OES raises nearly $25K during Cultural Day

The Oleai Elementary School raised close to $25,000 on Saturday during its Cultural Day/50th year anniversary held at the school campus.

OES Cultural Day happens once every two years during which students are required to show up for their attendance. This event is open to the public.

This fundraising event helps the school, as it will get a 20 percent share of the total money raised from the sale of food.

“One grade level candidate representative has already earned $17,000,” said Cultural Day Committee’s Liberty Rabauliman.

Sixth grade representative Leilighbwe Rasiang, a child of Sesarina and Fritz Rasiang, was recognized as the school’s best candidate.

In the last two years, the school’s Cultural Day raised about $26,000.

“This year, we are very close to earning $25,000,” said Rabauliman.

The theme this year was multi-ethnic, with students representing the cultures of the United States, Yap, Thailand, Philippines, Burma, Caroline Islands, Vietnam, CNMI, Chuuk, Guam, Korea, China, Pohnpei, and Palau.

The event also featured cultural performances like Sukiyaki, Hafa Adai, Rock-the-Huka, Polynesian Dances, Aloha, and Yorana.

The day’s highlight was the opening of the “time capsule” made by the school’s students way back in 1996.

“The 6th grade and kindergarten students in 1996 decided to put together souvenirs that included maps, telephone directories, public school system directory, and so much more,” Rabauliman said.

The school invited former principals Glenn Muna and Evelyn Uka to come to the event to open the “time capsule.”

The emcee for the day was LJ Castro from Power 99.

OES principal Glenn Paul Muna stated, “I just want to thank all the sponsors and committee members for all their support, without them this event would have never been possible.”

Other sponsors were Auntie Mag’s, Coca Cola; Reps. Ramon Tebuteb, Frank Dela Cruz, Ralph Torres, Arnold Palacios, Heinz Hofscheider, Ray Yamul, Oscar Babauta, Ray Palacios, Justo Quitugua, and Stanley Torres; CTSI, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Dolphins, Fiesta Resort and Spa, Frankie’s Auto, GREE Aircon, Herman’s Bakery, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Juliet Aldan, Kim’s Tofu, Leticia Santos, Liberty Rabauliman, Lt. Gov. Tim Villagomez, Marianas Fast Foods, Ming Ming Store, Modern Stationary, Mr. & Mrs. George Reyes, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Orsini, Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Seman, Pacific Islands Club, Pacific Trading, Power 99, OES Room 21, Royal Crown, R & M Mettao Enterprise, Sablan Construction, Saipan Computer, Saipan Grand Hotel, Salon de Manila, Sens. Luis Crisostimo and Pete Reyes; White Coconut Computer, World Resort, W&V Duet, Java Joe’s, JG Sablan Ice & Water, Cosmos, 670 Rock Steady, Trench Tech, Natibu’s Kitchen D & Q, Instant Massive Bingo, Hard Rock Café, Pacific Trading Co., Shell Gas Station, Mr. & Mrs. Fernando Romolor, Pacific Telecommunication Inc., and Char’s Thrifty Mart. [B][I](JACQUELINE DELA CRUZ)[/I][/B]