Class valedictorian Genaro Gonzales Mejia III delivers his address during the Rota Jr. High School promotion ceremony on June 2.
Class salutatorian Kylee Dee’ara Manalang Manglona delivers her address.
DOCTOR Rita Hocog Inos Junior High School on Rota promoted 27 eighth graders to high school on Friday, June 2.
The promoted students were described as the “legendary group” who “made history.”
The promotees chose the theme, “The meaning of life isn’t to live forever, but do something that will,” which is a quote from rapper Juice WRLD or Jarad Anthony Higgins.
The top student among the promotees is Genaro Gonzales Mejia III, the class valedictorian and recipient of the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award. He received both awards from BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig and Chairman Antonio L. Borja.
Kylee Dee’ara Manalang Manglona is the class salutatorian and recipient of the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award, which she received from Commissioner Dr. Alfred B. Ada who was with Senior Director Jackie Quitugua, Senior Director Dr. Rizalina Liwag, Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline Che, Instructional Technology and Distance Education Director Lorraine Catienza, Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero, Finance Director Arlene Lizama and Office of Pupil Transportation Director and acting Associate Commissioner Shawn San Nicholas.
The Principal’s Award recipient was Kylie Manglona who received it from RHI Principal D. Tanya King.
Nine subject awards were also presented during the promotion ceremony.
Mejia received the subject awards for English Language Arts, Science, Computer, and Physical Education.
Brynn Annalise San Nicolas Atalig received the subject awards for Social Studies and Leadership Corps.
Katrina Shanyev Tacud received the subject awards for Mathematics and Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies.
Danie L. Malaborbor received the subject award for Career Exploration/Fine Arts.
The mayor’s award was presented to Mejia by Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog while the Most Improved Award went to Chasitey Masga.
End of a chapter
In his valedictorian address. Mejia said their transition into high school is the end of their middle school life and the start of a new one.
“As you all know, today marks the end of a chapter in our lives for us eighth graders, and is the beginning of a new one,” Mejia said.
He looked back at some of his experiences in junior high school. “It was a big new change and atmosphere for me because I was leaving elementary school and going on to my next academic journey, which was junior high. Unfortunately, just as I started the school year, the pandemic became a big problem, and we had to wear masks all the time. We [also] switched back and forth between in-person and online classes, never knowing what would be coming up next. It was really complicated,” Mejia said.
“Despite those challenges, we managed to make it through middle school, and it was all because of the endless support from our teachers and the school staff,” he added.
He thanked his family “for being there for me, listening to my complaints, giving me advice, encouragement, tough love, and supporting me when I am feeling down.”
Mejia also thanked all his teachers and mentors for their “support and guidance through our middle school years.”
‘$10 for every A’
Class salutatorian Manglona, in her address, said: “Before I entered RHI I was an extremely shy person. Yes, I’m still a bit shy but I can say I’m slowly growing out of it all thanks to those people who have supported me since the start.”
She said her family “pushed me to do well in school.”
“Thanks, Papa Charles, for giving me $10 for every ‘A’ that I received. I think it’s the reason that I am able to make this salutatorian speech today,” Manglona said as she also extended her “special thanks to my parents who have always supported me in everything I do, even though technically, it is their responsibility.”
She likewise thanked her homeroom teachers for “their guidance and life-long lessons”; and her friends “for making my junior high years unforgettable.”
As they transition into high school, Manglona said she is confident that her junior high classmates will continue to grow stronger.
“We are about to enter the next chapter of our lives. There’s no doubt that we will make mistakes and form different opinions about many things, but I am confident that despite whatever obstacles and challenges come our way, we will come out stronger. Please know that although I will no longer be experiencing high school with you all, I am always rooting for each and every one of you,” she said.
Board of Education Vice Chairman Herman Atalig of Rota speaks to the promoted students.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada addresses the promoted students.
Sinapalo Elementary School educator Mack James was the keynote speaker.
Genaro Gonzales Mejia III, the class valedictorian, with his parents and siblings.
Kylee Dee’ara Manalang Manglona, the class salutatorian, with Education Commissioner Alfred B. Ada, Senior Directors Jackie Quitugua and Dr. Rizalina Liwag.
School Principal D. Tanya King, right, with the recipient of the Principal’s Award, Bryan Cabrera.
