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President Nena Addressed PATS 1997 Graduating Class

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 3, 1997 - President Jacob Nena addressed the 1997 graduating class at Pohnpei Agriculture Training School (PATS) at their graduation commencement on May 24, 1997.

In his address, the President congratulated the graduating class for their successful completion of the four year intensive studies in both academic and trade courses.

Nena urged the graduates to pursue their desired destiny with courage and determination. Noting that the FSM is undergoing changes. From reliance on foreign financial subsidies or resources to domestic or local resources. "Which means that we must work harder and produce the goods and services for ourselves and cut back on imported goods and services with which we are accustomed," the President said.

"The knowledge and trade skills obtained at PATS has prone you for this eventuality," Nena stated.

The valedictory address was delivered by James Gartamag-Lukan from Yap while the salutatory was by Thomas Kostika from Pohnpei.

Of the 30 students in the Class of 1997, 19 graduated with diplomas in construction, 10 in mechanic and one in agriculture. Special awards were presented to deserving graduates. This year's graduates included students from Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Marshalls and Palau.

Nearly 200 people attended the graduation ceremony including parents, relatives, friends, local and national officials, and PATS faculty members and staff.

All those attended the graduation were invited to a luncheon prepared by the school.