February 24, 2022

Kalahngan to the SDA High School Debate Team. Vice Principal and Advisor, Leighton Edward and six members of the team, visited Governor Oliver on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, to ask questions relating to this year’s Law Day debate theme: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia shall enact legislation establishing a minimum wage for the FSM. The students asked questions relating to the current minimum wage in Pohnpei and any future plans on raising the wage in preparation for their upcoming debate. Governor Oliver and Ms. Shirley-Ann Ligohr, who heads Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and secretariat for the Economic Planning Commission (EPC), advised the students that formal communications have been submitted to the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature requesting an increase to the minimum wage from $1.75 to $2.00. Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Edward and the students for their visit and their continued quest for knowledge, he congratulated the previous SDA team for winning last year’s debate and encouraged this year’s team to do their best. The first debate is scheduled for April 5, 2022, with the next debate scheduled for April 21, 2022. The team members who accompanied Mr. Edward to the Governor’s Office: Sharlynn Sakios Sophia Bacalando Sean Ruepong Noah Hadley Caitlin Nanpei

The 2nd annual Student Takeover Day successfully concluded at the PICS gymnasium on Wednesday, February 24, 2022, with a ceremony to recognize the student leaders and employers. This year also saw more student participation including special remarks at the closing ceremony by Student Governor, the Honorable Ian Perman, student reflections by July-O Saimon, Prinet Richard, Isabella Sipos, JD Nelper, Jade Dawn Holiday, Kachaena Tolenoa, and Kathleen Dacanay, and closing remarks by the Student Director of the Department of Education, Ja’cy Wes Lukan. In his closing remarks, Student Governor Perman said it was his honor to speak on behalf of Governor Oliver and conveyed gratitude and appreciation to the Department of Education for arranging the Student Takeover Day. He said the future of our country depends on the youth and this Student Takeover Day has helped to inspire, motivate and encourage the youth to be the best they can be. He closed by saying that he believed like him, most of the students that participated in this year’s Student Takeover Day will take the experiences they had to help them decide on a career path. Congratulations to all the students and employers who participated in the 2nd annual student takeover day.