Acting principal Maria Quituguam began her welcoming remarks in Chamorro, emphasizing her sincerest gratitude to all parents whom have supported public education and the education of their children and ended by congratulating the promotees.
Jackie Quitugua, the associate commissioner for curriculum and instruction, who flew to Rota as the representative from the headquarters of the Public School System, made some observations: “My hope for them is that they will be able to really be who they are, and that they can develop the self-discipline needed in high school to balance themselves as their options continue to expand.”
She spoke about our responsibility to practice healthy behavior in all areas of our lives so that students, when faced with difficult choices, have the chance to stand firm, and stay true to who they really are.
She stressed, “There is always the option of a better choice; there is always the option of letting go of what is blocking us, to be reunited with who we really are.”
In addition, the associate commissioner expressed her awareness of the true bond that develops uniquely on Rota between the students. In our very small community the students bond tightly to form a supportive and loving community. She spoke of how lucky we are here to have such a “clean” environment in so many areas of life.
However, she added, “One of their greatest needs from their parents and from us as an academic community is encouragement. When they have issues and make mistakes that can drive them to think they’re incapable, we need to bring them to a level where they see mistakes as opportunities to learn and to become better people and not allow them to get stuck or blocked by things that they cannot control.”
Among the attendees of the Rota Junior High School promotional ceremony were Sen. Jovita Taimanao, Tanya D. King from the Board of Education, as well as PTSA officers Edita Taimanao, Dexter Apatang, Teresita Manglona, Agnes Taitano, and Tom Manglona. Also in attendance were Rota Municipal Council members Prudentio Manglona and acting mayor, council chairman George Hocog. We also had the presence of the Rota High School principal, Sharlene Manglona.
Rota Junior High School was fortunate to have the presence of the Local Channel 5 crew member, Ike Mendiola, from the mayor’s office, who took footage of the special event. The peopleof Rota have the chance to watch the event on Channel 5.
