TINIAN — On Dec. 23, 2021, the 18th Tinian Municipal Council confirmed the nominations of Megan C. Mendiola and Melanie B. Cruz who were appointed by the mayor to the Tinian Municipal Scholarship Board and the Public Land Advisory Board.
Melanie B. Cruz, left, and Megan C. Mendiola.
Megan C. Mendiola, graduated from Tinian High School as valedictorian of the Class of 2012. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in technology administration with a minor in communication studies from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas in Dec. 2018.
Melanie B. Cruz, graduated from Tinian High School in 2009, and attended Northern Marianas College and Southern New Hampshire University (https://www.snhu.edu).
She has a long list of experience in a wide range of fields, and has served as administrative assistant at the Tinian Department of Public Lands where she learned a lot about the policies that guide the administration and management of public lands.
One testimony that stood out from the public was offered by Felipe Aquino, who stated that he was very proud to see the two ladies return home and are willing to actively engage in helping the community.
“I am so happy to see that this appointment took place, and I urge the council to confirm these two ladies so we can hold them out as examples for our other kids, still abroad, to see that they have something to come back to and contribute to our community,” he said.
“I am very proud of our kids coming back home and wanting to be a part of building our community, and I am especially proud that these two are young women,” said Juanita M. Mendiola, chair of the council’s executive appointments committee.
Council Chairman Joseph E. Santos, for his part, thanked the two ladies, who are parents and full-time employees, for volunteering their services to the community . He acknowledged the difficulties that they may face, but he said he believes they will perform with due diligence, “resulting in great strides towards the improvement of public services” on Tinian.
Council Vice Chairwoman, Thomasa Palacios-Mendiola was still under quarantine and unable to attend the confirmation hearing, but she expressed her support for confirming the two appointees.
