Education Day 2005

In a day that combined the frivolity of the carnival, the hilarity of the circus, the pageantry of a coronation, and the variety of a vaudeville, some 900 personnel of the Public School System celebrated Education Day last Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at the driving range of the Laolao Bay Golf Resort.

With the convivial emceeing of Chris Cabrera and Rosalyn Ajoste, the normally staid group ushered their personnel of the year awardees in diverse styles. Hopwood Hilitai’s floated the late IZ’s (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) haunting rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World,” as the dainty yellow birds of San Vicente affirmed that there is “life after the PRAXIS.” The Canaries, along with none other entertainers, would later bump and grind it in the open fields to their colleagues delight.

Saipan southern schools must be having a challenging year. Koblerville hunted for the Umang with the stealth of black chic 007 agents on a Mission Impossible, fully equipped with top-of-the-line squirting H20 guns. San Antonio octupi hustled “groovy” Octupussy and Charlie’s Angels. WSR Kingfishers came out do-see-doing their boots, hee-haws and six-shooters.

SSHS Manta Rays were grateful gift-givers, giving the crowd a live school band. GTC affirmed Hafa Adai hybridity with Binadu Charlotte Camacho receiving the Executive Award for Excellence as the Teacher of the Year. The Oleai turtles frolicked in the sand, modestly attired and properly behaved. Tanapag wore their delectable Tatagas. And the Totuts, well, what can one say. Between the Makarena and the Otso-otso, “we’re working it, baby!”

MHS baritone Birdman broadway’d an Elizabethan coronation complete with Pacific conch shell introit and the benedictional declaration that “they shall know we are Dolphins by our love.” The Kagman family (Blue Marlins, Lancheros, Ayuyus) graciously hosted the Rota and Tinian (Chamorros, Bucks, Lu’aus, Stallions, Colts) delegations.

The full complement of Head Start staff in a sea of Red (Malua Peter’s, not Mao Dse Dong’s) swayed Arabian Nights to enticing Hindi tune. Dr. Rita H. Inos led the retirees and everyone else to aerobically touch their toes. MHS 9th grader Sam Joyner headed the “children of today’s imaginings.” They wrote essays and drew logos for the occasion.

Garapan Mallards summed it all: not the car bought, nor the house built, not even the bank account savings, and hardly the clothes worn 100 years hence that determine a teacher/staff contribution. It is having touched the life of a child that is most important. Vision seen; mission stated. Roll up the sleeves and imagine all the endless possibilities!