The 2015 Territorial Teacher of the Year 2015 is Mrs. Monica Lynn Lui  who was named in the ceremony, which Education Department director, Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau described as a celebration which also give recognition to special honorees from six elementary schools’ Teachers of the Year 2015, and is hosted annually by DOE.

Presenting her with a trophy and other prizes was Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale who represented Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga during the recognition ceremony held Friday night, Jan. 9, at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.

Besides winning the Territorial Teacher of the Year award, Mrs. Lui was also the recipient of the Secondary Division Teacher of the Year, after she was selected as Teacher of the Year from Samoana High School, where she has been a science teacher for all of the 8 years since she joined DOE after serving one-year in Samoa in the U.S. Peace Corps.

“As a teacher I’ve always wanted my students to do their best and I’ve consistently been reminded that in order for them to do their best, I have to do my best,” Mrs. Lui said. “If I expect them to study and research, then I also should be keeping up to date and studying the changes in the scientific world that I teach about.”

Vaitinasa said DOE’s motto is that “students are first. All that we do filters down and focuses on the students.”

Teacher of the Year committee member Roberta Ripely informed Mrs. Lui that the unique and interesting trophy given to her, “is a constant reminder to you and your students to keep the flame alite - a mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindle.”

Besides the trophy, Mrs. Lui also received a $1,000 monetary gift sponsored by DOE and Vaitinasa. And as the Territorial Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Lui will attend the National Teacher of the Year conference next month in Phoenix, Arizona.

She will also attend the National Teacher of the Year announcement ceremony in Washington D.C. with President Barack Obama in April and in July, she will attend the Space Camp at NASA. Her final conference will be in October where she will attend the National Teacher of the Year ‘Next Step’ Conference.

Also recognized Friday night was Maluelue Toli Jr., the Elementary Division Teacher of the Year and he is also the Teacher of the Year for Tafuna Elementary.

Other elementary teachers honored were Melody P. Kitiona, Matatula Elementary Teacher of the Year; Mele Fa’aloua Ume, Matafao Elementary Teacher of the Year; Talau’u Carla Utuone, Lauli’i Elementary Teacher of the Year; Elaine Avia, Lupelele Elementary Teacher of the Year; and Mabel Timoteo Matautia, Coleman Elementary Teacher of the Year.

See Monday’s edition for more details from Friday nights celebration.