Babauta is 2004 PSS Teacher of the Year

What began as a wet and soggy morning turned bright and sunny—a good omen for Lavena C. Babauta of Tanapag Elementary School, who was chosen yesterday as the 2004 Teacher of the Year.

The first grade teacher, a 16-year veteran teacher of lower grades in the Public School System family, sprightly bounded onto the makeshift stage at the Kagman Elementary School grounds when her name was announced among a field of 19 teachers from the various schools.

Grateful for the honor, Babauta was effusive in greeting her colleagues in the audience, the PSS Leadership Team, and the dignitaries on stage which included members of the Board of Education, Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente, Marcie Tomakone of the Bank of Hawaii, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan I. Babauta.

“This was my third nomination and I am very happy to finally make it,” Ms. Babauta modestly declared.

The awardee receives a $5,000 prize from the Governor’s Education Initiative, a McDonald’s cash award, a $1,000 cash prize from PSS, and the chance to represent the CNMI in the national Teacher of the Year Conference in Washington D.C.

Kagman High School teacher and BoE teacher representative Ambrose Bennett took first runner-up honors and $3,000, while the second runner-up slot and the $1,000 that goes with it went to John Aldrich of Garapan Elementary School.

Cha Cha Oceanview Junior High School’s Dustin Quitano was recognized as Teacher Aide of the Year and Garapan Elementary School’s Wonda Rubasch as Support Staff of the Year. Both received $500.

The Tataga family at Tanapag Elementary School affirmed that Ms. Babauta’s “experience and performance records speak only of dedication, commitment, hard work, and a high degree of professionalism.”

Ms. Babauta herself said that making an impact on the lives of children “is really an outstanding job and feeling.”

“I always wanted to be a teacher and it’s a great honor to be selected as teacher of the year. It takes great dedication and motivation to see young children flourish and do their best, and I making an impact on that success is just amazing. So it’s a great honor to represent the CNMI,” she said.

Babauta, who also served as vice principal at Koblerville Elementary School during her tenure with the PSS, credited her father for influencing her.

“I became a teacher with the encouragement of my father, being a long-time educator himself,” she said. “I would go with him to his classes and watch what he does, and right then, I said to myself that I would become a teacher.”

Education celebration

The awarding came as the PSS celebrated the 13th annual Education Day. About 500 PSS personnel gathered at the windward side of the island in the spanking new Kagman Elementary School premises to celebrate. Not even a muddy field was able to stop school staff from around the Commonwealth from getting together for the celebration.

“I think it’s another miracle,” said Education Day planning committee chair Alfred Ada. “This morning it was pouring really hard, and we were thinking of moving to the cafeteria. So I guess it’s a blessing that things turned around, the sun showed up, and everyone is enjoying themselves.”

Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos lauded PSS personnel for their efforts in providing “quality education” for students.

“Our students are provided learning support and opportunities toward the fulfillment of their dreams and aspirations of their successful future in life,” she said “Your teachings, your support to students, your dedication and care, inspire them to be the best. Today, we honor you for your contributions and many wonderful accomplishments.”

The event also featured the awarding of winners of the logo, theme, and essay contests.

This year’s theme, “Explore the wonders of education and capture life’s real meaning,” was submitted by Kagman Elementary School student Ervin Santiago.

The winning logo was submitted by Jonathan Kaipat of Hopwood Junior High School. The winning elementary essay was submitted by Tanapag Elementary School student Maxinia Ulloa, while the secondary levels winner was Queenie Ayuyu of Rota High School.

Other events for the day included a tug-of-war, won by the Saipan Southern High School personnel.

“We came, we saw, we conquered,” said SSHS captrain Caesar Whitt. (with Jaime Vergara)