamar Tacud
• Glenn Michael Camacho Valdezco
Rianna Isa Tuazon Barcinas also received the Principal’s Leadership Award.
Academic excellence recognized
Graduates were also recognized for achievement across a range of academic disciplines.
Carlos Antonio Atalig Calvo and Lovelee Zhene Baladad Jingco received honors in English, while Jingco also earned awards in Social Studies, Science, Physical Education/Health, Electives, and World Language.
Rianna Isa Tuazon Barcinas was recognized in Electives, while Aden Chonne H. Calvo, Jelina Renee Aldis Calvo, and Eianne Miel Mangalindan Ladao also received Electives honors.
Danica Lovidad Malaborbor earned recognition in World Language and Electives.
In addition to graduating as valedictorian, Jingco received the Governor’s Leadership Award and the Mayor’s Award.
Salutatorian Carlos Antonio Atalig Calvo received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award.
Rianna Isa Tuazon Barcinas received the Principal’s Leadership Award and the Governor’s Outstanding Female Graduate Award.
The 20th Rota Municipal Council Perseverance Award was presented to Marco Edward Barcinas Hocog.
Class of 2026
This year’s graduates:
Jayvin Lee L. Arriola, Je’air Rai C. Arriola, Rosario Jyne B. Atalig, Tyron John E. Atalig, Zander C. Atalig, Zayden C. Atalig, Rianna Isa T. Barcinas, Aden Chonne H. Calvo, Jelina Renee A. Calvo, Carlos Antonio A. Calvo, Bernice Chloe A. Feolino, Dante D.L.C. Fernandez II, Elmer Glenn P. Guiang Jr., Lorenzo Zyler C. Hocog, Marco Edward B. Hocog, Juriz Eliezar M. Javier, Lovelee Zhene B. Jingco, Eianne Miel M. Ladao, Danica L. Malaborbor, Diah A’ina Q. Maratita, Edward U. Maratita III, Aiden Masga, Eileen Isabel C. Pinaula, Ha’ane Isabella R. Salas, Ariannee Jade San Nicolas, Takara Drea M. Santos, John Henry V. Tacud, Ngiraibai Bernard Takawo, and Glenn Michael C. Valdezco.
A proud school, a proud community
Principal Annette A. Calvo, speaking on behalf of the school and the people of Rota, described the graduates as a source of pride for the entire island.
For more than two decades, Calvo has helped guide generations of Rota students through Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School, the island’s only public secondary school.
She praised the Class of 2026 for their perseverance, thanked families for their support, and recognized the teachers and staff whose commitment helped students reach graduation day.
Looking out at the graduating class, Calvo said the evening belonged not only to the students, but also to the families, educators, and community members who helped them succeed.
Rota needs you
For Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, the theme “History in the Making” reflected a graduating class that has already helped write new chapters for Rota and the Commonwealth.
Addressing graduates, families, educators, and community members gathered for the ceremony, Camacho encouraged students to take pride in who they are, where they come from, and what they have accomplished.
“The beautiful thing about Rota is you: our people, our families, this community, and our children,” Camacho said.
He encouraged graduates to pursue opportunities wherever they may lead — through college, military service, technical training, public service, or the workforce — but reminded them that Rota will continue to need their talents, skills, and leadership.
Camacho urged graduates to explore the world beyond the island, gain new experiences, and build successful careers, while also remembering the community that helped raise them.
One day, he said, Rota will need teachers, nurses, business owners, public servants, military veterans, and community leaders willing to bring their knowledge home.
“Be the proudest sons and daughters of Rota,” Camacho told the graduates.
He said the island’s future will ultimately be shaped by the young people seated before him and expressed confidence that the Class of 2026 will continue the tradition of Rota students making history both at home and beyond its shores.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
