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PSS honors ‘hero’ teachers
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- From left, Tanapag Middle School principal Erica Thornburgh and her teaching staff Jesse Arriola, Alvin Tagabuel, and Hilda Rios. (Jon Perez)
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- From left, Dandan Middle School principal Lyn Mendiola and her teaching staff Patrick Antonio, Jemma Manibo, Jermaine Catching, and Joseph Villacrusis. Not in photo is Jordan Jucutan. (Jon Perez)
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- San Antonio Middle School principal James Sablan, right, and their Heroes to Teacher staff. (Jon Perez)
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- William S. Reyes Elementary School principal Naomi Nishimura, left, introduces her Heroes to Teachers personnel. (Jon Perez)
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- Oleai Elementary School’s U.S. Armed Forces members, from left, Randy Pagapular, Eugene Tabhan, Veronica King, and Jeffrey Bacani join principal Jasylene Parico. (Jon Perez)
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- From left, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan and Hopwood Junior High School principal Jonas M. Barcinas poses with and service members who are now working as classroom teachers and teacher aides. (Jon Perez)
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- PSS associate commissioner for student support service Yvonne Pangelinan, right, celebrates with Head Start’s Heroes to Teacher. (Jon Perez)
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- Former senator Ray Yumul was the event’s inspirational speaker. (Jon Perez)
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- CNMI Board of Education chair Herman Guerrero with his welcome remarks. (Jon Perez)
The Public School System ended its Heroes to Teachers week by honoring those who either served in the U.S. military or are in the U.S. Army Reserve last Friday at the Seaside Hall of the Kanoa Resort.
CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman T. Guerrero, in his welcome remarks, thanked all those veterans who are now working with the PSS. “We have quite a number of veterans, from [Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps] instructors to teacher assistants.”
“Thank you to all of you and we appreciate your interest in being part of the PSS family. Thank you for your sacrifice and eager to learn skills to become successful members of the community,” Guerrero added.
He said veterans and reservists who joined PSS have much to teach the students. “We can’t underestimate the efforts you showed in serving our country. For that, you have much to teach our students regarding leadership and responsibilities.”
Former senator Ray Yumul, the event’s inspirational speaker, also lauded all PSS personnel who once served in the military saying that they are an outstanding group of people. He said it was Gerri Willis and Wilfred Camacho who were the ones who came up with the program.
“The Troops to Teachers program expanded. It is a form of career advancement for the, especially for those who just finished their service. Have something to do after being deployed,” Yumul said.
“There are a lot of programs that are waiting after your military service. Teaching and guiding the students to become good citizens and excel in their studies is one of them,” he added.
Principals of each school—elementary and junior high—then introduced each of their personnel who once served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
