Rota Elem. School bags cleanest campus award

Rota Elementary School was judged yesterday the top prize winner in the Tan Holdings Corporation’s cleanest campus contest besting 10 other school participants in THC’s annual CNMI-wide campus cleanup competition.

The THC executive committee on community projects led by its chair Frank Camacho and execom member Jack Muna personally handed the awards to contest winners during a special ceremony held at Koblerville Elementary School yesterday.

RES, as the overall contest champion, took home plaques and a $1,600 cash prize for winning top places in the cleanest school grounds, bathroom, cafeteria, and corridors categories.

Garapan Elementary School also came first place in the tidiest classroom contest category winning a $400-incentive courtesy of THC.

In second place for the most well-kept school grounds and cafeteria is San Antonio Elementary School winning $600 cash prize.

San Vicente Elementary School bagged the 2nd place for cleanest classroom and corridors gaining a total of $400 cash award.

Koblerville Elementary School also received $200 as 2nd place winner in the tidiest classroom contest.

In addition to the cash prizes given to winners, all participating schools were each granted $100 in consolation prize for joining THC’s campus cleanup drive.

RES Vice Principal George Ayuyu expressed gratitude to contest organizers for the opportunity to take part in a cause-oriented competition.

“We are very happy that we won. I credit all the school staff, students, and parents of Rota Elem. for the concerted efforts in keeping our campus clean,” said Mr. Ayuyu.

During the awarding ceremony, Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos also reminded students that campus cleanup is not only the responsibility of custodians and janitors but of every individual who makes use of the school facility.

Special guest speakers from the Division of Environmental Quality Glenn Arriola and Ben Somol cautioned students against littering.

Calling themselves the “Trash Busters,” the DEQ anti-littering enforcement team warned students that stakes are high for any piece of trash thrown improperly.

The fines range from a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $500.

Meanwhile, THC’s CNMI-wide campus cleanup campaign is aimed at promoting cleanliness and environment awareness starting with young school kids in both private and public schools. (Marian A. Maraya)