(PSS) — Stakeholder engagement was one of the highlights of the 39th Marianas High School-Seisa High School Cultural Exchange Program.
Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Board of Education chair, and Andrew L. Orsini, the BOE’s most senior member, joined this year’s MHS-Seisa Cultural Day celebration at Marianas High School on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
This year, there were 143 students from Seisa High School who participated in the week-long program that began on Feb. 20.
The Japanese students, accompanied by their teachers, engaged with their MHS counterparts in activities that aim to strengthen the relationship between the two learning institutions.
While here, the Japanese students toured the island, visiting historical sites in the north. They also participated in cultural and sports exchange activities at the Oleai Sports Complex, including coconut husking, coconut candy making, coconut weaving, bead making, crochet, and sports such as volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer.
MHS’ annual cultural exchange program with Seisa High School grew out of the friendship between the late Bert Thompson, a former Marianas High School teacher, and Yasuo Miyazawa, founder of the SEISA Group.
Miyazawa’s legacy with the people of the Northern Marianas lives on through the program.
One of the CNMI’s longest-serving educators, James Feger, 2nd left, and one of the visiting Seisa High School educators, 2nd right, pose for a photo with BOE Chair Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, left, and BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, right.
From left, seated, Board of Education Chair Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong and BOE member Andrew L. Orsini with, standing from left, Marianas High School PTSA Vice President Ed Arriola Jr., Vice Principal Preston Basa and cooperative education teacher Kristina Torres.
Educator James Feger presented BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong and BOE member Andrew L. Orsini with Roccball shirts. Feger created the sport of Roccball in 1979.
