(PSS) — Tanapag Middle School, the Home of the Tatagas, promoted 88 eighth graders to high school on Thursday, May 29.
This year’s promotion theme is “One Ocean, Many Journeys, Endless Dreams.”
The class valedictorian is Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho, who received the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award from BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong and BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio.
The salutatorian, Neil Josiah Cunanan, was presented the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other members of PSS management.
The subject awards recipients were Neil Josiah Cunanan (Carolinian Chamorro Language and Heritage Studies, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies), Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho (Art), Evan Seguritan (Computer), Chloe Jayde D. Achas (Physical Education/Health), and Zumana R. Nohona (Project Lead the Way).
Sustainability and student leadership
In his remarks, BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong reflected on his journey from serving as a parent leader to an education policymaker and advocate.
He highlighted his strong advocacy for sustainability, emphasizing the vital role of young leaders in addressing challenges unique to island communities. Last month, he led a delegation to Guam consisting of student council presidents from high schools and junior high schools, aiming to deepen their understanding of regional sustainability.
Among the delegates was one of Tanapag Middle School’s student leaders.
Ogumoro-Uludong underscored the need for students to embrace their roles as stewards of island sustainability by preparing themselves to navigate and solve pressing environmental and community issues.
“For some of our long-serving teachers,” he added, “I look forward to working not only with our promotees as you move into the high school but also with the new batch of student leaders from TMS because it’s very important for us as islanders living in island communities to recognize that all of you are leaders today that are going to be bringing us into the future, and it’s very important to know the challenges that we face as island communities, and you’re all aware of that,” BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong said.
Next chapter
Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho lauded the families and friends gathered to support the 88 promoted students, emphasizing the role of parents and community in preparing students for their future.
Drawing from the quotes of students, Camacho urged them to be resilient and have a growth mindset.
He reminded them that if one plan fails, there are always alternative paths to explore, stressing the value of the “ecosystem of support” through their teachers, friends, and family.
He added, “I want to congratulate the beautiful families and the wonderful friends who have come to celebrate on this very special occasion where we all witness the promotion of these 88 individuals who worked so hard to get to this point and are on the verge of just making it over to the high school level.”
Not easy
Class salutatorian Cunanan spoke about perseverance and gratitude. “My journey has not been easy, but I was able to achieve my goals because of the support I received. The one I most want to thank is God. He provided everything I needed to succeed. I want to thank my family and friends, especially my mom and dad, for supporting me through my schoolwork.”
Class valedictorian Camacho reflected on the challenges and triumphs of her middle school years, encouraging her peers to embrace the lessons learned and stay determined as they enter high school.
Acknowledging the role of AI systems like ChatGPT in tackling complex tasks, Camacho said it is important to strive for achievement rather than relying solely on technology.
“We should never stop trying to achieve something. If we were able to get through three years of work in this school, then we can most definitely make it through four more years,” Camacho said.
The promotees
The promoted students are Callie Jayde T. Abraham, Chloe Jayde D. Achas, Kaleenamae Rose S. Ada, Mayannah Jade T. Aguon, Arianna Baconawa, Daro John A. Cabrera, Ramon Jesus S. Camacho, Trystan Ferrer, Carl James Hocog II, Donovan Ted A. Johnson, Leshawn Macaranas, Candice Maglaya, Manuela Grace L. Magofna, Javale Blake P. Marciano, Xyriel Pascual, Jonielle Te’ohnn S. Pua, Aishabelle Rie C. Robert, Chance Justice D. Sablan, Christopher B. Sablan, Risa Lorian A. Sablan, Keiuli Ralphael T. Saimon, Kaeden Jay M. Togawa, Nikayla Kiandra P. P.Villagomez, Charmille Jeanne N. Achas, Derryll C. Baetiong, Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho, Zshofet L. Cellona, Aaliyah Sinserlyn P. Cosmes, Leland George Kojiro M. Demapan, Jesse Marcus C. Falig, Ovanya Faith K. Fitial, Justin Garde, Rhema R. Herwin, Angela Margarita D. Itaman, Tabitha N. Langu, Gloria Carmen I. Marciano, Lenay Juanita T. Mcfaddin, Leeon Gregorio S. Neth, Zumana R. Nohona, Tyler James K. Ongelungel, Anella Jane I. Pangelinan, Juanette Rosokow, Prescilla Marie Ruak, Ziah Julian D. Sablan, Aubrey Salazar, Rhyane R. Umali, Kayshlie Divine A. Aguon, Anestacia Ha’ane Arriola, Derence James Victorio I. Benjamin, Theresa Renae C. Borja, Augustin Vidal L. Camacho, Neil Josiah D. Cunanan, Selina Seika N. Desebel, Zekiel Samson I. Falig, and Drae Amor’e Hosono, Justin T. Laoyan, Alexa Macaranas, Kale Macaranas, George Trenton M. Moses, Darina Jaronica N. Omar, Allana Jane A. Pajarillaga, Magh Rai, Denise Josalin Reyes, Mark Kenneth A. Rogopes, Bianca Nevaeh R. Sansi, Chelsea Jessel C. Santos, Evan Seguritan, Taylon Shawn C. Appleby, Isabella M. Cabrera, Peter John K. Camacho, Joaquin Jose M. Cangco, Isabella Marie C. Cruz, Jay’aani Destiny M. Cruz, Dyson M. Danis, Pashance Hani R. Delos Santos, Neavana Tildie D. Iguel, Calistro D. Kalen, Narsan N. Langu, Telinamae Mality, Kyler Quitugua, Dwayne Justin H. Reyes, Ruth R. Rudolph, Drake Sablan, Kinluk Y. Sharry, Rica-ann R. Taitano, Komiko Aureen C. Takanobu, Tyrone Jacob C. Tarkong, and Sheryl Leigh O. Vinuya.
Tanapag Middle School’s eighth graders paid tribute to their parents and school community with a special performance on Thursday, May 29 at their campus during a promotion ceremony.
Valedictorian Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho, center, poses with her proud parents along with BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, right.
Salutatorian Neil Josiah Cunanan, center, with his parents, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other PSS managers
The 88 eighth graders perform during their promotion ceremony.
Valedictorian Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho
Salutatorian Neil Josiah Cunanan
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho with promoted student Callie Abraham and her family.
A promoted student is congratulated by his TMS teacher.
A TMS teacher hugs a promoted student.
Principal Vic Borja, BOE Chairman Aschumear Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulate valedictorian Cheyenne Joy S. Camacho after receiving her certificate of promotion.
A jubilant promoted student is greeted by his teachers as he descends from the stage.
BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong congratulates a promoted student.
BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio congratulates a promoted student.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho extends his congratulations to a promoted student.
Proud TMS teachers congratulate the promoted students.
A classroom teacher excitedly congratulates a promoted student.
