Previous Story
Rasa and Camacho: The pride of Saipan Southern High
|
Posted on Nov 21 2008
Michelle Sablan Rasa is the Teacher of the Year for Saipan Southern High School. It is not what she did throughout the years that made her our TOY, it is what she did last year that made her stand out amongst our teachers. Other than being a great History teacher, it is her relationship with the students and dedication to the school that makes her exemplary. After being a Senior Advisor for the class of 2007, she started last year by taking over Close UP, Year Book, Junior Statesmen and a coach for our Forensic students. She has always been active and could never say no to anybody. She is one of the reasons why students love attending SSHS. It is our extracurricular activities that keep our students occupied rather than doing nothing.
Saipan Southern High’s Support Staff of the Year is Paul Camacho. He is the school’s Truant Officer and a major component in the success and safety of the school. Paul has been working for the school the past four years and is respected by students, teachers and parents at the school. His sense of leadership, discipline and local know-how is shown in the hard work that he does on campus and is reflected in his relation with our students and staff.
Have you seen a teacher standing at six-foot-seven? Have you heard bus tales of the intolerable disciplinarian? Have you seen the photo of the CNMI’s 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year with President George W. Bush? Have you encountered teachers or staff members who have served their respective school since the day its doors opened? Welcome to Saipan Southern High School.
No matter what classroom you walk into, the teacher in the classroom will undoubtedly be a Highly Qualified Teacher. With the economic problems the CNMI is facing, it’s a blessing to even have HQTs still on island. Some of our teachers even take the time to teach hours before and after school, and some are actively involved in serving the community as well. They set high standards for the school and its students.
Behind each teacher is a unique and enthusiastic individual. Our elite group of teachers each has a track record for being the loudest, funniest, tallest, shortest, or any other superlative person on campus. From their height—tall or short—to their volume, to their sense of humor, to their ethnic background, to their personal preferences, SSHS teacher personalities definitely stand out. They surely have a lesson plan you’ll remember.
Last and certainly not the least, our teachers are absolutely lovable. The closeness and emotional attachment we SSHS students share with our teachers is priceless. You can call them a second group of parents, mentors—the most effectively influential group of individuals on island.
Teachers work miracles everyday. SSHS teachers save the world. Then again, why would you take my word for it? Witness the CNMI’s educational dream team in action yourself. See what they can really do.
[B]SSHS: The pride of the Marianas[/B] [B]By ASHLEY V. ALEJO[/B] [I]3rd PeriodFreshman English (Mr. Miura)[/I]
I am a firm believer that in order for students to be successful in school, they must be provided a non-hostile work environment. At Saipan Southern High School the administrators, support staff, teachers, and students take pride in maintaining a beautiful campus free of litter, graffiti, and other unattractive elements.
Our administrators lead the way by instilling proper values and a sense of pride throughout campus. We all do our share in keeping the campus free of litter, but it is our support staff that keeps our landscape, hallways, and buildings immaculate. Our unsung heroes are Mr. Kevin Babauta, Mr. Paul Camacho, Mr. Arnold Mendiola, Mr. Hilario Guiao, Mr. Jack Sanchez, and Mr. Raul Blanca. They deserve a lot of credit for the thankless services they provide our school.
During the rainy season the weeds and bushes grow at an astounding rate. Our support staff can be seen around the campus either baking in the scorching sun or soaking in the pouring rain brush-cutting or mowing the over-growth.
Whenever anything needs fixing, whether it be major like the water pump or as simple as changing a light bulb, our support staff will have it taken cared of in a timely manner. The hallways and buildings are free of litter and graffiti because the support staff is always there. Thankfully, they never let the administrators, teachers, or students down.
Although I have only been attending Saipan Southern High School for eight weeks, it has become evident that the learning environment plays a major role in a student’s success. Imagine attending a school where the restrooms, classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, and other places in school are litter free and graffiti free. Students are free from unnecessary distractions and are able to focus on their studies. Thanks to the positive culture instilled in the staff and students by our administrators and the dedication of our outstanding support staff, Saipan Southern High School is such a school. We all work together to keep our campus beautiful. “Un Eskuela Un Korason”
[B]The outstanding counselors of SSHS[/B] [B]By PEDRO DUENAS[/B] [I]Junior English[/I] [I]“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”—Eric Hoffer[/I]The counselors here at Saipan Southern High School are the most superb because they show true passion for what they do. They are motivated to help students with their needs wholeheartedly. Without these important people, my job as a student would be much more difficult than it already is. They encourage me to take classes that are to benefit my studies and which will later help me.
These magnificent people not only keep us motivated, but they are also a friend in times of difficulty. The counselors are keen to help students who have problems, be it family, love life, etc. We students can approach them without hesitation because we know they are willing to sit down and listen to what we have to say. They are our parents away from home and a friend when we need one. These supportive helpers also give tips on how to stay on top of the pack. A lot of eager students are aiming to be in the top 10, and the counselors explain what we should do to achieve that.
Saipan Southern High School would not be what it is without our counselors: Darrah Tagabuel, Joleen Borja, and Jocelyn Manibusan. These women make up the heart of SSHS. I know further down the road, other students will experience the true meaning of passion through these counselors. They have made a big impact in our lives and I will be forever thankful for what they have done.
[I]“A counselor affects eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops.”—Henry Adams[/I]
