TINIAN (PSS) — Eight private businesses and a government agency were praised by the Public School System for their partnership with the Cooperative Education Program through the on-the-job internship program for high school students.
PSS’ Cooperative Education Program is a significant source of trained-and workforce-ready high school graduates.
For this school year, 19 Tinian high school students completed their internship.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna joined PSS Co-Op Program Coordinator Brandon Nicholas, Tinian Junior-Senior High School Principal Liz Persinzki and Tinian High School Cooperative Education and Training Teacher Patricia Aguon in celebrating their partnership on Wednesday.
A School Year 2023-2024 Company Appreciation event was held by PSS Cooperative Education for the eight participating private businesses: Ace Hardware Tinian, Huang Shun Corporation, JC Café, Star Marianas Air, Think Tank Pacific Solutions, Tinian Diamond Hotel, Tinian Fuel Services, and Tinian Isla Community Health.
Tinian Junior-Senior High School’s government partner for this school year is the Department of Public Safety-Tinian.
This school year’s students-interns are Keyanie Arriola, Elani Mae Borja, Elbert Litulumar Cano, Bernadette Audrey Fleming, Cesllee Ciara Ayuyu John, Brian Toves King II, Tano-Donald S.N. King II, Esteven S.N. King Jr. II, Rchie Mae Inguito Lagunay, Luina Dong Lowery, Draeshia Manibusan Manglona, Jesus Jose Pangelinan Manglona, Dennise Diana Miguel, Keith King-Nabors Jr., Mefi KJ Sanchez Norech-Lazaro, Ethan Jermille Cruz Palacios, Marcial Ramos Patio Jr., Redenald Dorado Patio, and Kelvin M. Shrestha.
Through recorded video presentations, the students expressed appreciation for the PSS Co-Op Program and TJSHS, including their Co-Op teacher, Patricia Aguon.
These students are from 10th to 12th grades, 16 years old and above.
Six of them are with the CNMI Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, which partners with the PSS Co-Op Program, said Patricia Aguon, TJSHS cooperative education and training teacher.
‘Value of efficacy’
Commissioner of Education Dr. Camacho said the students’ successful internship reflects the effectiveness of the program.
“The value of efficacy is felt by our students who experienced the program and carry forward these experiences to their classrooms. And in turn, shares them, and motivates their classmates and peers to follow their lead, and eventually, pursue higher education or a career of their choice,” he said.
In praising the Co-Op Program partners, Camacho said the school district will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that “our public school students, including our very own here in Tinian, will continue to be served at every opportunity.”
“Each and every day, the Office of the Commissioner of Education and your Board of Education do everything that it can for all of our students. I am just excited to be among our private and public sector partners and thank you for allowing our students to network and to be mentored,” he said.
The internship program provided by PSS to public school students through the Co-Op Program is an “added benefit that increases the development in student learning,” he said.
“We will continue to work with you and with everyone to increase the value of the career-related programs we provide our students. As industry partners, you are part of the learning process. You are part of the educational experience of our students,” Camacho added.
‘Thank you’
Co-Op Program Coordinator Nicholas said the partnership between the private and public sectors is an investment in the future.
“Thank you for allowing our students to be a part of your workplace. Whether it was one of the stores that provide urgently needed goods for everyone in the community, a restaurant that serves delectable goodies that Saipan people won’t ever stop talking about, or offices that allow them to experience the wonderful world of administrative work or last but definitely not least, the vital lifeline that is the only provider of air transportation between Tinian and the rest of the world — thank you,” Nicholas said.
He added, “I think we need to be completely honest with each other and share that things have been hard on this side of the Marianas. When we read news about our current events, especially happening here on our islands, it is not incorrect to assume that those same challenges are somewhat tenfold here on Tinian. Despite the numerous setbacks and challenges that you all face here, you have still found time to invest in the future of our islands, and partner with us to help our students here in Tinian experience the world of work. Thank you partners, and we truly hope you consider partnering with us again in the future.”
To the students-interns, Nicholas said: “We hope that you had as much fun as we did helping you guys navigate the world of work along with your studies. Our time together was short and as much as we wish it could be longer, there’s a whole world out there for you to experience, explore and enjoy.”
Tinian business representatives and Tinian Department of Public Safety officials pose for a photo with the 19 students-interns of the PSS Cooperative Education Program and Tinian Junior Senior High School as they celebrate the end of the internship program Wednesday. Joining them are Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, TJSHS Principal Liz Persinzki, and Tinian Cooperative Education and Training Teacher Patricia Aguon.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho thanks PSS’ Cooperative Education Program partners.
The PSS Cooperative Education Program’s government partner in Tinian is the Department of Public Safety. Photo shows DPS-Tinian officials and their student interns after they were presented with a plaque of recognition by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Associate Commissioner Administrative Service Eric Magofna and TSJHS Principal Liz Perzinski.
Representatives of Huang Shun Corporation, a private sector partner in Tinian, receive a plaque of recognition from PSS officials.
Another longstanding partner, JC Café, is honored by the PSS Cooperative Education Program.
Star Marianas Air, the only inter-island airline that serves Tinian, is honored by PSS leaders.
Think Tank Pacific Solutions, a new private company, is praised for supporting the PSS Cooperative Education Program.
Tinian Diamond Hotel, the newest hotel on island, is another partner honored by the PSS Cooperative Education Program.
Tinian Fuel Services is honored by PSS leaders for supporting the PSS Cooperative Education Program.
Tinian Isla Community Health was honored by PSS leaders led by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho.
With its student interns, Tinian Ace Hardware, through a representative, was honored by the PSS Cooperative Education Program through Program Coordinator Brandon Nicholas, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna and Principal Liz Perzinski of Tinian Junior Senior High School.
