OVER 90 Public School System personnel and students were honored Wednesday during a CNMI-wide Education Day celebration at Saipan Southern High School that also highlighted PSS’ 34th anniversary.
The awardees included PSS 2023 Teacher of the Year Donovan Tudela; 2023 State Counselor of the Year Frank Rabauliman Jr.; 2023 Instructor of the Year Jennie Magofna; 2023 Teacher Aide of the Year Carleen Lizama; and 2023 Administrative Support Staff of the Year Estanislao Limes.
Also honored were the winners of the 2023 Education Day PSS-wide competition: Education Month Theme Winner Logan Zane T. Atalig (4th grade, Sinapalo Elementary School), Education Month Logo Winner Ashley Kyle E. Cayabyab (10th grade, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior-Senior High School), and Education Month Essay Winner Ysharei Lizama Sanje (8th grade, Dandan Middle School).
In his remarks, Board of Education Chairman Gregorio Pat Borja honored the men and women of PSS for their sacrifices and commitment.
He said when he was still a PSS employee, he always looked forward to Education Day which allowed him to meet with peers and share ideas.
“Education Day is where I developed friendships with those outside of my school. My fellow coaches and I would set aside our rivalries and engage in activities that brought us closer together. I also loved each school’s presentation of their [outstanding personnel]. The creativity always brought a smile to my face.”
All the other members of the BOE, the policymaking and governing body of PSS, were present during the celebration: Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio, Board Member Herman Atalig, Board Member Andrew L. Orsini, Teacher Representative Phyllis Ain, Non-Public School Representative Dr. Ron Snyder, and Student Representative Ryan Michael Nuera.
The theme for this year’s celebration was, “The Heart of Education Beats with Resiliency, Flexibility, and Unity.”
‘Like a human heart’
In his remarks, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada said PSS functions like a human heart.
“Like how the human heart plays a big role in keeping the body healthy and alive, each and everyone of you plays an important role in keeping our education system up and running,” he told the PSS employees.
“You are the heart of education. And as our theme proclaims, you all beat with resiliency, flexibility and unity. No typhoons, no pandemic or economic crisis has ever stopped you from putting Students First,” Ada added.
He said this year is particularly special because it marked the first year toward recovery from the Covid-19 global pandemic. “We are able to celebrate Education Day together as one school system for the first time in years. Although we are still in recovery mode, the spirit toward the light is still bright. Today’s celebration unifies us in every way.”
He added, “May we continue to remain resilient, flexible, and united. Together, we can conquer anything.”
Also participating in the celebration were Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
School-level winners
The BOE, Commissioner Ada and the Education Day Committee likewise recognized all school-level winners in various teaching and non-teaching positions.
The school winners in various categories who were honored Wednesday:
Garapan Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Jessica Mendez
Instructor of the Year: Rosalita Hosono
Teacher Aide of the Year: Carleen Lizama
Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Maribel Igitol
Instructor of the Year: Jennifer Magofna
Teacher Aide of the Year: Jeding Take
Library Aide of the Year: Lisascheeyong Iginoif
Administrative Staff of the Year: Leonie Dela Cruz
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Dominator Concepcion
Kagman Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Imelda Nazarene Talon
Instructor of the Year: Janerline Saimon
Teacher Aide of the Year: Penelope Norita
Counselor of the Year: Tracy Lyn Santos
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Luisito Bautista
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Eladia G. Muna
Koblerville Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Francis Mendiola
Instructor of the Year: Alma K. Villagomez
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Kevin Adachi
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Sandy B. Quemado
Oleai Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Sherlyn Cruz
Teacher Aide of the Year: Randy Pagapular
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Charlene P. Valle
San Vicente Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Dr. Patrick Castillon
Sinapalo Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Yalung
Teacher Aide of the Year: Casia Barcinas
Administrative Staff of the Year: Demy Catubay
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Nestor Jingco
Tinian Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: April Manglona
Teacher Aide of the Year: Teresita Sanchez Lazaro
Instructor of the Year: Angelina Cing Fitial
Administrative Staff of the Year: Marcial Patio
William S. Reyes Elementary School
Teacher of the Year: Chelsea Yangirelfil
Instructor of the Year: Virginian Richards
Teacher Aide of the Year: Marlon Cabrera
Counselor of the Year: Tambra Reyes
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Stanislao “Stanley” Limes
Librarian of the Year: Arthur Sondheim
Hopwood Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Chang Whan Jang
Instructor of the Year: Donovan Pangelinan
Counselor of the Year: Livia Pangelinan
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year Mildred D. Ebbed
Chacha Oceanview Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Kristine Ladra
Teacher Life of the Year: Rosa Mafnas Sablan
Instructor of the Year: Rose Sharon Taimanao Jones
Counselor of the Year: Frank A. Rabauliman Jr.
Dandan Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Jerry Bahilio
Teacher Aide of the Year: Jasmin Ngirmekur
Librarian of the Year: Catherine Borja-Flores
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Cristalyn Acera
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Ramon Santos
Francisco M. Sablan Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Joseph Deleon Guerrero
Teacher Aide of the Year: Dorina Castro
Instructor of the Year: Gloria-Ann Rasiang
Administrative Staff of the Year: Stephanie Sablan
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Manuel Quitaneg
Tanapag Middle School
Teacher of the Year: Marseli Frank Sablan
Instructor of the Year: Yoana Achen
Counselor of the Year
Leilani Deleon Guerrero
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Julie Camacho
Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior-Senior High School
Teacher of the Year: Doralyn Barcinas
Teacher Aide of the Year: Izabelle Ayuyu
Instructor of the Year: Therese Managing
Counselor of the Year: Elvira Mesngon
Administrative Staff of the Year: Bernice San Nicolas Maratita
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Artemis Tebia
Tinian Junior Senior High School
Teacher of the Year: Dr. Regina Palacios
Teacher Aide of the Year: Bridgette Also
Instructor of the Year: Captain Joseph Santos
Counselor of the Year: Patricia Aguon
Library Aide of the Year: Tracy Sanchez
Administrative Staff of the Year: Laila Manibusan
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Emerita Lumba
Da’ok Academy
Teacher of the Year: Joan Reyes
Kagman High School
Teacher of the Year: Jolene Aguon
Instructor of the Year: John Pineda
Librarian of the Year: Maria Ornes
Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year: Mauricia Rios
Marianas High School
Teacher of the Year: Daniel Wollak
Instructor of the Year: SFC Albert Lujan
Teacher Aide of the Year: Irene Cristobal
Administrative Support Staff of the Year: Cecilia San Nicolas
Saipan Southern High School
Teacher of the Year: Donovan Tudela
Instructor of the Year: CSM Richard Basa
Counselor of the Year: Ana Mendiola
Teacher Aide of the YearL Misael Manglona
Administrative Staff of the Year: Romana Maratita
Early Head Start/Head Start Program
Teacher of the Year: Kathryn Ramos
Instructor of the Year: Elicit Arriola
Teacher Aide of the Year: Kayla Borja
Office of Pupil Transportation
Saipan Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year: Dominic Fitial
Tinian Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year: Renato Benghit
Rota Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year: Rhysanne Hizon
This year’s Education Day Committee members are Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, Human Resources Director Lucretia Deleon Guerrero, Communications and Media Coordinator Randee-Jo Barcinas-Manglona, PSS Teacher of the Year Coordinator Frankie Camacho, and Paulette Tomokane, James Sablan and Vince Dela Cruz, the principal representatives for elementary, middle and high schools.
Education Month Theme Winner Logan Zane T. Atalig (4th grade, Sinapalo Elementary School), Education Month Logo Winner Ashley Kyle E. Cayabyab (10th grade, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School), and Education Month Essay winner Ysharei Lizama Sanje (8th grade, Dandan Middle School) pose for a photo with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Associate Commissioner Eric Magofna, Board of Education Chairman Gregory Pat Pat Borja, BOE Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja, BOE Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio, BOE Member Herman Atalig, PSS Senior Directors Jackie Quitugua, Dr. Rizalina Liwag and Dr. Yvone Pangelinan, parents and school administrators.
The Public School System and Board of Education Central Office personnel pose for a photo with education officials: Board of Education Chairman Gregory Pat Borja, Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretart/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio, Board Members Andrew L. Orsini, Board Member Herman Atalig, Associate Commissioner Eric Magofna, Senior Directors Jackie Quitugua, Dr. Rizalina Liwag, and Dr. Yvone Pangelinan, among others.
Education Day Essay Winner Ysharei Lizama Sanje is congratulated by BOE Chairman Gregory Pat Borja, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, BOE Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio, Board Member Herman Atalig and Senior Director Yvonne Pangelinan.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada addresses his Public School System family.
From left, Board of Education Member Andrew L. Orsini, Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja and Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio.
Sinapalo Elementary School’s Logan Zane T. Atalig is the Education Month Theme Winner.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres congratulates PSS during its 34th anniversary and Education Day celebration while Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios listens.
Head Start and Early Head Start personnel led by Director Lathania Angui, left, pose for a photo.
Marianas High School display a banner honoring their outstanding personnel.
WSR Elementary School’s mascot takes center stage.
