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03/04/25 - Corrections officer 1 Cleon R. Pacho was hailed valedictorian as well as top gun of the Department of Corrections’ 10th Cycle Corrections Academy during its graduation rites last Friday at Crown Plaza Resort Saipan.
Joining Pacho in the 10th Cycle Corrections Academy are COI Manuel Q. Camacho Jr., COI Sebastian S. Muna, COI Brandon H. Dela Cruz, COI Prince R. Norita, COI Simon I. Fitial, COI Jerica E. Okaruru, COl Vincent S. Iba, COI Mikel P. Johnson, COI Raeisah M. Rios, COI Koen I. Kabiriel, COI Lance N. Sablan, COI Crystal N. Kapileo, COI Esmcleebert M. Siden, COl Johnnie F. Kapileo, and COI Vicente S. Ythemar.
In his valedictory speech, Pacho spoke about four tenets he learned at the Corrections Academy—respect, integrity, teamwork, and accountability.
He said respect is a value that is earned and not given, adding that it’s the fundamental principle of ethics and is the basis of societal structure.
“We earn that privilege of being respected through our actions daily, achieving a higher level of respect and set a higher standard day in, day out.”
Pacho said integrity means using your better judgment and to doing the right thing even when no one is looking.
“[It’s owning] up to the consequences of your actions [and taking] pride in what you do and who you are.”
On teamwork, he equated it to camaraderie, collaboration, and bonding to create an effort to accomplish a certain goal.
“As I speak on behalf of my cycle-mates, we build this teamwork to create a positive change within our department and for the better of our society.”
Accountability, for him, means the obligation of meeting goals and the accomplishment of duties.
“[It’s] holding ourselves and our values accountable to every action we make.”
DOC Commissioner Anthony Torres said the ceremony marks an extraordinary milestone for 17 new Corrections officers.
“[It’s] a moment that signifies not only your achievements, but also the beginning of your journey as leaders, protectors of our communities, and agents of change. As we gather here in this moment of celebration, I implore you to reflect on the profound significance of the choices that have brought you here and the choices that lie ahead.”
He acknowledged that Pacho and company completing their training at the Corrections Academy is no small feat.
“It represents countless hours of hard work, resilience, and determination. Each of you made a choice to embark on this challenging journey, knowing full well the sacrifices it would demand. But you chose to rise to the occasion, to uphold the values of respect, integrity, teamwork, accountability. As you stand ready to step into your roles as correctional officers within the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Corrections, the power of choice looms ever larger. The choices you make from this day forward will not only define your careers, but also the lives of those we serve and protect,” said Torres.
He also shared a lesson or two about true leadership.
“The power of choice, when harnessed, allows leaders to remain steady during storms of crisis, fostering a sense of calm and assurance within their teams. Remember, you all have that power. They shape your character, influence, and your path, and ultimately can find your impact on others. Choose wisely, choose boldly, be courageous, and let your actions speak volumes about the values you represent.”
Torres then said there are only two people whose pride should truly matter to you—the 8-year-old you, full of dreams; and the 80-year-old you, full of memories.
“Both are watching now. The child you once were is still in sight, filled with wonder and hope, waiting to see if you'll chase the dreams they once believed in. They don't care about success the way the world does. They just want to see you try to be brave enough to go after what truly makes you happy. And then, there's the older you, the one who's lived through it all and knows how quickly time passes. They don't care about achievements or what others think. They just want you to slow down, cherish the small moments, love deeply, laugh freely, and fully embrace the life you have today because those moments won't last forever. If, in this moment, both of them look at you with pride, if the child sees their hero and the elder sees their life, well, we'll live. And you can rest easy. Because in the end, it was never about being perfect. It was about being true to yourself. About making the little one proud and giving the older one peace.”
Also in attendance during the graduation ceremony was Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang and he implored the new Corrections officers to keep focused, sharp, alert, and calm at all times as they dispense their duties at DOC.
“If I know anything about the work you are getting into, or getting into yourself, you will not be experiencing eight hours a day, 48 hours a week. Your psychological and physical capabilities will be tested in every way imaginable as the work of a Corrections officer is not static, predictable, and easily manageable.”
He also thanked the new Corrections officers’ families for the sacrifices they made and will be making in the years to come.
“To your families, thank you for standing by your spouse, your son, your daughter, grandson, and granddaughter, for making this commitment because the Department of Corrections does not close at the end of each work day. There will be a lot of sacrifices and each correctional officer will be expected to report the duty at his or her scheduled shift.”
CO1 Romeo Herman, who served as inspirational speaker, had this solemn request to the 17 newly minted Corrections officers—this time be an inspiration to others.
“The numbers don't compute when you mush up. When your body is failing, right? When your muscles give up, but you have that sheer willpower to continue to do those overhead hand claps, those touching the toes, doing all the exercises that you can do. The numbers don't compute. See, the numbers don't compute to you over the loop. When you look at your daughter every day, you come to a facility when you know that there's people twice your size. But you come here, you give it your all 100%. But you come here to show everyone that people can have a second chance. See, numbers don't compute to you, see, to all of you guys. Numbers don't compute to who you were in the past, who you are now, and it sure as heck don't compute to who you're going to be in the future. I have faith in you guys, 100%. Let's not let these numbers make us scared. I say, don't judge a man in his current situation,” he said.
In an interview after the 10th Cycle Corrections Academy graduation ceremony, Pacho’s mother Cathy, said she’s proud of her son’s accomplishments, noting that he “struggled” as a cadet and she’s glad all his labor has borne fruit.
Pacho, for his part, acknowledged the challenges he and his cycle-mates went through during their time at the academy.
“I prepared as much as I can. I did whatever I could. But nothing prepared me for what I have to experience inside. Every day is a different day and every person is a different character.”
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Story by Mark Rabago
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