Overview:
Palau High School’s Class of 2026 crossed the stage this week as 117 students graduated during the school’s 62nd Commencement Exercise — a milestone celebration that weathered a rainstorm but never lost its spirit, moving from the PCC cafeteria to the PCC gym as families cheered on.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — Palau High School graduated 117 students this week during its 62nd Commencement Exercise, marking another milestone for the nation’s only public high school.
The ceremony was held at the Palau Community College cafeteria. Due to limited seating, organizers issued two tickets per graduate for parents, with remaining unreserved seats opened to the public. Heavy rain toward the end of the program forced many graduates, parents and well-wishers to relocate to the PCC gym, where celebrations continued.
Megan Alexa Ditona Funa, daughter of Filipino parents raised in Palau, was named salutatorian of the Class of 2026. Levi Tabesul Clapp, son of American missionaries born and raised in Palau, was named valedictorian. Clapp also received the Palau High School Parents, Teachers and Students Association (PHS PTSA) Academic Excellence Award.
Several scholarships and awards were presented during the ceremony:
- The Sumang Demei Memorial Scholarship, now in its 35th year, was awarded to Kiralynn Remeriang Ngirchomlei and Taira Balii Tellei Kishigawa.
- The Blesam Memorial Fund Scholarship, in its 11th year, went to Asami Jordan Ngirmidol.
- The Belau Class of 1984 Award, given to students who overcame significant challenges during high school, was presented to Eve Hokulani Tirso and LeBron Mateariki Basilius.
- The newly established Ngarchelong State Government Scholarship was awarded for the first time, with Kylie Kuye Ourois named as its inaugural recipient.
The Theatre & Arts Club Award, recognizing students who excelled in theater performance, playwriting and stage production, was presented to Frances Hannah Yutis, Christian Munar, Rafael Kiora, Henio Kel-ty, Taira Kishigawa and Anastacio Ukong.
Destiny Etpison received the Citizenship Award. Additional students were recognized with Highest Honor, High Honor and Honor Roll distinctions, along with awards for athletics, leadership and individual academic achievement.
The Palau High School commencement concluded the island’s 2026 graduation season.
