Teachers and staff from MIHS received a special surprise from the Student Body Government (SBG) last Friday at the school’s library.
For the first time, SBG officers organized a combined in-person and virtual teachers’ day event for the more than 60 teachers in the school. The officers kept the planned event secret for two weeks.
The school administration put out a notice to the teachers the day before not mentioning the purpose of the meeting except to be present for a “special gathering.” Although the Public School System was invited to attend no representative was present at the occasion.
When the teachers arrived at the school and realized the point of the gathering, they were touched. Emceeing for the event was SBG Vice President Goodwind Silk. Leading the national anthem and MIHS’s Alma Mater was a popular singing group in the school called “Duo.”
“I know this has not been a usual teachers’ day where we come together and adorn you with (gumball) leis what we have done in the past,” said SBG President Wilmer Joel. “Because of (PSS’s) protocols that prevent us from doing (it). We at least show this appreciation through video format. We thank you from the very most bottom of our hearts.”
The video he was referring to is a clip of present students and alumni sharing words of appreciation to their teachers prepared by the school’s media team, “The Current.” Alumni included Billy David, Junior Aini, Junior Paul, and Augustine Kaious.
Marshallese singing superstar Mauwe Langijota John, although not an alumni, had a say in the video.
The Vice Principal of Academic Affairs Timoci Ratidara thanked the SBG on behalf of the teachers. “We appreciate what you have done for us,” he said.
“Thank you for showing that there is an SBG running the school,” said senior teacher Miss Baba. “This is something we won’t forget.”
Another surprise also transpired, a teacher turned 67 years old the day of the appreciation event. This teacher, Jeremia Tokalauvere, had the honor of cutting the cake on behalf of the teachers. “What a way to start our weekend,” said one teacher to the Journal.