ROTA (PSS) — Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School in Songsong promoted 37 students to high school on Tuesday morning, kicking off the Public School System’s promotion and graduation season.
Just 24 hours earlier, thunder and heavy rain threatened to spoil the festivities. Yet the community came out to celebrate the promotion of the island’s eighth-grade students, making it a particularly special moment for Rota’s only public junior high school.
The annual public school promotion and graduation ceremonies are among the biggest family and community events on Rota.
As RHI Principal Annette A. Calvo would put it: “This is not just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of journey — one filled with learning, discovery, friendships, and the many challenges our students have overcome with determination and heart. Their achievements today are a testament not only to their own efforts but also to the incredible support they’ve received from…their families, teachers, mentors, and friends.”
Top 3 promotees
Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog is the class valedictorian and recipient of the CNMI Board of Education Academic Excellence Award, which he received from BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony Barcinas, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura.
The class salutatorian is Branden Asher Pagalpalan Reyel, who received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and his leadership team.
The Principal Leadership Award was presented to Princess Gin Loon Mahusay by Principal Annette A. Calvo, Vice Principal Deseriee Pendergrass, and the teaching staff of RHI.
Merit awards
Several merit awards were also presented to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a deep understanding of their subjects.
RHI said these students have gone above and beyond in their studies, setting a high standard of academic excellence.
Class valedictorian Hocog received merit awards for math, science, social studies, computer, leadership corps, physical education, and career exploration.
He also received the Mayor’s Award from Mayor Aubry Hocog along with the members of the Rota delegation and the municipal council.
Class salutatorian Reyel received merit awards for English, social studies, Chamorro, computer, leadership corps, physical education, and career exploration.
Princess Gin Loon Mahusay received merit awards for social studies, computer, leadership corps, physical education, and career exploration.
Jasmine Coleen Baltazar Yalung received the merit awards for leadership corps and physical education.
Anthony Mallilin Pernitez, Marayna Lae Atalig Castro, and Ayiana Resse Atalig Hocog received the merit award for physical education.
The Perseverance Award was presented by the Rota Municipal Council to Jocelyn Alexi Zambales Atalig.
Next chapter
In his address, class valedictorian Hocog praised his peers for their successful academic journey.
“This moment isn’t just about saying goodbye to middle school; it’s about stepping into the next chapter of our lives. It’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and looking ahead to all the adventures, learning opportunities, and promises waiting for us in high school,” Hocog said.
“Today isn’t just about closing a chapter — it’s about honoring the incredible people who helped write it alongside us. It’s a moment to celebrate not just our achievements, but the support, encouragement, and kindness that made it possible. Reaching this milestone — one I never imagined I’d achieve — wasn’t something I did alone. It was made possible by those who stood by me, believed in me, and reminded me of what I was capable of.”
‘Because of you’
Class salutatorian Reyel, in his address, honored his fellow promotees. “First off, I’d like to thank everyone here today. Without you, this event would not have been possible. Please, give yourselves a big round of applause,” he said.
“I’m so glad to be up here with you guys today. Words can’t describe how grateful I am. Being in the top two in my class is such a wonderful privilege, but also because I am also here promoted with all of you.”
He added, “Class of 2029…we made it. We’ve unlocked a new chapter in our lives. We can’t fool around like we did during middle school anymore. We’re heading to high school now: new classes, new people, and new classmates to ask for help with your…assignments! But in all seriousness, I wouldn’t want to be promoted with any other class.”
The promotees
The promoted eighth-grade students of RHI are: Krisha Janae Atalig Aguero, Aries Seon Arriola, Daniel Royce Sablan Atalig, Jocel Alexi Zambales Atalig, Rainoku Darence Sablan Atalig, JJ Ogo Barcinas Jr., Naysha Teree Barooma Barcinas, Ava Rose Hocog Calvo, Marayna Lae Atalig Castro, Yusuf Fakir, Prince Rheyber Dogillo Feolino, Ayiana Resse Atalig Hocog, Keoni James Mendiola Hocog, Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog, Tanvir Hossain, Shila Islam, Sainan Napu Lizama King, Airah Dionne Hocog Magofna, Princess Gin Loon Mahusay, Angelica Yamada Manglona, Felix Jaray Flawau Manglona, Kirsten Skye Chuman Manglona, Nu’Cean Jacob Fujihira Manglona, Prudencio Atalig Manglona V, Rayvin John Cabrera Manglona, Joachim Ramon Del Rosario Maratita, Glenn Joe Borja Masga Jr., Kody Manglona Mendiola, Iya Corales Mosqueda, Dvaun Kole Manglona Ogo, Cristopher Ulibarri Oropilla Jr., Anthony Mallillin Pernitez, Ekesha Lyn Castro Pinaula, Branden Asher Pagalpalan Reyel, Dave Micheal Cabrera Santos, Zayda Barcinas Taitano and Jasmine Coleen Baltazar Yalung.
Their class advisers are Vivian Atalig, Armi Atalig, and Matthew Stehlik.
Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School’s promoted eighth graders delighted parents, families, teachers, friends, and the wider Rota community with their dance tribute to Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” on Tuesday morning at the school campus.
Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog is the class valedictorian.
Class salutatorian Branden Asher Pagalpalan Reyel delivers his address.
The Board of Education Academic Excellence Award was presented to Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog by BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Vice Chairman Anthony Barcinas, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura. Also in photo are Hocog’s parents.
Class salutatorian Branden Asher Pagalpalan Reyel received the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award, from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and his leadership team. Also in photo are BOE members and Reyel’s family members.
The Principal Leadership Award was presented to Princess Gin Loon Mahusay by RHI Annette A. Calvo, Vice Principal Deseriee Pendergrass and RHI’s promotion advisers.
The Merit Award recipients are presented to the public. They are Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog, Branden Asher Pagalpalan Reyel, Princess Gin Loon Mahusay, Jasmine Coleen Baltazar Yalung, Anthony Mallilin Pernitez, and Marayna Lae Atalig.
The Rota Mayor’s Award recipient is the class valedictorian, Zaijan Lorenzo Curameng Hocog. Also in photo are Mayor Aubry Hocog, members of the Rota delegation and the Municipal Council.
The Perseverance Award was presented by the Rota Municipal Council to Jocelyn Alexi Zambales Atalig.
The 14th RHI promotion advisers are Vivian Atalig, Armi Atalig, and Matthew Stehlik.
