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SIS names merit scholarship for founding principal
Karen King, shown here holding the proclamation renaming the Merit Scholarship in her name, poses with Julia Newman, Ron Snyder, and Mili Saiki. (Contributed Photo)
On Oct. 12, 2017, Saipan International School renamed its merit scholarship in the name of Karen King, the first principal of Saipan International School.
The SIS merit scholarship is now called the Karen King Merit Scholarship.
Elementary students and teachers were in attendance at a ceremony last Friday where King was awarded with a proclamation by the board, honoring her service to the school.
King was the first principal of the school and was instrumental in getting it set up and started on its path toward success. A long-time educator, King came to Saipan from California and believed that all students could succeed, given the right circumstances and that it was the school’s duty to create the circumstances for success.
She began her career with SIS at the original campus and oversaw the groundbreaking and eventual move to its current location.
SIS teacher Mili Saiki said that King lived for the school. During the Middle Ages unit, King came to school dressed as a queen and created an atmosphere of family and global-mindedness throughout SIS.
“Without Karen King, there wouldn’t be an SIS,” added Roland Johnson, board member emeritus and board chair when King was principal.
Friday’s board proclamation was signed by board chair George Hasselback. (PR)
