What a Habele Scholarship Means to Four Families

In a handwritten letter to Habele, Yesra Ruiguifmal described what tuition support means at home and at school. It eases a financial burden for her parents, she wrote, and “it helps me focus without having to worry.”

Yesra’s family comes from Falalop on Woleai Atoll. She earned First Honors at Yap Catholic High School this quarter with a 98 average. In her letter, she explained why she works so hard. “I strive everyday for the best so I can come back home someday and contribute to my community.”

Isabella Tinan, a fourth grader from Nimar in Weloy, earned a 4.0 this quarter at St. Mary’s School on Yap, including a 99 in math. Her mother, Margaret, sent the report with a photograph of Isabella smiling beside a tree. She thanked Habele for continuing to support her daughter.

Virginia N. Sartilug grew up on Satawal in Yap’s Outer Islands wanting to become a teacher. In 2009, a Habele scholarship helped her attend high school on Pohnpei. She went on to earn a degree from the College of Micronesia–FSM. After working for the FSM national government on Pohnpei, she returned home to Yap to work in the state Department of Education’s special education program.

“The support I received through the scholarship has contributed to where I am today as an educator, giving back to my community,” Virginia said. This fall she sent Habele a report card for her son, Daniel Taisacan Igeitil, now a Habele scholar himself. Daniel is in fourth grade at St. Mary’s on Yap and earned a 97 in social studies.

Velanica Annes sent her own report from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School on Pohnpei. An eleventh grader from Kipar in Sokehs, Velanica earned a first-quarter GPA of 4.00, with 100s in Algebra II and chemistry. She wrote, “You have been a big help for me and my family, and we appreciate everything.”