It’s more than a milestone - it’s a moment of living history. Seven young students from Maga’låhen Hurao CHamoru Academy Charter School are lighting the way forward, proudly carrying the torch of the CHamoru language, culture, and values.

KUAM got a frontrow seat as these students embark on a new chapter, marking the first fully fluent CHamoru-speaking class to graduate from the newly-chartered school.

It’s a sign that the CHamoru language and culture are not just surviving - they’re thriving. Seven bright 5th graders are making history as the first fully fluent CHamoru-speaking class - a language they’ve been immersed in since they were just four years old.

Sendalu Salas said, in Guam's native tongue, “I’m very happy that I’m graduating. This is my life as a CHamoru.”

And while these young graduates may sound like many of our elders, they carry the same butterflies in their stomachs that any child might feel before stepping into something new. Inina Kuper shared, again, in CHamoru, “I’m really happy to experience the new teachers, the new lessons, and everything new. But, I’m a bit scared in case I don’t know if I’m going to do good or it’s going to be hard—but I feel like I’m going to do good—but I’m not too sure.”

Even with a bit of uncertainty, these children move forward with pride and confidence, rooted in a deep sense of identity. And now, they won’t have to leave that behind - the journey continues, as hurao prepares to open its doors to a new middle school program.

Saina Ann Marie Arceo is the school’s founder. She said, “We are going to have a middle school and these kids will have a place to go to continue growing their self identity and being who they really want to be—leading in our community with all the respetu, inafamaolek, and a’guiya that will ground them and guide them.”

In every word they speak, in every step they take, these students remind us: the future of CHamoru is not just preserved, it is full of promise. “I’m really happy to be a part of this," said Kuper, "because it’s been a really long journey and I’m really happy to what’s coming.”

Saina Ann Marie also imprated wise words for the group, saying the future is in their hands.