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Vice President Falcam Addressed Saraman Chuuk Class of 1997 Graduates

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): May 28, 1997 - FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam traveled to Weno, Chuuk, to address the 1997 graduating class at the Saraman Chuuk Academy, in response to an invitation to the Office of the FSM President. It was his second public address since he was sworn in as the nation's Vice President.

In welcoming and congratulating the 52 graduates, the Vice President said, "[...] today is the day that our nation will welcome 52 highly educated citizens, some into the work force and some onto higher education. We, who are your nation's leaders, and we, who are your parents, are proud of your achievements."

Falcam told the graduates that they are in the process of becoming scholars, becoming responsible citizens, and trustworthy adult. Quoting from a renowned Pacific island writer, Robert Louis Stevenson who once said, "To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life," adding the he believes that, to become what we are capable of is the purpose of education.

Falcam gave the graduates a refresher course on the Christian values reminding them of the Golden Rule founded on the premise of love. Quoting from prophet Paul, in I Corinthians 13, who told us: Love never ends. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

He urged them to take their responsibility to the society. Reminding the famous quote by the late US President, John F. Kennedy saying: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Adding, "a government is only as good as the people it governs. If you, our human resource, show integrity and initiative, so will your government," Falcam stated.

Self-understanding or awareness, Falcam said, is the third quality. Saying that through personal, spiritual and intellectual development, one can maximize his potential to be the kind of human being that God intended for us to be.

The fourth quality is education. You need to be educated further which would be part of your lives until eternity. You are our resources of tomorrow, Falcam told the graduates. "We are collaborators with our Creator. We are God's greatest piece of work and it is up to us to live up to the hope that He has for us. That he always had for us, ever since we were created. he requires us not to squander our potential as a resource for our country. And this is my call to you. Without you, he stated, all our other resources mean nothing. But with you, with all your work and effort, all our resources will be used to their maximum potential," said the FSM Vice President.

In closing his address, Falcam congratulated the faculty, staff, parents and the School Board of Director for their efforts which is bearing fruits in the society.

Fifty students graduated. The Valedictorian was Elinora M. Umwech and the Salutatory address was by Mary Jane Hartman. Diplomas were presented by Bishop Amando Samo, assisted by Mark Demers.