By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
MARIANAS High School’s Class of 2026 is the largest graduating class in school history, closing a four-year journey shaped by pandemic recovery, fiscal uncertainty and the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
A total of 392 seniors received their diplomas during the school’s 15th commencement ceremony on June 2 with the theme, “Making Waves and Leaving Legacies.”
For many graduates, the ceremony marked the end of a high school experience unlike any before it.
They entered Marianas High School as the islands emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, watched student life gradually return to normal, experienced the Public School System’s fiscal crisis and austerity measures, and completed their final semester while communities across the Commonwealth recovered from Sinlaku.
Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas told graduates that their class had persevered through extraordinary circumstances.
The Class of 2026, he said, rebuilt school life after the pandemic, navigated economic uncertainty and austerity, and still reached graduation despite one of the strongest typhoons to impact the Northern Marianas in recent years.
Barcinas noted that many members of the graduating class are already preparing for their next chapter. According to information shared by Principal Melanie Sablan Rdiall, about 20 percent plan to attend four-year universities, approximately 40 percent will continue their education through community college, about 25 percent will enter the workforce, while others are pursuing military service or are still finalizing their plans.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulated the graduates and thanked families, teachers, school leaders, government agencies, community partners and private-sector supporters who helped make the ceremony possible.
Speaking as a fellow MHS alumnus, Camacho reminded graduates that he once sat in the same seats they occupied Tuesday.
“I wasn’t in the top ten and I wasn’t a high achiever at the time,” Camacho said. “But I prayed for my future, and opportunities came knocking. I took charge of my own destiny.”
Camacho encouraged graduates to embrace the opportunities ahead and remain confident in the values and experiences gained during their years as Dolphins.
“There is hope out there because you are Dolphins,” he said. “You are ready to take on the world that awaits you.”
He urged graduates to become leaders and problem-solvers in their communities while remaining connected to their islands.
“Be part of the solution,” Camacho said. “Help us design a wonderful future for those generations coming after us.”
Principal Rdiall challenged graduates to view graduation not as an ending but as the beginning of a larger journey.
“A wave begins with something small — a single drop, a single movement,” she said. “In the same way, every great achievement starts with one decision, the decision to try, to believe, and to keep going even when the journey gets difficult.”
She reminded students that success is measured not by titles but by the impact they have on others.
“What matters most is not how big your titles become, but how deeply your actions impact the people around you,” Rdiall said.
Valedictorian
Trixia Jhoanne Singca was named valedictorian of the Marianas High School Class of 2026. Singca is also the recipient of the Board of Education Award. This award is presented to the graduate with the highest academic achievement.
The award was presented by Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio, Vice Chairman Anthony D.L.C. Barcinas, BOE members Andrew L. Orsini and Aschumar Kodep Ogumuro-Uludong, and Student Rep. Jude Burgos.
Also joining them on stage were Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho, MHS Principal Rdiall and Vice Principal Romolo Orsini, and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds.
In her commencement address, Singca reflected on the people who helped shape her high school journey, including teachers, counselors, friends and family. She also recognized classmates who overcame personal hardships, grief, mental health challenges and the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
“There are so many things that happen to people that aren’t shown or given an award for, and yet they’re still here,” she said. “And that is the biggest accomplishment ever.”
Salutatorian
Salutatorian Farjana Sabrina Islam encouraged fellow graduates to focus less on titles and comparisons and more on the character they developed during their four years at Marianas High School.
“At the end of the day, what matters is who you became as a person,” the salutatorian said.
The salutatorian thanked family members, teachers, counselors and friends for helping navigate the challenges and successes of high school.
The Commissioner’s Award, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement and leadership, was presented by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho to Islam. Dr. Camacho was joined by members of the PSS leadership team in presenting the award.
Top 10
The Top 10 graduates of the Marianas High School Class of 2026 were:
Trixia Jhoanne Regodon Singca (Valedictorian)
Farjana Sabrina Islam (Salutatorian)
Zong Yao Huang
Rhoana Caylee Atrero Macalinao
Raina Park
Yliana Angel Martinez Poguiz
Earljean Jonathan Sacramento Pantaleon
Joshua Kang Eun Kim
Alfred Ritz Borja Sabanal
Lauren Ye Won Bae
Special awards
Marianas High School also recognized students for academic excellence, leadership, service and achievement across multiple disciplines during the commencement ceremony.
• Governor’s Award: Tyler John Benavente Sasamoto
• Lt. Governor’s Award: Daniel Vhon Stephen Floresca Dela Cruz
• Mayor’s Award: Farjana Sabrina Islam
• Outstanding Female Graduate: Trixia Jhoanne Regodon Singca
• Principal’s Award: Monique Lou’ise Pangelinan Mendiola
• Dolphin Award: Silvestre Franklin Kaipat Ilo
• Outstanding Male Athlete: Paul Anthony Malabanan Lizama
• Outstanding Female Athlete: Alana Pangelinan Hayes
Academic and department awards
English Language Arts
Trixia Jhoanne Regodon Singca
Farjana Sabrina Islam
Mathematics
Earljean Jonathan Sacramento Pantaleon
Brianna Mae Santos Paraiso
Science
Rhoana Caylee Atrero Macalinao
Earljean Jonathan Sacramento Pantaleon
Social Studies
Julliana Phoebe De Jesus Perez
Trixia Jhoanne Regodon Singca
Physical Education
Stanley George Choway
Noah Sangmin Lee
Career Technical Education
Kate Nicole Arconado Cabalbag
Jazz Rocklin Alvarado Mallari
Language Other Than English
Tyler John Benavente Sasamoto
Julliana Phoebe De Jesus Perez
Psychology
Lauren Ye Won Bae
Daverish Manglona Algueza
JROTC
Ji Houn Lee
Reolie Belle Padayao Oval
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.
