A school in Chuuk, FSM that is known for producing regional leaders and influencers is recognizing an exceptional group of alumni this year for graduating from two service academies, including the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Xavier High School in Chuuk is a college preparatory school for students from the FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. This year, three alumni of the high school —- Youki Susaia, Jr., Andre Nevado, and Hitoshi Oue — all members of the class of 2016 — completed four years of rigorous education and training at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The three Xavier High School alumni are from the FSM and Palau.
Dennis M. Baker, S.J., school president, in an online interview with PNC, says Xavier High School is extremely proud of the three graduates.
“We are very proud and in a lot of ways not so surprised. We were the top high school in Micronesia so our kids are really bright. I am not surprised that they could do well in a place like the Coast Guard or at Annapolis. But of course, you are just filled with such pride. I mean it is such a wonderful testament to them, to Xavier and their families,” Baker said.
Hea added: “We have other kids who are there now. We have one grad who is still with Naval Academy and one who is still with the Coast Guard.”
Xavier High School has produced several presidents, governors, senators from the Micronesian region. Its list of notable alumni includes Oxford scholar and Yapese Master Navigator Larry Raigetal and former FSM presidents Manny Mori, Peter Christian, and Joseph Urusemal.
The high school was established in 1952 and follows closely the academic programs at Jesuit institutions in the U.S.
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