ROTA (PSS) — The island community came together on Tuesday to celebrate the graduation of 40 seniors from the Dr. Rita Hocog Inos High School Class of 2025.
The school’s 14th commencement exercises were held on campus in the late afternoon of May 27.
The graduates are Wynette Calvo Ogo, Denicia Lynn Agulto Lizama, Sayera Akter Sidur, Marcian Patrick Ogo Manglona, Peter John Manglona II, Flo’ree Eve Ogo Maratita, Briannalyn Marie Cruz, Venice Genelaso Myers, Fervelyn Illustrado Luis, Ellie Calvo Ogo, Kaypeonie Marie Mesngon Mendiola, Leana Lei Manglona Agbayani, Jayce Jo Antonio Charfauros, Mark Campos Charfauros Jr., Brady Clark Taitano Sablan, Arafat Sikder, Julius Rase Atalig, Mohammad Hossain, Annalyn Charfauros Mendiola, Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab, Perry James King Mesngon III, Matua Rai Lizama King, Josiah Daniel Hattori Atalig, Albert Tristan Hocog Calvo, Austin Drey Cabrera Ulloa, Norbert Hocog Mundo III, Dontae James Masga, Spearman, Ryan James Inos Manglona II, Malcolm Joe Doctolero Atalig, John Anthony Namia Tobongbanua, Elphrain Songao Taimanao Jr. III, Victor James Camacho Barcinas, Titus Hugh Taitano Hocog, Glenn Gabriel Camacho Valdezco, Devin Matagolai Mendiola, Oryn Jordan Inos Manglona, Jotham Cabrera Bato-on, Edward Jake Taisakan Kapileo, Mazed Mizan, and Taytum Von Calvo Jacob.
Top graduates
The valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award is Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab. She received her award from BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony L. Barcinas, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora Miura.
The class salutatorian is Sayera Akter Sidur, who received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, Senior Director for Accountability, Research, and Evaluation Jackie Quitugua, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Program Director Dr. Lorraine Catienza, and Head Start/Early Head Start Director Lathania Angui.
The Principal’s Leadership Award was presented to Wynette Calvo Ogo by Principal Annette A. Calvo and Vice Principal Deseriee Pendergrass.
The rest of the top six graduates are Wynette Calvo Ogo, Ryan James Inos Manglona II, Ellie Calvo Ogo, and Glenn Gabriel Camacho Valdezco.
Other awards
Five other special awards were presented during the commencement exercises.
The Governor’s Leadership Award went to valedictorian Cayabyab. The award was presented by Barbara T. Sablan, the special assistant for the Office of Women’s Affairs.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership Award went to class salutatorian Sidur. She received the award from the lieutenant governor’s special assistant, Henry Hofschnedier.
Special Assistant Sablan presented the Outstanding Female Graduate Award to Denicia Lynn Agulto Lizama.
Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog presented the Mayor’s Award to valedictorian Cayabyab. With the mayor were the members of the Rota legislative delegation and the municipal council.
Marican Patrick Ogo Manglona is the 20th Rota Municipal Council Perseverance Award recipient.
Beyond academic achievements
In her remarks, Principal Annette A. Calvo commended the graduating seniors not only for their academic achievements but also for their resilience in overcoming challenges far beyond the walls of their classrooms.
Calvo reminded students of their remarkable growth, referencing their resilience in navigating challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic, distance learning, and social distancing.
“You’ve overcome obstacles that no textbook could prepare you for. Your strength in surviving these times speaks volumes about you,” she said.
Calvo encouraged the graduates to let go of self-doubt, follow their passions, and stay committed to achieving their goals.
Rota’s pride
BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong, in his remarks, said: “Today marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and growth. You have not only completed an important chapter in your academic journey but have also grown into young leaders shaped by the values of your island community.”
He encouraged the graduates to embrace their roots and heritage as they embark on new journeys — whether in college, a career, or service.
“Carry with you the pride of Rota, the strength of your heritage, and the confidence that you’re ready to shape the future.”
He added, “Your island family is proud of you. Go forward with courage and purpose. All the best to you and your families as you embark on your respective journeys.”
Courage and purpose
Commissioner Camacho encouraged the graduates to take pride in their accomplishments, persevere through challenges, and continue pushing themselves to grow.
He shared an analogy of a man staring at a steep mountain, dreaming of the view from its summit but hesitating to begin the climb. Although the man sought advice from many about the path and the sights along the way, he never took the first step — ultimately missing the chance to experience the journey and the clarity found at the top.
“Don’t be that man,” Dr. Camacho said. “The journey you take on your own — though you may receive guidance from others — is worth more than anything. Once you reach the top, there will be clarity that you will see by your own selves.”
He reminded the graduates that their education has equipped them with the tools they need for the climb ahead. Reflecting on the theme, “Turning the Page to Our Future,” Camacho encouraged them to become the authors of their own stories.
‘A big reality check’
In her address, class valedictorian Cayabyab said high school life turned out differently than she had expected.
“I was expecting some Harry Potter or High School Musical magical things to happen, like books flying around or people randomly singing out of nowhere, but that would be weird, right? But this time I finally am on this stage. Yes, high school wasn’t like the movies, but it gave me a big reality check.”
“Class of 2025, this year has been full of competition — and growth,” she added. “As one of the largest graduating classes, we’ve all felt the pressure, but remember: be active, stay humble, and don’t wait for motivation to keep moving. There will be obstacles, but success isn’t about always being first — it’s about getting back up every time you fall.”
“I’m — we’re — stepping out from the small, familiar world of Rota into something much bigger,” she said. “It’s scary, yes, but exciting. We’re leaving behind friends and family who’ve been with us our whole lives, and while it is OK to get homesick, don’t let that stop you. You will be ready to give your best and build a life to give back to the people you love.”
Cayabyab said “this day is just the ending of the beginning of a new chapter to unfold. From a teen on a small tropical island currently graduating to doing something bigger than that. Always stay in the game.”
Getting back up
Class of 2025 salutatorian Sidur emphasized the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.
“No matter how tough the road may seem, success isn’t about being first — it’s about getting back up every time you fall,” she said.
As they prepare to step into the wider world, she encouraged them to build lives that will give back to the people who have supported them.
“Some of us had a clear vision of what graduation would look like; others are still as confused today as we were when we first stepped into high school. Some of us planned every step. Others took it day by day. And for some, just making it to this very moment — this stage, in this cap and gown — was the goal.”
She added, “This exact moment — right here, right now — will never happen again. So breathe it in. Take it in. Be present. These small moments? They’ll become the memories we cherish forever.”
The members of the Class of 2025 of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos High School were presented to the Rota community on Tuesday afternoon, May 27, 2025.
PSS photo
The top six graduates: valedictorian Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab, salutatorian Sayera Akter Sidur, Wynette Calvo Ogo, Ryan James Inos Manglona II, Ellie Calvo Ogo, and Glenn Gabriel Camacho Valdezco.
Valedictorian Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab delivers her remarks.
Class salutatorian Sayera Akter Sidur addresses the Rota community.
The Principal’s Leadership Award was presented to Wynette Calvo Ogo by Principal Annette A. Calvo and Vice Principal Deseriee Pendergrass.
Valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab with BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony L. Barcinas, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Rep. Dr. Dora Miura.
Class salutatorian Sayera Akter Sidur received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho. Also in photo are Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, and Senior Director for Accountability, Research, and Evaluation Jackie Quitugua, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Program Director Dr. Lorraine Catienza, Head Start/Early Head Start Director Lathania Angui, and Board of Education members.
The Governor’s Leadership Award went to valedictorian Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Leadership awardee is class salutatorian Sayera Akter Sidur.
The Outstanding Female Graduate Award was presented to Denicia Lynn Agulto Lizama by Barbara Sablan, the governor’s special assistant for women’s affairs.
Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog presented the Mayor’s Award to valedictorian Ashley Kyle Esguerra Cayabyab. Joining the mayor are members of the Rota legislative delegation and the municipal council.
Marcian Patrick Ogo Manglona is the Rota Municipal Council’s Perseverance Award recipient.
Victor James Camacho Barcinas poses for a photo with his father, Board of Education Vice Chairman Anthony Barcinas, BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Rep. Dr. Dora Miura.