Students head to D.C. in first PSS trip after Sinlaku

Twelve students and two teachers from the CNMI Public School System are grateful for the first approved student-trip since Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The Close Up Insular Areas Program grants students from the CNMI and other insular areas an opportunity to participate in a two-week-long civic education program, touring them through historical sites in the United States just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.

Three students from Marianas High School, 3 from Saipan Southern High School, 2 out of Kagman High School, 1 from Da’ok Academy, 2 out of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. Sr. High School and 1 student from Tinian High School, began their journey out of the typhoon-ravaged island of Saipan on May 3rd, 2026, embarking on a tour of our nation’s history. The program’s 12 participants will explore the three-branches of the US Government, in Washington DC, Williamsburg, Philadelphia, and New York City.

Vinni Orsini, PSS’s English Language Arts Program Manager, who has been the program’s coordinator for 4 years, shared his excitement and enthusiasm with MP, calling Close Up “one of the longest programs we… [PSS] has been running, its decades of partnership, it’s a program that promotes social studies and civic engagement.” He highlights that the experience will give high school students from throughout the CNMI a chance to learn more about the federal government and its relationship with our local government, adding “Throughout this typhoon season, having people see FEMA, having people see Trump’s declaration of emergency, it shows how we’re connected to the federal government and how they support us in restoring back out island.” He hopes that Close Up would inspire students to “become future leaders one day and become the history makers of tomorrow.”

Raiahli Barcinas, a 10th grader from RHIJSHS calls the opportunity “meaningful”, stating “After experiencing Typhoon Sinlaku, being able to join the Close Up Program feels meaningful because it gives me a chance to learn, reflect, and grow beyond what happened. It helps me better understand leadership and community while thinking about how to respond to challenges like natural disasters. Overall, I feel grateful for the opportunity to turn a difficult experience into something positive and inspiring.”

Tinian High School’s Adam Xuan shares with MP, “Having the opportunity to travel despite the challenges of typhoon Sinlaku - I am forever grateful.” Meanwhile, Saipan Southern’s senior Edwin Sibucao Jr. adds, “ I believe being able to travel to the Close Up Trip after the typhoon allows us to use our voice to tell the world about our experiences and the help we need in the CNMI since not many people know about the CNMI being a US territory.”

Orsini thanks PSS, former Congressman Gregorio Sablan and Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds for their unwavering support of the Close Up Program. “We are really excited for them, this is a trip of a lifetime. So when we found out that it was the first trip to be allowed to resume for students, we couldn’t have been happier and more proud.”