HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — During a public hearing on Thursday, two Guahan Academy Charter School high school students left an impression on members of the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council, who are deciding whether the school’s charter should be renewed.
“I’ve stayed a student here because the school has taught me more than any other schools have, … namely, Price Elementary and iLearn Academy Charter School. Guahan Academy Charter School’s curriculum actually challenges me. I get given extra work that wraps my brain,” said Dallas Cauthen, a ninth grade student who started attending the school in 2017 as a third grader.
He testified that GACS has helped him build his mental and emotional intellect as he asked the council to, “please keep the Guahan Academy Charter School open so that each and every one of my fellow students can continue to strive for lifelong success after becoming productive members of our community.”
Cauthen, an aspiring cardiologist, reported having an IQ of 142, which intrigued council members who asked whether the GACS curriculum was challenging enough for the teen.
As a product of the school, he said GACS was stimulating and helpful.
“Well, one of my career advisers, Mr. Robert Crisostomo, helped me meet up with a doctor who is taking residency at UC Davis, … it’s part of the career program,” Cauthen said.
GACS junior Teuila Keresoma, a student and Guam Youth Congress representative, also testified in support of the school
Keresoma attended GACS since the fifth grade, but briefly left GACS to attend a Guam Department of Education public school before returning to the charter school. The experience solidified her choice to attend GACS.
“In reflecting on my time away from Guahan Academy, I have come to the profound realization that the school possesses a quality that is elusive in many other educational institutions,” she said. “At Guahan Academy, the bond among students, teachers and staff transcends, … it is not just a cliche.”
“I appreciate the students coming forward because that’s the most powerful thing, you know. It’s nice to hear that,” Evangeline Cepeda, Guam Academy Charter Schools Council chair, said, adding in her remarks that she was impressed by the two students’ testimony.
Guam Academy Charter Schools Council had 45 days to hold the public hearing on the petition to renew the GACS charter.
Now, the Council has 30 days to decide to renew or reject the GACS charter petition.
GACS was approved as the first charter school on island in 2010 and opened its doors in 2013. It is the only charter school that services elementary, middle and high school grade levels.
Guahan Academy Charter School student Dallas Cauthen speaks in support of the renewal of the school charter during the Guam Academy Charter Schools Council meeting Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Tiyan.
