PSS New & Aspiring Leaders Program celebrates successful 3rd cohort graduation

The New & Aspiring Leaders Program of the Public School System has accomplished another significant milestone with the graduation of its third cohort. The program is the main initiative for educational leadership development that the school district has invested over a decade ago in the growth of the local workforce by developing homegrown education leaders.

The program is designed to equip new and future educational leaders with essential skills and first-hand leadership experiences.

A total of 12 participants completed the rigorous eight-course curriculum: Andrew Romolo Orsini, Marianas High School vice principal; Preston Basa, MHS vice principal; Juana Atalig, Sinapalo Elementary School vice principal; Jolene Aguon, Kagman High School teacher; Kate Borja, William S. Reyes Elementary School teacher; Doris Marie Castro, Special Education Program teacher; Francine Cruz, Dandan Middle School teacher; Joseph Muna, William S. Reyes Elementary School teacher; Nadia Murphy, Chacha Oceanview Middle School teacher; Leora Nigirablosch, Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School teacher; Freddy Salavaria, Kagman High School teacher; and Deana Villagomez, Dandan Middle School teacher.

This program allows educators and new leaders to enhance their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact within the K-12 education system. The program, spanning eight comprehensive courses, covers critical areas including instructional leadership, technology for school leaders, educational law, school personnel, school finance, supervision and evaluation, and facilitative leadership, preparing participants to tackle the evolving challenges in educational leadership.

The commencement ceremony, held on Aug. 8, 2024 at the William S. Reyes Elementary School cafeteria, featured special remarks from PSS leaders, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho, 18th CNMI State Board of Education member Andrew Orsini, Instructional Technology and Distance Education director Lorraine Catienza, ALP participant speaker Leora Ngirablosch, and Kagman High School principal and ALP Cohort 2 graduate Benjamin Jones Jr. Also in attendance were ALP instructors and mentors who played an integral role in the leadership development of program participants.

“We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our ALP graduates,” said Camacho. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership growth. Their dedication to advancing educational excellence will benefit the schools and communities they serve.

“Congratulations to our phenomenal and outstanding ALP Cohort 3 graduates,” the education chief added. (PR)