GES’ Johnson wins PSS State Counselor award

2014 State Counselor of the Year awardee Derwin Johnson, center, poses with education officials during awarding ceremonies Friday at Pacific Islands Club. From left are Glenn Muña, associated education commissioner for administrative services; Paulette T. Sablan, Garapan Elementary School principal; Johnson; last year’s State Counselor of the Year Pao Camacho of GTC Elementary School; and Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan. (Contributed Photo)

Derwin Johnson, the lone school counselor at Garapan Elementary School, was selected as this year’s Public School System Counselor of the Year awardee, besting 24 other contenders during an awarding ceremony Friday noon at the Pacific Islands Club.

Johnson provides guidance and assistance to over 800 students at his school. A truly dedicated educator, he has been serving “Students First” for the last 10 years now. He first joined public schools as a classroom teacher at Garapan Elementary in 2005. After five years, he became the school’s counselor and was first recognized in 2011 when he was named as GES Counselor of the Year. This year marks the first time he bagged the overall counselor award.

“I am very honored for this award. Being a counselor for hundreds of students is never an easy task. But with unwavering dedication and commitment, you will surely make a difference in the lives of our schoolchildren,” he told Saipan Tribune after the awarding rites that saw the attendance of fellow counselors and PSS officials.

Johnson said he cannot own the recognition alone. He was appreciative of the trust of his peers and the effective collaboration of his Mallard family that pushed him to the top this year. Teamwork, he said, is a big factor in his win this year.

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan handed Johnson the plaque of recognition for his exceptional performance Friday.

He succeeds 2013 State Counselor awardee Pao Camacho of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.

Prior to completing his degree at NMC, Johnson was previously enrolled at the University of Guam’s counselor program. He obtained his master’s degree from Framingham University. Johnson is married to Elsie San Nicolas and they have three children: Ha’ane, Aiyon, Ma’ina, and I’raina.

When asked what motivated him to become an educator, he replied: “During my freshman college years, I put in many hours observing great teachers in action. I was inspired not only by the dedication and passion of these teachers but most importantly, moved by the responses and enthusiasm that was evident in the conversations and actual work that the students were engaged with.” He said he saw himself in that capacity and believed that he, too, can inspire and bring about change.

For Johnson, there’s never been such a more fulfilling and satisfying job.

“You gain the trust and confidence of young learners who will eventually become our nation’s leaders. Just making a difference in their lives, in that alone, is very fulfilling,” he said, adding that a counselor serves as a mediator and peace builder, among other roles.

The key to his success, he said, is treating all students like his own daughters and sons.

Friday’s awarding rites capped the PSS celebration of Schools Counseling Week in the Commonwealth.