Why Russia is flexing in the Pacific
United says Japan capacity returning to pre-pandemic levels
Insights
As the ads of graduates appear , I smile . Congratulations to all 2023 graduates on your accomplishments . An exciting future awaits you .
I smile , as well , because the class of Academy of Our Lady of 1974 , is planning their 50th reunion . How time flies .
To the current graduates , make a memory box for your booklets , yearbooks and school items . Write a reflection of your graduation now . Jot down the songs , island events and world occurrences that graced this period . Certainly , you battled the pandemic — and won .
During your reunions , you will appreciate reading and remembering .
During our organizational meetings and chats , there is great laughter . Stuff we remember and stuff we would rather not . At times , we were a wild class . We got in trouble for outrageous deeds , such as ripping our uniforms . We all remember the aftermath of that crazy stunt . Sister Frances Jerome was rightfully livid and disappointed . We had to staple back together the shreds of blue and white checkered fabric . We laugh as we shake our heads now . We were also an accomplished class .
Sister Frances Jerome reminded me it was my dad who helped AOLG get its first accreditation in 1974 . He introduced her to the WASC chairperson , Dr . Siverson , who was visiting the University of Guam at the time for the Triton accreditation . Dad convinced Sister Frances Jerome to make the application .
We are an outstanding class of 79 women — individuals with special traits . Seven have since ascended to heaven : Elena , Sister Tess , Patty , Mila , Cerila , Elsie and Bobbie J . We remember each of them , their smiles , their spirit and their love .
Bev , our senior class president , runs our meetings . Joann and Doris are co-pilots for the reunion organization . Rosemary excels in keeping records of
The golden years
who is where while Alicia keeps the 50th Reunion Chat current . Brenda and Merilyn energize the chat with focused content . The off – island ladies – May Ann , Jules , Char , Josephine , Vangie , Aurora , Janice , Merci , Bobbie and Kathy – zoom into the meetings , bringing great perspectives that promise July 2024 to be meaningful and hilarious , at the same time .
The 1974 Class of AOLG and Father Duenas Memorial School were the last classes to walk the aisles of the Agana cathedral together for commencement . For our 50th , we will replay that historic event on June 1 – the date we graduated 50 years ago .
In July , the class of 1974 Notre Dame will join the celebration . Tri-school gatherings are being planned – mass and a picnic at Arriola Beach in Malesso .
AOLG 1974 will celebrate its golden year with hikes , lunches , nights out , boat trips and other gatherings . We especially welcome Delores , Anita , Bobbie , Gloria , Maricar and others , who were a part of our class but graduated elsewhere . Finding everyone is a work in progress with awesome results . The “ need information ” column is lessening day by day .
Joann is spearheading the development of a Golden Jubilee AOLG book . A Silver Jubilee AOLG book was published for our 25th celebration . Keeping our “ herstory ” in print is important for a variety of reasons . One is the proud proclamation that AOLG helped many successful , happy and productive community members get a good start .
Education makes a difference .
Finding the original disc for the AOLG book is a challenge . If anyone knows the whereabouts of this disc and how we can access it , please let us know . We would appreciate it . Without it , the production of a golden jubilee book will be difficult .
Another reason for an updated book is to help our families remember our paths . Life zooms and memories falter . One of the interesting moments of these organizational meetings is learning who transferred into AOLG and who left . For example , Bev was an islander for a flash and then became one of us . Their loss , our gain . Or Anita was one of us and then became a Gecko . Our loss , their gain .
Golden hearts throughout . Fifty years later , we continue to listen , laugh , live , learn . Biba 1974 AOLG !
Aline Yamashita is a mom , a teacher and former senator . She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures . Send feedback to aline4families @ gmail . com .
The opinions expressed here are solely the author ' s and do not reflect the editorial position of the Pacific Island Times . rom the comment box
US , Palau ink second compact review agreement
This is excellent news and now what can the U . S . do to help with fishery issues ?
— James Borton
Military may need more land and air space for Guam missile defense system
This is why we need the military to build good relationships with the Micronesian people . We need the people to also understand why the military is here to help . If decolonization doesn ’ t work we ’ ll have to do with what we ’ ve got . — Megan Hart Certeza
Proposed site for Guam missile defense to be approved this year .
It ’ s about time they start this up . Too much investments in our island and no peace of mind . — Jerry Y . Gamboa Sr .
Why Russia is flexing in the Pacific
Need a new cold war to “ stabilize ” the world economy .
— Paul Perez
Don ’ t lose faith in temporary residents sitting in D . C . The U . S . Navy — our Navy — is stronger than ev er .
— Brian Matic
United says Japan capacity returning to pre-pandemic levels
There are the other airlines that are in and out of Guam . Why choose United if it doesn ’ t fit your needs and your demands ? Isn ’ t that simple ?
– Jeff Kintoki
From Japan to Guam is a four-hour flight for $ 1,600 ! Whereas Japan- Icheon-Guam is a 12-hour flight for $ 400 ! — Maria Cruz
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