PSS hails ‘champions’ for SY 2024-2025

In celebration of National Education Day, the CNMI Public School System named yesterday the State Staff of the Year for the school year 2024-2025 namely Yeji Lee of William S. Reyes Elementary School for Teacher of the Year, Alvin Rizk I. Arcega of Marianas High School for Teacher Aide of the Year, Gloria Ann S. Rasiang of Francisco M. Sablan Middle School as Instructor of the Year, Yvonnalynn Leonie S. Taimañao of Koblerville Elementary School as School Counselor of the Year, Maria L. Ornes of Kagman High School as Librarian of the Year and a tie for the Maintenance Staff of the Year between Diego M. Cabrera of San Vicente Elementary School and Eladia G. Muna of Kagman Elementary School.

The PSS leaders with Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios drove to the schools to surprise the winners yesterday morning.

The convoy started from the PSS office on Capitol Hill with William S. Reyes Elementary School as the first stop.

Council of Chief State School Officers CEO Dr. Miller Carissa Moffat arrived at the sprawling campus of WSR Elementary School to a raucous welcome. She joined the education chief and the governor in presenting the highest teaching award in the CNMI.

“Greetings from Washington, D.C. to all of you. I come from the CSSO, which ran the National Teacher of the Year Program since 1952. This program supports special educators in all states and territories, and once selected, the teacher of the year will embark on a year-long learning and appreciation journey with us in Washington, D.C.,” said Miller.

Palacios expressed his gratitude to Camacho and staff for their contributions and was honored to be present at the event.

“On behalf of Lt. Gov. David Apatang and the whole community of the Commonwealth, we want to extend a warm Education Day to all of you. Thank you all of you who are here today. Biba Education Day! Once again, congratulations for all the hard work in the Public School System, commissioner Camacho, all the staff and teachers that support our educational system so that our kids can get advanced in our society, and advanced in our community,” he said.

Lee, a fifth grade classroom teacher at WSR, expressed her gratitude in an interview for receiving the Teach of the Year award in front of a large audience.

“I am very honored and very glad that I was able to receive such a big award in front of so many crowds, and I am very happy,” she said.

Lee acknowledged the support of her colleagues and family and plans to give back to the community and continue working with their team.

Teacher Aide of the Year awardee Arcega was surprised with the announcement of his name and acknowledged his award.

“I’m very grateful for all the co-workers I have here in MHS and do your best and make this place a workplace that I always want to go back to no matter what,” he said.

Camacho said for the last 36 years, CNMI PSS has been led by a group of champions.

“The Public School System has experienced numerous advancements and growth during the past 36 years. The men and women who supported our causes and made sure we stayed dedicated to our goal as PSS family are responsible for all of these,” he said.

Camacho described all the awardees, along with all of the district’s staff and personnel, as champions of public education.