16 parents honored in parents conference

Sixteen local parents were recognized and honored during the Strengthening Families Through Parent Leadership Conference that culminated the monthlong celebration of Parent Leadership Month.

The awarding was held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan’s SandCastle yesterday afternoon.

The awardees were nominated by different schools where their children are currently enrolled this year.

The awardees were: Dandan Elementary School nominee Sandy Skibang, Garapan Elementary School nominee Lina Rebamba, Grace Christian Academy nominees Susan T. Hofschneider and Alice Manglona, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School nominee Lisa Orlando, Hopwood Junior High School nominee Maryann DLG. Sablan, Koblerville Elementary School nominee Ronald Gabionza and Kagman Elementary School nominee Rosie King Bautista.

Other parents awarded yesterday were: Kagman High School nominee Magdalena Concepcion, Marianas High School nominee Elias Rangamar, Mount Carmel School nominee Sonia Marie Camacho, Oleai Elementary School nominee Jessica Lizama, San Antonio Elementary School nominee Aesuk Sablan, San Vicente Elementary School David Atalig, Tanapag Elementary School Joseph Butters and William S. Reyes Elementary School nominee Gwen Mresbang.

Bautista and Skibang were chosen among the awardees to be the keynote speakers during the conference. Both parents attested on their parenting styles—from challenges to triumphs—in rearing their children properly.

The Parent Leadership Conference started Friday with Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Daisy Villagomez-Bier and Parent Education Program coordinator Felicidad Ogumoro opening the conference.

Former Commissioner of Education and now Northern Marianas Board of Regents member Rita H. Inos spoke about the Public School System’s goals and achievement. Other speakers on the first day were Andie Dela Cruz of the Division of Youth Services, NMC-CREES nutrition coordinator Patricia Coleman, and Head Start Program site coordinator Alex Rangamar.

Second day speakers were: social workers Bill Limes and Resel Magofna, domestic violence detective Chris Guerrero, Department of Public Health’s Bobby Reilly-Schmidt, Community Guidance Center family therapist Percy Torres and prevention coordinator Reyna Malone, and Ken Shankweiler.

Overall conference chair Vivian T. Sablan said she was quite satisfied with the turnout of the event, with close to 200 prents showing up yesterday and Friday.