Police reservist graduates from secondary school
Thirty-four years, Enoch DelaCruz, a police reservist serving with the Esa’ala District Police in Milne Bay Province has achieved an uncommon milestone in the province by returning to the classroom and graduating on Saturday from Wesley Secondary School after being away from formal education for 16 years.
Having missed out on Grade 11 after completing Grade 10 in 2008, DelaCruz’s returned to school for a second chance to fulfil his educational aspirations and pursue his dream of becoming a fully qualified police officer.
After completing Grade 10 at the then Wesley High School in 2008, DelaCruz did not progress to Grade 11. He remained at home until 2015 and joined the Esa’ala district Police as a reservist, dedicating himself to serving his community through law enforcement. For the next decade, he gained valuable experience in discipline, responsibility and community service.
However, his ambition to become a fully qualified police officer remained unfulfilled. DelaCruz applied twice to attend Bomana Police College, but both attempts were unsuccessful. Rather than abandoning his dream, he decided to return to school and strengthen his qualifications.
In 2025, Wesley Secondary School Principal Davanai Robia gave him the opportunity to enrol in Grade 11 alongside other selected students from across Milne Bay province.
Returning to the classroom after years away presented a new challenge, particularly adapting to study alongside younger students.
"I attempted to speak with the school principal, Mr Robia, I verbally spoke to him once to return to school but he didn't believe in me. I didn't give up, I tried again the second time. He decided to give me a second chance. But actually, I had always had that motivation to strive and return to do Gr 11', DelaCruz said
For him, obtaining a Grade 12 certificate was an important step towards realizing his ambition of gaining entry into Bomana Police College.
Coming from a policing background, he was appointed prefect responsible for justice and welfare, a role that allowed him to apply his experience in maintaining discipline and promoting the wellbeing of students. He embraced the responsibility, helping address disciplinary issues and supporting teachers in maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.
His commitment and leadership did not go unnoticed.
DelaCruz has earned the admiration of the school’s principal and teachers for his outstanding contribution to student welfare, leadership and discipline.
Principal Robia described DelaCruz as one of the school's top students and commended his positive influence on the school community.
"One of our top students in academic and attitude. The change of environment at the school, Enoch was one of the most influential persons that helps teachers and the community to control the students. A very strong leader and transparent in his approach." principal Robia said.
DelaCruz’s achievement has also earned recognition from his colleagues in the Esa’ala District Police. Officer-in-Charge of Esa’ala District Police, Constable Ottio Herena, who attended the graduation, said DelaCruz, affectionately known as Rocky, was one of the force's dedicated officers.
Herena said the nickname reflected DelaCruz’s courage, commitment and willingness to take on challenging duties during police operations throughout the district.
"What he achieved has made us very proud as Esa’ala NCOs. We gave him a nickname 'Rocky' because he's one of the guys who shows a lot of interest in work and shows no fear. We call him Rocky when we are with him doing police operations around the district."
With his Grade 12 certificate now achieved, DelaCruz is looking ahead to the 2027 intake at Bomana Police College in Port Moresby.
His journey from police reservist to secondary school graduate demonstrates that setbacks do not have to define a person's future, and that determination can reopen doors once thought closed.