Yap Catholic High School

On Friday, May 24th, the Yap Catholic High School community celebrated its annual Baccalaureate Mass in the YCHS Loyola Chapel for the graduating seniors. The Mass was followed by a pot luck reception organized by the juniors along with their parents and guardians with contributions from all underclassmen families. 

On Saturday, May 25th, the twenty members of the Class of 2019 were joined by their friends, families, and honored guests to celebrate their graduation at Yap Catholic High School’s 6th Commencement Exercises. The Salutatorian Address was given by Julia Piyon Ranganbay followed by the invocation given by Fr. Moses Tashibitit. Valedictorian Johanne Fay San Buenaventura Arao delivered the student address and encouraged her classmates to “just keep swimming” and persevering through the new challenges that lie ahead of them as they head to college.

The following student awards were presented during the ceremony:

Valedictorian Award: Johanne Faye San Buenaventura Arao

Salutatorian Award: Julia Piyon Ranganbay

Bank of Guam IFIT Scholarship: Nicholas Untun

Perfect Attendance Award: Johanne Faye San Buenaventura Arao

Jennaia Kyla B.A.G. Chonmon

Stephanie-Zoya M. Gurtmag

Ashley Rita Lewaletang

Glimmer Marpa

Marciarose Matnan

Julia Piyon Ranganbay

Tristan Ruway

Anita Pilyan Tman

Jaimaleen Tinag Waayan

Joshua C. Yilon

Father Walter Ciszek, S.J. Award: Sasha T. Gapthey

Pope Francis Service Award: Jennaia Kyla B.A.G. Chonmon

Living the Mission Award: Ashley Rita Lewaletang

The transition of leadership from the graduation Class of 2019 to the rising senior Class of 2020 was performed by Nicholas Untun and Bryanne Tionna Laamuut Fenenigog. The Commencement Address was given by the Honorable Henry Falan, Governor of the State of Yap. Principal Michael Wiencek then gave his final address to the Class of 2019 before the graduates officially received their diplomas.

Following the conferral of diplomas, Fr. Rich McAuliff, S.J., Director of YCHS, gave a final address to the graduates before blessing them and concluding the graduation ceremony so that the families and friends of the graduates could shower them with nunuws, marmars, leis, candy, and other gifts.

Congratulations to the following graduates of the Class of 2019:

Johanne Faye San Buenaventura Arao Cyril Joseph Moofel

Roselyn Beltran Paul Maka Ngungutau

Jennaia Kyla B.A.G. Chonmon Julia Piyon Ranganbay

Ignatius Yifith L. Defngin Ashley R. Rapgeg

Sasha T. Gapthey Tristan Phllip Ruway

Stephanie-Zoya M. Gurtmag Jayvie Taruweliut

CeeCee H. Keppin Anita Pilyan Tman

Ashley Rita Lewaletang Nicholas Untun

Glimmer Marpa Jaimaleen Tinag Waayan

Marciarose Matnan Joshua C. Yilon

Please check our Facebook page for more photos.

LAMER, Yap — Yap Catholic High School concluded the first semester of school year 2018-2019 on December 14, 2018 after three days of midterm exams. The school community has been hard at work for the second semester since January 3, 2019. On January 10 & 11, 2019, the school gathered at the chapel to award students with perfect attendance and academic honors from the previous quarter.

In the 2nd Quarter, 63 students received Perfect Attendance Honors for being at school and on time every single day of the second quarter. The overall attendance rate for the 2nd Quarter was an impressive 99.55%, compared to the 1st Quarter’s 99.27%.

In addition to Attendance Honors, 45 students earned Academic Honors during the 2nd Quarter, compared to 41 students during the 1st Quarter.

The following 30 students earned Second Honors:

Class of 2022; 11 Freshmen

Liberty Faimau, Joshua Derek Falow, Jocelyn Kugum, Aloysius Juniior Lubumow, Chastity Shelby-Joy Minginug, Andrew Ruepong, Sean Southwick, Maya Tamngig, Tilo Trux, Aurora Walag, Nadley Monique Yow

Class of 2021; 9 Sophomores

Demirose Digow, Jarvis Falow, Alice Fidngamang, Marrisa Gilyoochen, Megan Tinan, Teressa Wagthuth, Maselyann Ciarrah Yangmog, Tia Yateng, Anthony Yinug

Class of 2020, 4 Juniors

Jonathan Mitsur, Vincent Jr. Mwailiuyalo, Zoe Nepomuceno, Jenalyn Tamangided

Class of 2019, 6 Seniors

Jennaia Chonmon, CeeCee Keppin, Marciarose Matnan, Ashley Rapgeg, Tristan Ruway, Jaimaleen Waayan

The following 15 students earned First Honors:

Class of 2022, 1 Freshman

Tiningmow, Scarlette

Class of 2021, 9 Sophomores

Trinity Edilyong-Reichhardt, BrieAnndah Foruw, Gabrina Garangmau, Aileen Leanndra Lubumow, Perfi Angeli Talaid, Eliana Tinngig, Ryianna Torwan

Class of 2020, 4 Juniors

Alexander Ernest Agapito, Jovendra Rabolaatman, Trevor Talimeluw, Zedikiah Young-Uhk

Class of 2019, 3 Seniors

Johanne Faye Arao, Roselyn Beltran, Julia Ranganbay

Congratulations to all of the hardworking students for another great quarter! Thank-you for your perseverance as you continue to give your best effort in the second semester.

Some exciting upcoming events this semester include the Come & See Day on February 9th, where students tour visitors around campus; the annual Evening of Prose & Poetry on March 15th; and the Under the Tree Music Showcase on May 3rd.

On Saturday, May 26th, the twenty members of the Class of 2018 were joined by their friends, families, and honored guests to celebrate their graduation at Yap Catholic High School’s 5th Commencement Exercises. Salutatorian Zoya-Marie Sigeyog gave the welcoming address urging her fellow graduates to follow the words of St. Ignatius as they go forth and set the world on fire. Her address was followed by the invocation given by Fr. Moses Tashibitit. The student address was then given by Valedictorian Hans Estrada Banua where he focused on selfless service and the school’s motto: “Education in the service of God and others.”

The following student awards were presented during the ceremony:

Literature Award: Hans Estrada Banua

Mathematics Award: Hans Estrada Banua

Science Award: Hans Estrada Banua

Social Studies Award: Hans Estrada Banua

English Language Arts Award: Hans Estrada Banua

Religion Award: Hans Estrada Banua

Bank of Guam IFIT Scholarships: Samantha Gilinug

Perfect Attendance Award: Zoya-Marie Sigeyog and Aaron Yow

Father Walter Ciszek, S.J. Award: Carlson Tomihara

Pope Francis Service Award: Vickay Kogol

Living the Mission Award: Hans Estrada Banua

The transition of leadership from the graduation Class of 2018 to the rising senior Class of 2019 was performed by Renee Rhonalynn Choorang and Jennaia Chonmon. The Commencement Address was given by Francis Itimai, Director of the Department of Youth and Civic Affairs for the State of Yap. Principal Michael Wiencek then gave his final address to the Class of 2018 before the graduates officially received their diplomas.

Following the conferral of diplomas, Fr. John Mulreany, S.J. blessed the graduates. The ceremony concluded with a final word from Fr. Jack Mattimore, S.J. where he thanked Fr. John Mulreany, S.J. for his seven years of service to the school serving as a co-founder, teacher, counselor, and assistant director along with serving the pastoral needs of the Catholic Church of Yap.

Congratulations to the following graduates of the Class of 2018:

Dorothy Baamer Hans Estrada Banua Stacee Bomtam Renee Choorang

Mellennia Falabtir Samantha Gilinug Jollynn Gilyoochen Giselle Giyetinag

Orpha Hapdei Bertha Hartholmar Vickay Kogol Myla Mailing

Rachel Mongon Quinntiara Paag Zoya-Marie Sigeyog Candice Tiningdow

Carlson Tomihara Mayah Torwan Duvall Yigin Aaron Yow

See our Facebook Page for more photos of the event.

Yap Catholic High School alum, Domclancy “Jun” Tiliwebug (Class of 2014), is the first YCHS graduate to complete his undergraduate education and earn a bachelor’s degree. On May 6, 2018, Domclancy received his diploma for successfully completing his Bachelor’s in Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Portland. He plans to stay in Portland, Oregon to gain work experience, but he hopes to one day return to Yap to help his home islands.

Domclancy was the valedictorian of the first graduating class of YCHS in 2014. He is the recipient of the prestigious Gates Millenium Scholarship which made his college education at the University of Portland financially possible. He returned to Yap twice during his college career thanks to the Gates Millenium Scholarship. During these trips home he assisted at Yap State Public Service Corporation as well as serving as an alumni volunteer during the annual YCHS Summer Session in 2016.

Domclancy shared these words upon his graduation: “YCHS made it possible for me to pursue a degree at the University of Portland (UP). College counseling provided me with guidance throughout the college and scholarship application process. The high educational standards of YCHS prepared me for the courses that I took at UP. Not only did YCHS grant me an opportunity to go to college, but it also enabled me to see a brighter future for Yap and its people. YCHS is a key factor to our island’s development.”

As a college preparatory school, one of the major goals of YCHS is to have its students go to college to receive their bachelor’s degrees or beyond. All YCHS students are encouraged to give back to the islands of Yap and the Federated States of Micronesia upon completion of their education.

Yap Catholic High School completed its Third Quarter on March 9th .

During the Third Quarter 51 students received Perfect Attendance Honors for being at school and on time every single day. The overall attendance rate continued to be high at 99.2%.

In addition to Perfect Attendance Honors, 55 students earned Academic Honors.

The following 34 students earned Second Honors:

Freshmen:

Naomi Faimau, Jarvis Falow, BrieAnndah Foruw, Marrisa Gilyoochen, Genistasia Goofir, Gregory Taman, Megan Tinan, Teressa Wagthuth, Maselyann Yangmog, Tia Yateng

Sophomores:

Kathryn Grace Asay, Narcissus Genong, Bryanne Laamuut Fenenigog, Vincent Jr. Mwailiuyalo, Zoe Nepomuceno, Gloryanne Rungun, Kaivin Wariy, Jasmina Yug

Juniors:

Ashley Lewaletang, Glimmer Marpa, Ashley Rapgeg, Tristan Ruway, Jayvie Taruweliut, Nicholas Untun, Jaimaleen Waayan

Seniors:

Stacee Bomtam, Renee Choorang, Samantha Gilinug, Jollynn Gilyoochen, Bertha Hartholmar, Vickay Kogol, Quinntiara Paag, Mayah Torwan, Aaron Yow

The following 21 students earned First Honors:

Freshmen:

Trinity Edilyong Reichhardt, Alice Fidngamang, Gabrina Garangmau, Aileen Lubumow, Perfi Talaid, Eliana Tinngig, Ryianna Torwan

Sophomores:

Alexander Agapito, Dan Lucas Agapito, Jovendra Rabolaatman, Trevor Talimeluw, Zedikiah Young-Uhk

Juniors:

Johanne Arao, Roselyn Beltran, CeeCee Keppin, Marciarose Matnan, Julia Ranganbay

Seniors:

Hans Banua, Giselle Giyetinag, Zoya-Marie Sigeyog

The Senior Baccalaureate Mass will be held on Friday, May 25th . Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th .

The students at Yap Catholic High School concluded their first semester on December 15th after three days of midterm exams. The school community has been hard at work for the second semester since January 3rd. Exciting upcoming events this semester include the Goodwill Games hosted by COM-FSM Yap Campus in collaboration with the Yap Sports Complex, the annual Evening of Prose and Poetry on Friday, March 16th, the Freshmen and Sophomores Days of Recollection, the Junior Agape Retreat, and the Under the Tree Music Showcase on Friday, May 4th.

In the Second Quarter 56 students received Perfect Attendance Honors for being at school and on time every single day of the second quarter. The overall attendance rate for the Second Quarter was an impressive 99.1%.

In addition to Attendance Honors, 61 students earned Academic Honors.

The following 41 students earned Second Honors:

Freshmen:

Edison Asay, Naomi Faimau, Jarvis Falow, Marrisa Gilyoochen, Genistasia Goofir, Megan Tinan, Ryianna Torwan, Maselyann Yangmog, Anthony Yinug

Sophomores:

Dan Lucas Agapito, Kathryn Grace Asay, Courtney Choay, Naomi Dugwem, Bryanne Laamuut Fenenigog, Vincent Jr. Mwailiuyalo, Zoe Nepomuceno, Jenalyn Tamangided, Kaivin Wariy, Zedikiah Young-Uhk

Juniors:

Jennaia Chonmon, Ashley Lewaletang, Glimmer Marpa, Ashley Rapgeg, Tristan Ruway, Jayvie Taruweliut, Nicholas Untun, Jaimaleen Waayan

Seniors:

Dorothy Baamer, Stacee Bomtam, Mellennia Falabtir, Samantha Gilinug, Jollynn Gilyoochen, Giselle Giyetinag, Vickay Kogol, Myla Mailing, Rachel Mongon, Quinntiara Paag, Candice Tiningdow, Carlson Tomihara, Mayah Torwan, Aaron Yow

The following 20 students earned First Honors:

Freshmen:

Trinity Edilyong Reichhardt, Alice Fidngamang, BrieAnndah Foruw, Gabrina Garangmau, Aileen Lubumow, Perfi Talaid, Eliana Tinngig, Teressa Wagthuth, Tia Yateng

Sophomores:

Alexander Agapito, Jovendra Rabolaatman, Trevor Talimeluw

Juniors:

Johanne Arao, Roselyn Beltran, CeeCee Keppin, Marciarose Matnan, Julia Ranganbay

Seniors:

Hans Banua, Renee Choorang, Zoya-Marie Sigeyog

Congratulations to all of our hardworking students for another great quarter! Thank-you for your perseverance as you continue to give your best effort in the second semester.

On Wednesday, November 8, administrators from the four high schools of Yap Proper met at Yap Catholic High School to discuss how the high schools can work together to improve the overall educational opportunities offered to the youth of the island. The meeting began with an assertion that the high school administrations should work towards helping each other in order to benefit all of the youth of Yap. The group also agreed to hold a meeting during the summer as well so that the principals of Outer Island High School and Neighboring Island High School can participate as well. The administrators of Yap High School, Faith Christian Academy, Yap SDA School, and Yap Catholic High School were present. Director of Education, Teresa Filepin, also attended the meeting as a sign of support from the Department of Education.

During the administrators meeting, YCHS Director Fr. Jack Mattimore, SJ and YCHS Principal Mr. Michael Wiencek gave an overview of the SRA Reading Lab program that will be implemented at all four high schools this year. The program was made possible through an AusAid grant and focuses on developing reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills for students.

Principal Michael Wiencek also reviewed the plan for upcoming trainings for the Yap Robo League which was recently expanded thanks to the efforts of Habele and the United States Department of the Interior. In early December, the four high schools will send their teacher representatives to YCHS to undergo the necessary training so that the students can begin building their robots in January to be prepared for the island wide Robo Day in May 2018.

The meeting concluded with an affirmation that the administrators would work together to communicate effectively in order to offer the best possible opportunities for the students. Upcoming events involving collaboration include: the Varsity Sports League, the Yap State Debate, and the Yap Science Fair hosted by COM-FSM Yap Campus. The high school administrators will meet again during the second semester to continue their collaborative efforts.

The University of Scranton in Scranton, PA honored Michael Wiencek, principal of Yap Catholic High School, with the Frank J. O’Hara Recent Graduate Award at the university's annual O’Hara Celebration during Alumni Weekend on June 9. The Frank J. O'Hara Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award bestowed jointly by the University and The Alumni Society. This award honors select alumni who embody Scranton's Catholic and Jesuit experience and who have achieved distinction in their professional or personal endeavors. Honorees are selected based on the nominees' commitment to Ignatian values and their pursuit of professional and personal excellence. The Frank J. O'Hara Recent Graduate Award presented to Wiencek is given to an alumnus/a who has graduated within the past ten years. The recipient will have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service for others in their personal or professional achievements, which embody Scranton's Catholic and Jesuit values.

Wiencek now enters his fifth year at Yap Catholic High School after joining the faculty as part of the volunteer teacher program.  The 2017-2018 school year will be his second year serving as principal.

Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., Interim President of the University of Scranton presents the O'Hara Award to  Principal Michael Wiencek

Over 300 members of the community gathered at the YCHS campus on Saturday, May 27th to witness the graduation of the sixteen members of the Class of 2017 during the 4th Commencement Exercises. Salutatorian Francis Yarofalyango gave the welcoming address followed by the student address given by Valedictorian Natasha Loochaz in which she focused on the importance of learning from mistakes, never giving up, and being willing to seek help from others.

The following student awards were presented during the ceremony:

Rull Mayor’s Award: Natasha Loochaz

Literature Award: Maia Lesarof

Mathematics Award: Natasha Loochaz

Science Award: Natasha Loochaz

Social Studies Award: Natasha Loochaz

English Language Arts Award: Natasha Loochaz

Religion Award: Natasha Loochaz

Bank of Guam IFIT Scholarships: Natasha Loochaz and Francis Yarofalyango

Perfect Attendance Award: Ted Chieg, Shawn Libyan, Rozeanne Ruema

Father Walter Ciszek, S.J. Award: Venessa Lauweiram

Pope Francis Service Award: Shawn Libyan

Living the Mission Award: Rozeanne Ruema

The transition of leadership from the graduation Class of 2017 to the rising senior class of 2018 was performed by Welna Laugeyaro and Zoya-Marie Sigeyog. The Commencement Address was given by Lourdes Robomon, Dean of COM-FSM Yap Campus and the FSM Fisheries and Maritime Institute. Principal Michael Wiencek then gave a final address to the Class of 2017 before the graduates officially received their diplomas.

Congratulations to the following graduates of the Class of 2017:

Sarah Alcantara Elizabeth Biyou

Bryan Bomtam Ted Chieg

John Steven Gilinug Jalani Gootinmutnguy

Welna Laugeyaro Venessa Lauweiram

Caslyn Legaleyetog Maia Lesarof

Shawn Libyan Natasha Loochaz

Blossom Moofal Rozeanne Ruema

Jonathan Tamngin Francis Yarofalyango

See our Facebook Page for more photos of the event.

The students at Yap Catholic High School continue to work hard both inside and outside of the classroom as they enter the final quarter of the year. Outside of the classroom, our students have been busy preparing for the annual Prose and Poetry event, practicing with their basketball teams, and updating the student-led STEM/ Robotics Club. A group of our student leaders also raised over $900 for the school by supporting their Yapese culture at the Yap Day celebrations.

Over 50% of the student body received perfect attendance honors for being at school and on time every single day of the third quarter. The overall attendance rate for the third quarter was an impressive 99.7%.

In addition to attendance honors, 42 students earned academic honors.

The following 25 students earned Second Honors:

Freshmen:

Kathryn Grace Asay, Namoi Dugwem, Samuel Falmog, Vincent Junior Mwailiuyalo, Zoe Nepomuceno, Jovendra Rabolaatman, Gloryanne Rungun, Jenalyn Tamangided, Kaivin Warity, Jasmina Yug

Sophomores:

Ashley Lewaletang, Cyril Moofel, Jayvie Taruweliut, Nicholas Untun, Jaimaleen Tiah Waayan 

Juniors:

Dorothy Baamer, Renee Choorang, Samantha Gilinug, Quinntiara Paag, Carlson Tomihara, Anthony Yinug

Seniors:

Sarah Alcantara, Bryan Bomtam, Shawn Libyan, Francis Yarofalyango

The following 17 students earned First Honors:

Freshmen:

Alexander Agapito, Dan Lucas Agapito, Bryanne Tionna Laamuut Fenenigog,Trevor Talimeluw, Zedikiah Young-Uhk

Sophomores:

Johanne Arao, Roselyn Beltran, Jennaia Chonmon, CeeCee Keppin, Marciarose Matnan, Julia Ranganbay

Juniors:

Hans Banua, Giselle Giyetinag, Zoya-Maria Sigeyog, Aaron Yow

Seniors:

Natasha Loochaz, Rozeanne Ruema

Congratulations to all of our hardworking students for another great quarter! Thank-you for your perseverance as you continue to give your best effort in the final quarter.