From teachers to you, the gift of service
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Posted on Nov 26 1998
The Education Day celebration of the Public School System serves as a reminder that educators offer themselves as gift of service to the community, Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos said.
“Today is recognizing education and the value of it in our society — having a day to reflect on what it means, recognizing the best of our very best,” she said.
A village fiesta atmosphere prevailed yesterday at the Koblerville Elementary School, where the celebration was held.
A long list of awardees was recognized: 20 for the support staff of the year and 15 each for teacher aide of the year and teacher of the year.
Students from different schools were also honored for their winning entries in the theme, logo and essay competitions.
Barbara Low Gilles, who teaches fourth grade at Tanapag Elementary School, was named teacher of the year.
Gilles started her teaching career with the Peace Corps in Liberia.
“As we give awards to parents and students, we see that we can do that for ourselves,” Inos said.
PSS also paid tribute to 35 employees who are retiring next month.
Inos said: “It is a sad day for the PSS as we recognize those employees who have served us 20 years or more and have opted to take their retirement.”
Inos praised PSS employees for sticking with the school system despite a huge cutback on its budget.
“We could choose to be negative and just think of all the things that we don’t have. But I opted to ask the education family not to think of the things that we don’t have but to think of the things that we do have and be grateful for those.”
The tight budget did not dampen the spirit of PSS. Franklin Keiper of Marianas High School said this year’s celebration is more upbeat compared with previous years.
“Maybe because of the leadership. Dr. Inos is very positive,” he said.
