Home of Lancherus promotes 73

(PSS) — Chacha Ocean View Middle School, the Home of the Lancherus, promoted 73 eighth graders to high school on Friday, May 30.

Most of them will enroll at Kagman High School, while at least four are moving off-island with their families.

The promotion ceremony opened with an electrifying performance by the students, who delivered a stunning rendition of the Commonwealth’s national anthem, leaving the audience in awe and setting an inspiring tone for the event.

The class valedictorian was Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz Quitugua, who was presented with the Board of Education Academic Excellence Award by BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, and Student Representative Vinnie Juan Q. Sablan.

The class salutatorian and recipient of the Commissioner of Education Academic Excellence Award was Tini Monette Sablan Wabol, who received the honor from Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and other PSS officials.

The Principal Leadership Award was also presented to valedictorian Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz Quitugua while the Lancheru Sprit Award went to Kyle Ray Naputi.

Two students received the Athletics Award: Kyle Ray Naputi and Le’ana Yvonne Ocampo Lizama.

The Outstanding Leadership Corps Cadet Award went to Elana Malie Deleon Guerrero Johnson.

The 10 subject awardees were Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz Quitugua (English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, CCLHS, P.E., and Leadership corps); Teovannie Knstin Crisostimo Dela Cruz (Leadership Corps); Christine Jewel Ramirez Fernandez and Cee Jay Contreras  (computer literacy); and Christine Jewel Ramirez Fernandez and Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz Quitugua (woodshop).

Incredible students

In her remarks, Principal Carla Sablan praised the students for their resilience and unity, saying, “This group of students is truly special — they’re all incredible and inspiring.”

Citing the theme chosen by the promoted Lancherus — “Roots of Hard Work, Fruit of Success,” written by student Alvin Maratita — Principal Sablan encouraged them to carry humility, dedication, and pride as they enter a new chapter in their lives. She also reminded them to stay grounded in their roots and to honor the spirit that defines their heritage and community.

“No matter where you go, carry the spirit of the lancheru [farmer/rancher] — humble, hardworking, and proud. Never forget the roots that ground you,” Principal Sablan said. “Congratulations, 8th grade Class of 2025. Today is your day — and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Sustainable future

In his remarks, BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong said he is proud of the promoted students, describing them as “leaders today” and emphasizing their capacity to shape a sustainable future.

He highlighted the importance of “sustainable development,” a theme brought to life by an inspiring example of student engagement at the recent Annual Conference on Island Sustainability.

 “Last month I had the privilege…of leading a delegation of our youth leaders…to learn about the importance of sustainable development and sustainable actions for our communities. It really gave me hope that…we’re on a great path.” Among the participants was one of the promoted Chacha students, whose active involvement shows the promising future that young individuals are making for their island communities, Ogumoro-Uludong said.

He congratulated the eighth graders for their academic success and challenged them to embrace sustainability as part of their educational journey.

“If there’s one thing that I’d like for you to take away, you are all part of the solutions for our CNMI’s future,” he added.

Reflect and aspire

In his remarks, Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho asked the students to “think of the rearview mirror in a car.”

“It offers only a glimpse of what is behind, reminding you to reflect on your journey, the challenges you’ve faced, and the support that has carried you to this milestone,” he said.

He then drew a parallel between side mirrors and the need to stay aware of life’s blind spots.

“High school will bring new obstacles, but just like side mirrors help drivers spot blind spots, use the collective support of your family, teachers, and peers to navigate through uncertainties,” he said.

He called on the promoted students to view challenges “not as roadblocks but as opportunities for growth and learning.” He urged them to rely on the ecosystem of support that surrounds them.

He also encouraged the promoted students to look ahead with clarity and purpose, using the windshield as a metaphor: “As you glance forward through the windshield, let it symbolize your goals and aspirations.”

Heartfelt

Valedictorian Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz Quitugua delivered a heartfelt address.

He looked back on his three years as a student leader in middle school, fondly recalling the memories he shared with his peers.

“Just please, don’t be a stranger,” he said, encouraging his fellow students to stay connected as they embark on a new journey.

He also talked about the bittersweet reality of change, as many students will transition to high school or move off-island. He emphasized the importance of holding onto the experiences and values cultivated at their school.

“No matter how far you are, just remember the home and memories you made here at COVMS. And that being a Lancheru will always be in your heart,” he said

 “From this day forward, realize and appreciate the things you have now, because in the future they will all just become a memory,” he said.

Motivation

Salutatorian Tini Monette Sablan Wabol spoke of the journey they shared and how they learned lessons from overcoming challenges.

“This moment represents more than just a promotion,” said Wabol. “It is a testament to our ability to rise above difficulties and find meaning in every step of the way.”

She also talked about the significance of celebrating accomplishments beyond academic success as she urged her peers to find value in the connections they have made and the personal growth they’ve achieved.

“Success isn’t just about grades — it’s about connecting what we learn to the world around us,” said Wabol, adding that she is proud of the friendships and bonds she and her peers have created while in middle school.

 “Lean on that support, and you will be successful,” she said, as she also expressed her appreciation to her parents, family, friends, and the Chacha school community.

The  promotees

The promoted students are Aldan, Carmen Maria R; Alfred, Kyra Mae; Atalig, Olyvia Marie Muna; Babauta, Veaghani Isa Camacho;  Blancia, Alyna Jane Tumada; Borja, Richard Jaykondre Naputi; Cabrera, Diasalynn Jamae B;  Cabrera, Ignacio Henry Matagolai;  Cabrera, Malana Saige Deleon Guerrero; Cabrera Jr., Melvin Joseph Villacanas; Cabrera, Mikyla Skye Dela Cruz; Camacho, Kai’po Francisco Camacho; Marleni Sablan, Camacho; Marley Adelin Lizama; Chun, Danny Junior Taimanglo Cruz;  Jaythen Jake Secharmidal;  Dela Cruz, Angela Erica Jane Mangarero; Dela Cruz, Teovannio Kinstin Crisostomo;   Dikit, Ethan Jude Taisacan; Fernandez, Christine Jewel Ramirez; George, Gem Keisha Herman; Hocog, Megan Faith Aldan; Hocog, Xyriel Lapaz Mariano; Ichihara, Aryanna Jade Mendiola; Ilo, Marsayleen Dorsa Camacho; Johnson, Elana Malie Deleon Guerrero; Jones, Tatum Mamet Maratita; Kapileo, Juliet Caridee Masga; Kapileo, Keisha Rae Leighemal Moses; King, Oswald Jesus Sablan; Kisa, Shyann Faith; Koshiro, Onika Hope Cabrera; Lairopi, John David Agulto; Limes, Joretia Ivory Sison; Lizama, Benedicto Steven Matagolai; Lizama, Le’ana Yvonne Ocampo; Mafnas, Easton John Cabanayan; Magofna, Franklyn Chris Sanchez; Manglona, Rylie Evan Leon Guerrero; Maratita, Alvin Jay Tumada; Maratita Jr., Kevin Joseph Reyes; Martin, Nicko Jr.; Masiwemai, Vanelle-Lematibyango Kisa; Muna, Vincent Jetno; Naputi, Gerard David Cing; Naputi, Kyle Ray; Nekaifes, Aiden Josiah Tebuteb; Norita, Alaynah Jezza Pangelinan; Norita, Tiana Therese Babauta; Omar, Niani Jessel Litulumar; Palacios, Raylan Carmelo Peter Togawa; Pangelinan, Payton Thomas Torres; Quitugua, Justo Jeremiah; Quitugua, Melva Neily Muna; Quitugua Jr., Patrick Anthony; Quitugua, Vashon Matthew Dela Cruz; Repeki, Uriel Nathaniel Alexander; Reyes, Aiden Cassidy Babauta; Reyes, Ethan Jordan Duenas; Riner Jr., Thomas Daniel; Riner, Tiana Marie Aquino; Ruuemau, Solomon Lukag; Saligmy, Saint Kavic; San Nicolas, Austin Michael Igisomar; San Nicolas, Ezekial Eloy Salas; San Nicolas, Keitha Amionhalani Igisomar; Santos, Dorsan James David; Santos, Kimani Jaeri Cabrera; Seman, Lucrzna Agnes Olaitiman; Sundiam, Cee Jay Contreras; Tenorio, Jay Anthony Tudela; Villagomez, Laffet Jr. Taitano; Wabol, Tini Monette Sablan; Welson, Mari Jo Sandra William; Wenio, Carmen Josie Mae Mikiuo; and Wenio, Wenio.