By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Public School System capped its 37th founding anniversary on Thanksgiving Eve by naming nine educators and staff as state-level winners for School Year 2025-2026.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE Member Maisie B. Tenorio, and Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura led the surprise award announcements, visiting each school to honor the recipients.
For the past six years, the district has made surprise school visits to announce state-level winners, adding meaning to the PSS celebration. These education leaders described the recipients as “champions of champions.”
The awardees were led by Dr. Marifi A. Doculan, a secondary science teacher at Marianas High School, who was named the 2026 PSS State Teacher of the Year. She will represent the CNMI in the annual National Teacher of the Year competition.
Camacho said the 37th anniversary celebration remains meaningful because it honors the men and women who make student learning their priority.
“We are celebrating champions today…with three reasons they are being celebrated: by their families, by their schools, and by their students,” Camacho said. “Thank you for the many years of service.”
“The impressive work you all do impacts our lives. With the ecosystem of support you receive — from your family, students, peers, and from PSS — you are always first when we talk about educators,” he added.
BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong said the awardees are “critical in ensuring everyone’s success” in public education. “What you all do is critical in ensuring the success of all of us, especially as we navigate our education lives. We are proud of your accomplishments.”
BOE member Tenorio said the awardees, along with all PSS teaching and non-teaching personnel, are the “heart and soul” of the school district.
Miura added that classroom teachers, led by Doculan, and the rest of PSS, are “beacons to teachers and inspirations to students.”
Awardees
Doculan received the perpetual trophy from Ogumoro-Uludong, a plaque from Camacho, and a ceremonial check representing her $1,500 cash prize, courtesy of the Bank of Guam, represented by its vice president and regional development officer, Merced “Marcie” Tomokane.
Bank of Guam has supported PSS’s annual Teacher of the Year program for the past 10 years.
The other eight state-level awardees are:
• Teacher Aide of the Year – Michael Angelo M. Suazo, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School
• Instructor of the Year – John Eric T. Pineda, Kagman High School
• Counselor of the Year – Gabrielle R. Race, Marianas High School
• Librarian of the Year – Catherine K. Borja-Flores, Dandan Middle School
• School Administrative Support Staff of the Year – Angelica C. Atalig, GTC Elementary School
• Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year – Lando T. Laxamana, Kagman High School
• Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year – Victor D. Linan, Tinian Office of Pupil Transportation
• Central Office Administrative Support Staff of the Year – Lorie Lynn Baulechong, Special Education Program
The annual PSS State Level of the Year award selection committee was headed by the PSS Human Resources Office through Lucretia B. Deleon Guerrero and staff member Mia Carreron.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
