Hellan Eliam looks pensive prior to the ceremony
Phyllis Silbanuz will be the bearer of the new iteration of the shark mace this 44th College of Micronesia-FSM national and Pohnpei site graduation ceremony
Director and student, mother and daughter. The college is uniquely Micronesian in many ways, one of which is that being the only regionally accredited institution of higher education in the FSM the children of faculty and staff frequently attend the college.
Jennifer and Camihla Santos
Franz Henry
Emmyuleen Sehpin
Ganong Tareg
Pearl Habuchmai has her collar adjusted by Sernida Seperiam and a friend.
Dan Meyer played music while Doug Kelly tended the sound board.
Danny Mamangon gets pinned by Arlene Dumantey
Danny, John Saber, and Arlene
Clara Salvador, Mike Dema, Trish Billen
Ahser Edward, Joe Habuchmai, Lore Nena
Rosa Okomuro
Dennis Gearhart and Jazmin Gonzales
Balkario Alexander
Allain Bourgoin prepared to process into the graduation hall
Phyllis prepares to carry the second generation shark mace into the graduation hall. Problems with the base of the mace caused the first generation mace to topple, fracturing the shart. The new mace has an improved base. The fit is tight and requires a good, hard shove into the base to seat it properly before the podium. Removing the mace now requires bracing the base with a foot and using both hands to pull the mace from the base.
Masako Sechaph enters the graduation hall
Diane Tickell
LJ Rayphand gives the commencement address. He spoke of the "three bone theory." The neckbone to raise your head to see where you are going, to lower your head to not trip over obstacles. The backbone to raise yourself up and stand tall when necessary, to lower oneself by bowing down when appropriate to show respect to elders and one's culture. The kneebone to hold oneself up during the day, and to kneel down upon each evening to give thanks.
ΦΘΚ Antonio Actouka returns after receiving the valedictory award
Sepe M. Shrew receives the Timothy Jerry scholarship award
Antonio Actouka delivers the valedictory address. Antonio exhorts the graduates to make a difference. Whether the graduates go on to be parents, farmers, fishermen, politicians, or for further study, make a difference.
Lining up to await the arrival of family
Lisa Santer with Sepe Shrew
Clara Salvador, sister Jayleen Salvador, and Trish Billen
Sophia Shoph Moon
Caroline Dabugsiy
Masako Sechaph
Shrue Elesha with a graduate
Floreen Norman and friend
Pearl Habuchmai
Mary Lou Rold, third year in business
Rosa Okomura, Franz Henry
Sepe M. Shrew
Oleander Charley, Lisen Albert, Emliana Nedlic Segal
Liana A. Aloka, Heyand Palik, Stacy A. Nena
Dr. James Yangerluo and David Panuelo engage in the fine art of conversation
Former graduate Jenilee Actouka attends as the daughter of the valedictorian
Mr. and Mrs. Yosiwo George congratulate Roselina Rosario. In pink is Roselina's mother, Sepe Talley Rosario
Camihla Santos, Jennifer Santos hiding behind
Trish Billen, Amanda Liza Nanpei. Amanda Liza will graduate in May, these best of friends are headed in different directions for now
Jacob Henry
Tolina Aaron Aloka, Abigail Harvey Segal
Josmina Nedlic, Liana Aaron Aloka, Stacy Nena
Joe Habuchmai, friends, and family
Student Support Services Program alumni gather for group pictures
