(PSS) — The Public School System will celebrate its 37th anniversary on Nov. 26 — a milestone which, according to Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, “honors the journey of educators, advocates, and stakeholders in transforming the district, with both successes and challenges, into a proud and independent institution.”
Before 1988, PSS was known as the CNMI Department of Education under the central government. The transformation into an autonomous school district came through a constitutional amendment that signaled a new era for public education in the CNMI.
On Oct. 31, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Maisie B. Tenorio, Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, and 2025 PSS Teacher of the Year Yeji Lee joined students, educators, and public education stakeholders in a proclamation signing, officially kickstarting the PSS anniversary celebration.
The proclamation signing was held at the Marianas High School cafeteria. Three students led the reading of the proclamation: Oleai Elementary School’s Lucila Bercilla for English, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School’s Keara Crisostomo for Carolinian, and Marianas High School’s Deltona Takai for Chamorro.
PSS is set to announce on Nov. 26 the new state-wide Teacher of the Year and the CNMI’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition, which is annually spearheaded by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
First set of awards
Transitioning to the next phase of the celebration, Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Tenorio, Dr. Miura, and Teacher of the Year Lee joined Commissioner Camacho in presenting the first round of awardees in the state-level competition.
Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School student Jelina Renee A. Calvo’s theme was selected as the winner among PSS students. Her theme, “Education: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow, Unlocking Endless Possibilities,” was chosen as this year’s official slogan for the 37th anniversary celebration.
Dandan Middle School’s Wang Dinggu Xia won the logo competition, aptly capturing the spirit of public education. Sinapalo Elementary School student Attina Louresse P. Rosario and Dandan Middle School student Christine Joyce Abrigo were the two winners of the district-wide essay writing competition, each using the winning theme, “Education: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow, Unlocking Endless Possibilities.”
Final awards
As the celebration approaches its peak, Commissioner Camacho and the 2025 PSS Education Day Committee, led by Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero and committee lead Mia Carreon, are preparing for surprise visits to present the final awards.
These include the Teacher of the Year, Teacher Aide of the Year, Instructor of the Year, School Counselor of the Year, School Librarian of the Year, School Administrative Support Staff of the Year, Trades and Maintenance Staff of the Year, and Pupil Transportation Staff of the Year.
All elementary, middle, and high school campuses will hold their respective Education Day celebrations on Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving.
Winning essays
In the elementary category, Rosario’s winning essay reflected this year’s theme:
“As I go to school every day, I learn something new, and what I learn helps me take one more step toward becoming a better person and a stronger leader.
“Learning today is important because it helps me build the skills, wisdom, and kindness I will need to guide others one day.
“When I put effort into what I study, I am learning how to think, how to listen, and how to solve problems.
“Good leaders do not just tell people what to do — they understand others and make fair choices.
“Education teaches us to respect different ideas, to work together, and to care about what is right.
“My former teachers always say that knowledge is power, but I realize there is more to that. Knowledge is also responsibility.
“When we learn, we have the power to help others and make the world better.
“One day, I want to use what I have learned throughout my years at school to rebuild our community, inspire others, protect our world, and bring people together.
“Every lesson, every book, and every challenge prepares me for that and helps me find my purpose in life.
“I believe that education is the greatest treasure — something no one can ever take away.
“I am proud to be learning now so I will have the courage to lead with heart and hope in the future.”
In the middle/high school category, Abrigo’s winning essay reads:
“Not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same way, and that’s okay.
“We all embrace knowledge and unfold along our own path. Some need more time, others find their own unique way to learn, but no matter how fast or slow we go, what matters is that we keep growing, discovering who we’re meant to become.
“Every small step we take helps us blossom into a better person, shaping how we lead and the endless possibilities that wait for us ahead.
“It is essential to understand ourselves and others. Through this, we learn to lead with patience, empathy, and hearts ready to flourish with love.
“Each lesson we take to heart today helps us shine a little brighter tomorrow, unfolding a new journey toward our dreams.
“As we grow and learn, we begin to see the countless opportunities that await us, each leading to a new adventure ahead.
“These opportunities give us the chance to share the kindness and patience we’ve learned along the way.
“Every decision we make today shapes us into a better person tomorrow, thriving with love, understanding, and knowledge.”
