The Neighboring Island Community High School held its Graduation Ceremony for the Graduating Class of 2026

Monday, May 25, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

The Neighboring Island Community High School held its Graduation Ceremony for the Graduating Class of 2026 this past Friday, May 22nd. The graduating class included Trina Letashigram, Rudson Tigwepiye, Chrisman Yarofaishiuw, Preston Maliuweliyaro, Vyleen Ilemangiir, Malaika Letawasrang, Dianno Emaenglipw, Raynia Lemuawiyeng, and Rexton Yaimengiir.

The ceremony began at 9:00 am, with a welcoming song performed by the NICHS community as the graduates made their way to their assigned seats. Following the procession, The Master of Ceremony asked everyone to remain standing for the National Anthem. 

Following the National Anthem, the Master of Ceremonies invited Mr. Fabian Saplalig to deliver the opening invocation. After the opening prayer, Vice Principal Romanis welcomed Governor Francis Itimai, Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, Director of the Department of Education Mr. Dominic Fanasog, Senator John Taweryan,NISA Romanes Yarofaichi and PMA Pilot Mark Abbot . School Board Chairman John Mailus then delivered his welcoming remarks, addressing the special guests, graduates, faculty, friends, and families.

Director Dominic Fanasog was thanked for his speech, after which Governor Francis Itimai was invited to deliver his remarks. In his address, Governor Itimai expressed his appreciation to the Island of Woleai for its warm hospitality and encouraged the graduates to continue pursuing their education.

Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon then delivered his remarks, sharing words of encouragement with the graduates and thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication.

Following the remarks, Vice Principal Romanis and Director Dominic Fanasog presented the graduates with their diplomas. The ceremony continued with an address from the Salutatorian, Malaika Letawasrang. In her speech, Ms. Letawasrang expressed her sincere appreciation to the honored guests for traveling great distances to attend the ceremony. She reflected on the experiences and lessons gained throughout her high school years and extended heartfelt gratitude to her friends and family for their unwavering encouragement and support throughout her academic journey.

After the Salutatorian’s address, Vice Principal Romanis, Trainer Tony Talmai, Governor Francis Itimai, Senator Taweryan, Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, and Director Dominic Fanasog presented the special awards. The first award was the Student of the Year award, which was awarded to Rexton Yaimengiir. The second award was the Vocational award, which was awarded to Maytreen Leyarofram. The third award was the Culture awards,  for women, which was awarded to Vyleen Ilemangiir, and for men was Diano Emaenglipw. The fourth award was the Special Ed. Award, which was awarded to Khanisha Siyalishmeng. The fifth award was the Saledictorian award, awarded to Latewasrang. The last award was the Valedictorian award, which was awarded to Rexton Yaimengiir

Before closing the ceremony, the SBA President and Vice President delivered their remarks and formally transferred the responsibilities and duties of the SBA presidency to the underclassmen. This was followed by a speech from the underclassmen, who formally bid farewell to the graduating Class of 2026. To conclude the ceremony, Principal Stanley Retogral delivered the closing remarks, followed by the benediction given by Fabian Sapliag.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, the young ladies and young men from Palyafang performed two local dances, followed by refreshments. 

(For more information, please contact the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs at 350-DYCA)