By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Public School System, the Marianas High School community, and Board of Education member Andrew Orsini mourn the passing of educator Nicholas “Nick” Benjamin.
Benjamin, a history teacher at MHS for 11 years, passed away at 7:06 p.m. on Saturday at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. due to a heart attack. He was 66.
He also taught social studies at Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School for seven years before serving at MHS.
PSS issued a statement on Tuesday, saying it mourns Benjamin’s passing and describing him as a dedicated educator whose passion for teaching and commitment to students left a lasting mark on the CNMI school community. “Throughout his years of service,” the statement said, “Benjamin devoted himself to inspiring and guiding students both academically and personally.”
“For more than a decade at MHS, he was far more than a teacher,” PSS said. “He was a mentor, a guide, and a source of encouragement who believed in shaping not only students’ knowledge but also their character. He inspired students to believe in their potential, to lead with integrity, and to make a positive difference in their communities.”
MHS Principal Melanie Sablan Rdiall also paid tribute to Benjamin. Fondly known to students, faculty, staff, and management as “Candyman” and “Uncle Ben,” he delivered the curriculum with great passion and in-depth knowledge, Rdiall said.
“She often said that students enjoyed the stories Benjamin would share, which brought more relevance to the content he was teaching. It is almost as if he was able to bring NMI history to life,” the principal said.
Rdiall reflected on Benjamin’s impact at MHS: “For 11 years, he was far more than a teacher. He was a mentor, a guide, and a steady source of inspiration for every student who walked into his classroom. His passion for teaching went far beyond textbooks and lessons. Mr. Benjamin believed in shaping not only minds but also hearts and character. He encouraged students to see their potential, to rise above their doubts, and to become leaders who will serve and uplift their communities.”
“Because of his dedication, countless students discovered confidence they didn’t know they had. Because of his influence, many learned that success is not just about grades, but about integrity, courage, and making a difference in the lives of others. The impact of eleven years cannot be measured only in time; it is measured in the lives he has shaped, the dreams he helped ignite, and the futures he has helped build,” she added.
Rdiall said Benjamin’s legacy will continue through every life he touched and every leader he helped inspire. “He will be missed dearly,” she said.
Board of Education member Andrew Orsini said Benjamin “was a well-known social studies teacher who taught government and history classes, especially in the CNMI and the Micronesian region.”
“He was a person of vast knowledge and wisdom. A very respectable individual. My prayers are with him and go out to his wife Elaine and family,” Orsini added.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
