Loria Dee Hocog named new student rep on BOE

Gov. Eloy S. Inos has appointed Loria Dee Hocog as the new student representative on the Board of Education effective today, June 12.

Hocog, whose term will last throughout the duration of her enrollment in the Public School System, will replace incumbent Michaelle Marie Muña from Kagman High School.

Hocog will serve as a non-voting member on the board. Her appointment does not require the consent of the Legislature.

Hocog

Gov. Eloy S. Inos said his administration is confident that Hocog will make valuable contributions to the board. Inos is also appreciative of Hocog’s willingness to serve and provide input from a student’s point of view.

Hocog’s appointment was welcomed yesterday by BOE chair Herman T. Guerrero. In his letter to Hocog, Guerrero advised that in order for the new representative to provide a true students’ perspective, it will be her responsibility to seek ways to gain an understanding of what that perspective is.

Guerrero said the student rep position is constitutionally mandated.

“It is an immense responsibility and one that this board takes very seriously. We look forward to working with you to accomplish these mandates and to your contributions to continually improve our public education for the benefit of CNMI students,” stated Guerrero.

‘Proven leadership skills’
Loria Dee Hocog is a junior at Saipan Southern High School. She is the daughter of Rose and Derek Hocog.

Since her elementary days at Koblerville Elementary School, Hocog has been a consistent honor student and participant in many school and community activities. She had also served various groups and youth organizations including the Manta Ray Refaluwasch Club, softball club, and others.

Hocog completed her elementary studies as class valedictorian. She was also a consistent honor student during her middle school years.

She was the first princess in the 2012 Liberation Day. In high school, she is an AP Honor Student and member of Lady Rays Fast Pitch softball team.

“I am very honored to be appointed as the student representative. I am ready to carry the voice of the students to Board of Education so that their concerns will be heard. I encourage my peers throughout the CNMI, especially those on Tinian and Rota, to feel free to contact me with their concerns so that I can properly and fully convey it to the powers-that-be,” she told Saipan Tribune yesterday.