SAIPAN Southern High School junior Jude Burgos has been sworn in as the new student representative on the CNMI Board of Education, where he will represent more than 9,000 students across Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
BOE Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong administered the oath to the 17-year-old during a ceremony held Friday, Nov. 14, at the SSHS Cafeteria. Burgos was joined by his parents, Christopher and Evely Burgos, his classmates, teachers, adviser, and SSHS Principal Dr. Lynn Mendiola.
Also present were Acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna, BOE Non-Public School Representative John Blanco, Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, and outgoing student representative Vinnie Juan Q. Sablan.
Burgos was appointed by Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola to fill Sablan’s seat following the expiration of his term this year.
In his remarks, Burgos said he is committed to learning, growing, and representing every student “to the best of my ability.”
“Standing here today in front of all of you—my batchmates—fills me with deep gratitude and humility,” he said. He described being “at a loss for words” upon receiving the governor’s appointment, knowing he would be the voice of thousands of students in the Commonwealth.
But Burgos said the role is more than representation; it is about listening, understanding, and continuously learning.
“I truly believe that learning doesn’t end when we leave the classroom. It is a lifelong journey that shapes who we are and how we choose to serve others,” he said. “Every challenge we face, every conversation we share, and every experience we encounter has something valuable to teach us.”
He acknowledged that he will not have all the answers right away but pledged to keep learning in order to serve students effectively.
Following the oath, Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong appointed Burgos to two BOE committees: Instructional Services and Assessment, and Student Issues Community and Parental Programs.
