PSS praises Tinian businesses, govt agency’s partnership with co-op program

TINIAN—Eight private businesses and a government agency here were praised by the Public School System for its partnership with the Cooperative Education Program through its on-the-job internship program for high school students.

PSS’ Cooperative Education Program has produced one of the single largest sources of trained-and workforce-ready high school graduates. This is part of PSS’ overall plan for students to be college and career ready after high school.

For this school year, 19 high school students completed a semester of internship. They began “working” on Jan. 19 and ended last Wednesday.

Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and associate commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna joined PSS Co-Op Program coordinator Brandon Nicholas, Tinian Junior Senior High School principal Liz Persinzki and Tinian High School Cooperative Education and Training teacher Patricia Aguon in celebrating this partnership Wednesday afternoon.

A School Year 2023-2024 Company Appreciation was held by PSS Cooperative Education last Wednesday for the eight private businesses-partners: Ace Hardware Tinian, Huang Shun Corporation, JC Café, Star Marianas Air, Think Tank Pacific Solutions, Tinian Diamond Hotel, Tinian Fuel Services, and Tinian Isla Community Health.

TJSHS’ government partner for this school year is the Department of Public Safety-Tinian.

Successful interns

The successful student-interns are Keyanie Arriola, Elani Mae Borja, Bernadette Audrey Fleming, Cesllee Ciara Ayuyu John, Brian Toves King II, Tano-Donald S.N. King II, Esteven S.N. King, Jr. II, Rchie Mae Inguito Lagunay, Luina Dong Lowery, Draeshia Manibusan Manglona, Jesus Jose Pangelinan Manglona, Dennise Diana Miguel, Keith King Nabors, Jr.; Mefi KJ Sanchez Norech-Lazaro, Ethan Jermille Cruz Palacios, Marcial Ramos Patio, Jr., Redenald Dorado Patio, and Kelvin M. Shrestha.

In various recorded video presentations, these students expressed appreciation for the PSS co-op program and TJSHS, including their Co-Op training teacher, Patricia Aguon, for “helping us prepare” after high school.

These students are from 10th to 12th grade, and ages 16 and up.

Of the 19 students, six of them are NMI Department of Labor’s Workforce innovation and Opportunity Act, which supports students’ employment endeavor and is partners with the PSS co-op program, said Aguon.

‘Value’

Camacho said the students’ successful internship reflects the effectiveness of the program.

“The value of efficacy is felt by our students who experienced the program and carry forward these experiences to their classrooms. And in turn, shares them, and motivates their classmates and peers to follow their lead, and eventually, pursue higher education or career of their choice,” Camacho told PSS Tinian co-op partners.

In praising the co-op program partners, Camacho said the school district will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that “our public school students, including our very own here in Tinian, will continue to be served at every opportunity.”

“Each and every day, the Office of the Commissioner of Education and your Board of Education do everything that it can for all of our students. I am just excited to be among our private and public sector partners and thank you for allowing our students to network (within the workforce industry) and to mentor our students for what’s for them.”

The internship program provided by PSS to public school students through the co-op program is an “added benefit that increases the development in the learning” of the students, he noted.

“We will continue to work with you and with everyone to increase the value of (career-related programs) we provide our students. As industry partners, you are part of the learning process. You are part of the educational experience of our students,” Camacho added.

‘Thank you for your investment’

Nicholas said the Tinian private and public sector partnership is an investment for the future.

“Thank you for allowing our students to be a part of your workplace. Whether it was one of the stores that provides urgently needed goods for everyone in the community, a restaurant that serves up delectable goodies that Saipan people won’t ever stop talking about, or offices that allow them to experience the wonderful world of administrative work or last but definitely not least, the vital lifeline that is the only provider of air transportation between Tinian and the rest of the world. Thank you,” Nicholas said.

He added, “I think we need to be completely honest with each other and share that things have been hard on this side of the Marianas. When we read news about our current events, especially happening here on our islands, it is not incorrect to assume that those same challenges are somewhat tenfold here on Tinian. Despite the numerous setbacks and challenges that you all face here, you have still found time to invest in the future of our islands, and partner with us to help our students here in Tinian experience the world of work. Thank you partners, and we truly hope you consider partnering with us again in the future.”

To the student-interns, Nicholas said, “To our students, we hope that you had as much fun as we did help you guys navigate the world of work along with your studies. Our time together was short and as much as we wish it could be longer, there’s a whole world out there for you to experience, explore and enjoy. (PR)