CNMI and education officials joined students in cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of two new modular classrooms at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School in San Roque on Wednesday.
The $300,000 (not “nearly $400,000” as earlier reported) prefabricated classroom project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act for the Public School System.
Education Commissioner Lawrence Camacho, who was himself a student at GTC Elementary School, thanked the administration for supporting the journey of providing the best for all students. He also expressed gratitude to the Board of Education, especially Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, for their ongoing support, and to members of the Legislature for backing up PSS.
The commissioner likewise recognized the GTC Parent-Teacher-Student Association and teachers for always being there for the students. In addition, he thanked the project contractor, CJ Innovation, “for this wonderful opportunity, as these classrooms will be extremely valuable for our school in terms of space.”
Camacho noted that it was former GTC Principal Raena Camacho who first raised the need for new classrooms at the school. The modular classroom project began during her tenure.
Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola noted that the late Gregorio T. Camacho, after whom the school is named, played a key role in building the community. “To come here is quite heartwarming, and I appreciate it,” he said. He also thanked CJ Innovation, the BOE, the school faculty and staff, as well as PSS officials, for their hard work. “These new modular classrooms really show our resilience, our willingness to grow, and our commitment to move forward,” Mendiola added.
He also commended Special Advisor for Policy and Programs Kimo M. Rosario for managing the federal funds process.
Rosario said the modular classroom project is the product of collaboration among the administration, PSS, stakeholders and contractors. “The credit goes to everybody,” he said.
Ogumoro-Uludong expressed gratitude for the resources and manpower available to build classrooms. Speaking to the students, he said, “It’s wonderful to see we have this infrastructure now, where you kids can continue learning Chamorro and Carolinian languages. It’s nice to see we have classroom space.”
According to Assistant Commissioner of Education for Administration Eric Magofna, “These new modular classrooms are why we do what we do. This is for you, students — the future.” He described the additional classrooms at GTC as “a reflection of our shared commitment to education and belief in a bright future for all students.”
Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Kodep Ugumoro-Uludong, and other CNMI officials join students in cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of modular classrooms at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School in San Roque on Tuesday.
From left, Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, Assistant Commissioner of Education for Administration Eric Magofna, CJ Innovation’s Carmen Deleon Guerrero, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Rep. Joel Camacho, GTC Elementary School Principal Derwin Johnson, Board of Education Chairman Kodep Ugumoro-Uludong and CJ Innovation Executive Director Yoo Yoon Jae pose for group photo after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new modular classrooms at GTC Elementary School on Tuesday.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
