Kagman students serenade man’amko with holiday carols

With Christmas just around the corner, various groups are lining up for their turn to sing yuletide carols to the congregates at the Aging Center.

Kagman High School students were the first in line with a special performance for the island’s senior citizens on Tuesday morning.

Wearing Santa hats, 22 members of the Kagman JROTC unit led by Master Sergeant James Burke and 10 students under the special education class marched from the Sugar King Park all the way to the Aging Center.

Yesterday’s program began with the JROTC’s rifle drill team putting on an exhibition for the man’amko.

The congregates then proceeded indoors where they listened to the students sing Christmas songs in English and Chamorro. The students also gave away handmade cards and Christmas treats to the senior citizens.

“Every year, Kagman High School students come here to sing Christmas carols to us. We’re thankful and happy for that,” said Rosalina H. Navat, who has been at the center for six years.

Lucy Atalig said she clapped when the students sang for them and especially liked the card and treats she got. “I felt that Christmas is here with us,” she said.

Abdul T. De Jesus, who joined the center about a month ago, said he feels excited that Kagman High School students and other groups will be performing for them this holiday season.

“We were all pleased. I myself am very happy when I heard the Christmas songs,” said De Jesus, 81.

Saipan Seniors Advisory Council chair Teresita Sorroza thanked the Kagman High students on behalf of the entire congregation and Aging Office director Rose Mondala.

“The gentlemen demonstrated their ability to join in the military in the future and we really felt that Christmas is around the corner through the songs they performed. We wish them, their families and friends a very Merry Christmas,” Sorroza told Saipan Tribune.

Burke said that they have been doing the Christmas show at the Aging Center for several years now. This year’s program took about two weeks to prepare, with the students planning, practicing, and organizing the show even during weekends.

Burke said the event is a service learning activity for the students, an opportunity where they can interact and talk to the man’amko and relate to their experiences.

“We’re always glad to come down here and interact with the Aging Center. It’s a very, very happy learning experience for everybody,” he added.

Battalion Commander Keisha Manglona said she feels grateful for having the chance to learn many things by interacting with the man’amko. “By interacting with them I was able to see what they’ve done in life and who they became,” she said.

Markeda Harris said this is the third year that she became a part of the annual event. “It’s really overwhelming to see the smiling faces of our senior citizens. It makes me feel proud of myself for being a part of it.”

Second Lt. Mona Indalecio, for her part, believes that the man’amko appreciate the event. “They feel that someone does care for them. I look forward to next year’s event.”

Kagman High special education teacher Richard Masiwemai, for his part, said “It’s good seeing the familiar faces again. The kids practiced for this and they really love doing it. We wish the man’amko Merry Christmas, happy holidays, God bless, and we hope to see them next year.”