Gregorio Sablan: “50 years ago, the first school to offer secondary education in the Northern Mariana Islands was officially named Hopwood…”

“50 years ago, the first school to offer secondary education in the Northern Mariana Islands was officially named Hopwood Junior-Senior High School, in honor of Admiral Herbert Gladstone Hopwood, commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1969, when a senior high school opened, the name was shortened to Hopwood Junior High School. But the school itself expanded. It now has the second-largest student body of any Northern Marianas school, serving nearly 1,200 young scholars. Facilities expanded to vocational education buildings; an alternative school, Lina'la Malawasch Academy; and a performing arts building. Hopwood's motto is: ``We Make Every Day the Best.'' This upbeat attitude is reflected in a record of performance, including awards in regional forensic and theater competitions, spelling bees, and Academic Challenge Bowls. From humble beginnings in 1949, to this day, Hopwood has served a vital role in the lives of our students and our communities. I have great confidence the school will continue to distinguish itself in the years to come. Congratulations to the Hopwood Hilitais. ____________________”