COM-FSM Graduation Fall 2006

Prior to the ceremony

Hellan Eliam looks pensive prior to the ceremony
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
Phyllis Silbanuz

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.
Karen and Annie Simion Annie Simion

Jennifer and Camihla Santos
Jennifer and Camihla Santos

Franz Henry
Franz Henry

Emmyuleen Sehpin
Emmyuleen SehpinEmmyuleen Sehpin

Ganong Tareg
Ganong Tareg


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Pearl Habuchmai has her collar adjusted by Sernida Seperiam and a friend.
Pearl Habuchmai

Pearl Habuchmai Prepping

Dan Meyer played music while Doug Kelly tended the sound board.
Dan Meyer Doug Kelly

Danny Mamangon gets pinned by Arlene Dumantey
Danny Mamangon

Danny, John Saber, and Arlene
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Clara Salvador, Mike Dema, Trish Billen
Clara Salvador, Mike Dema, Trish Billen

Ahser Edward, Joe Habuchmai, Lore Nena
Ahser Edward, Joe Habuchmai, Lore Nena

Rosa Okomuro
Rosa Okomuro

Dennis Gearhart and Jazmin Gonzales
Dennis Gearhart and Jazmin Gonzales

Balkario Alexander
Balkario Alexander

Allain Bourgoin prepared to process into the graduation hall
Allain Bourgoin

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.
Phyllis Silbanuz carries the new College of Micronesia-FSM mace topped by the college mascot - a shark

Procession

Masako Sechaph enters the graduation hall
Masako Sechaph

Diane Tickell
Diane Tickell

Addresses

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.
LJ Rayphand

ΦΘΚ Antonio Actouka returns after receiving the valedictory award
Valedictorian Antonio Actouka

Sepe M. Shrew receives the Timothy Jerry scholarship award
Sepe M. Shrew receives 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.
Antonio Actouka valedictory address

The gathering after of family

Lining up to await the arrival of family
graduates

Lisa Santer with Sepe Shrew
Lisa with Sepe Shrew

Clara Salvador, sister Jayleen Salvador, and Trish Billen
lara Salvador, sister Jayleen Salvador, and Trish Billen

Sunglass baby

Sophia Shoph Moon
Sophia Shoph Moon

Caroline Dabugsiy
Caroline Dabugsiy

Masako Sechaph
Masako Sechaph

Shrue Elesha with a graduate
Shrue Elesha

Floreen Norman and friend
Floreen Norman

Pearl Habuchmai
Pearl Habuchmai

Mary Lou Rold, third year in business
Mary Lou Rold

Rosa Okomura, Franz Henry
Rosa Okomura, Franz Henry

Sepe M. Shrew
Sepe M. Shrew

Oleander Charley, Lisen Albert, Emliana Nedlic Segal
Oleander Charley, Lisen Albert, Emliana Nedlic Segal Oleander Charley, Lisen Albert, Emliana Nedlic Segal

Liana A. Aloka, Heyand Palik, Stacy A. Nena
Liana A. Aloka, Heyand Palik, Stacy A. Nena

Dr. James Yangerluo and David Panuelo engage in the fine art of conversation
Dr. James Yangerluo and David Panuelo

Former graduate Jenilee Actouka attends as the daughter of the valedictorian
Jenilee Actouka

Mr. and Mrs. Yosiwo George congratulate Roselina Rosario. In pink is Roselina's mother, Sepe Talley Rosario
Roselina Rosario Roselina Rosario

Camihla Santos, Jennifer Santos hiding behind
Camihla Santos

Trish Billen, Amanda Liza Nanpei. Amanda Liza will graduate in May, these best of friends are headed in different directions for now
Trish Billen, Amanda Liza Nanpei Trish Billen, Amanda Liza Nanpei


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Jacob Henry
Jacob Henry

Tolina Aaron Aloka, Abigail Harvey Segal
Tolina Aaron Aloka, Abigail Nena Tolina Aaron Aloka, Abigail Nena

Josmina Nedlic, Liana Aaron Aloka, Stacy Nena
Josmina Nedlic, Liana Aloka, Stacy Nena

Joe Habuchmai, friends, and family
Joe Habuchmai

Student Support Services Program alumni gather for group pictures
Student Support Services Program alumni Student Support Services Program alumni

Student Support Services Program alumni

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