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NMTI hands out awards at 4th fundraising gala
Attendees of the 4th Annual Northern Marianas Trades Institute gala dance the night away last Friday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan ballroom. (Contributed Photo)
The Northern Marianas Trades Institute hosted its fourth annual fundraising gala, “NMTI Fire and Ice,” last Friday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan ballroom, during which NMTI also recognized its outstanding students and alumni and honored its many supporters.
All of the gala’s proceeds would go to NMTI’s programs.
During the gala, NMTI recognize the Hyatt Regency Saipan for their many contributions to the trade school, and many other monumental things took place, according to NMTI chief executive officer Agnes McPhetres. That includes recognizing some of their most outstanding students and alumni, and witnessing Triple J announce a scholarship for a selected awardee.
NMTI awarded seven recognition plaques such as the Tony Pellegrino Award, which went to James Tudela; the Vicente S. Sablan Award, which was awarded to Lino Santos; the Jose C. Tenorio Award, which was awarded to Dr. Vicente Aldan; the Jose C. Ayuyu Award, which was awarded to Singeru Sugiyama; the Tun Donicio Torres Award, which was awarded to Henry Norman Angui; the Robert H. Jones Award, which was awarded to Ken Tanzawa; and a House of Representatives resolution plaque that was presented to Hyatt Regency general manager Nick Nishikawa.
According to McPhetres, these awards were named after people who have contributed in one way or another to the industries that NMTI represents.
“That’s why we honor them and the individual who is receiving the award through them,” she said.
Last year, NMTI was able to raise $32,000. Although the goal is not to exceed the amount, NMTI is still hopeful that it is possible.
Last Friday, Ross Manglona, NMTI director for Continuing Education, said that, although they would like to raise more money than last year, they are focused on recognizing their students and the private sector and their commitment to education.
“It’s always nice to raise money but it’s about the commitment of businesses to educations. This is the time of year where we celebrate our student achievements, and No. 2, it’s to give the community a sense of ownership because NMTI belongs to them,” he said.
