Atalig, 16, was sworn in by BOE Chairwoman Lucia Blanco-Maratita in an event that was witnessed by the community, the Rota-chapter of the State Advisory PTA Council, administrators of the three public schools here, the Public School System’s leadership team led by Commissioner of Education Rita A. Sablan, and the estimated 200 students of Rota High School.
“I understand the duties and responsibilities that my position holds, and I give my word that I will represent the students of all 20 schools within our Public School System to the best of my abilities. I will be the ears to listen to your concerns and suggestions and the voice to speak them,” Atalig, a 12th grader, told her RHS family during her acceptance speech.
The Rota student will represent over 11,000 public schools students to the education board.
“This is a special meeting for Rota because of the swearing in of our new student representative to the board. What makes this a beautiful day is the entire community has come together — an indication of its continued support to the board and the Public School System’s efforts to continuously provide quality education that is free to all,” BOE Chairwoman Blanco-Maratita said.
Atalig succeeds Francine Babauta, a former senior student of Saipan Southern High School. Her term ended at the closing of the last school year.
The new student representative extended her appreciation to Rota High School principal Sharlene Manglona.
“She spoke to our class about the Board of Education student representative and what it would take to hold that position. During her explanation I felt intimidated. Then, I began to examine the responsibilities of the student representative, the sacrifices I would have to make, and the duties I would have to uphold,” said Atalig.
She added, “I began to doubt myself, second guess myself, and then, it hit me. I can. If I think I can, I believe I can. If I believe I can, I know I can. If I know I can, then I will.”
Atalig said she is humbled that Board of Education Rota member Tanya King, the other board members, Education Commissioner Sablan, the governor, the lt. governor, and Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola “entrusted me with this tremendous opportunity to serve.”
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