by Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondent

Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, a son of American Samoa, is the keynote speaker at today's opening of the four-day Pacific Education Conference, which is considered one of the largest educational conferences in the western Pacific, and a major source of professional development opportunities for educators.

More than 200 off-island delegates will attend the conference held at the Tafuna High School campus and co-sponsored by the local Department of Education, American Samoa Community Center, and the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL).

Education Department Director Dr. Claire Poumele told Samoa News over the weekend that the PEC program committee considered several individuals from off-island to be the keynote speaker.

"The final selection was Senator Gabbard based on his roots to American Samoa, his service as an educator here on our island and his successful achievements in Hawaii," said Poumele in a telephone interview. "We are proud to have our own son of American Samoa speaking at a very important education conference and to share his views and ideas that could assist educators from the region."

The official opening and ava ceremony is set for 3 p.m. today at the Tafuna high gymnasium and Gov. Togiola Tulafono along with First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono are among the VIPs to attend. This morning up until the opening ceremony is set aside for registration, according to the PEC program.

Although about 50 off-island delegates arrived Thursday night, Poumele said the majority of them - about 200 or so were scheduled to arrive last night and a few others arriving on Tuesday because last night's flight was fully booked.

Samoa News has learned that several participants from the northern Pacific U.S. jurisdictions may not attend due to full flights from Honolulu to Pago Pago on Hawaiian Airlines. Samoa News was able to confirmed Saturday afternoon that at least two Guam delegates, who were scheduled presenters for workshops are among those unable to find seats on the flight.

PEC 2008 THEME: "THE PACIFIC CHILD: A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND ART"

"The PEC conference plays an important role in efforts to further the development of education in American Samoa as well as the region and it brings together educators to discuss, plan and work together to improve their respective education system," said Poumele in an interview over the weekend.

Poumele said there will be over 130 different workshops during the conference and about 25 workshop will be conducted by local educators. Workshops areas ranges from assessment & accountability, to leadership and counseling, to parent & family involvement to math and science education.

Target audience includes ECE, elementary and secondary schools; school administration and leadership; policy makers; and service providers and professional developers.

This year's PEC host is also trying out a new technology, by placing video monitors at several locations outside the school campus that will provide information, workshop schedules and other details "to ensure that it's widely available," said Poumele.

At dinner time, local high schools will provide performances as well as "cultural presentations" by each participating delegations. American Samoa's presentation along with five other island delegations is scheduled for Wednesday night. "These cultural presentations are always the highlight of PEC gatherings," said Poumele.

The closing ceremony is set for Thursday afternoon and there will be a combined elementary choir performing for the closing.

Despite the many events happening this month, Poumele said DOE is still able to "receive an overwhelming support" from various individuals and companies in support of this educational conference and she says this is a clear sign that American Samoa still makes education its top priority and DOE is "very appreciative" of everyone's commitment.

She says DOE has begun to officially acknowledge and extend a "humble appreciation" to those who have donated to this event. Last Friday morning Poumele and other DOE officials presented to Gary Ayre, chief executive officer of ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank a beautiful carved plaque that has the Logo of the Conference and 5 lavalavas' with the PEC logo.

"Mr. Ayre has been a staunch supporter of educational activities within our community," said Poumele. "The ANZ bank also contributed generously for our Science Fair, Special Education Christmas activity for students this year and many other educational activities. Being that he is leaving the island in a couple of days, we felt it was important to acknowledge his support."

SENATOR GABBARD

Born to Benjamin Harrison Gabbard and Agnes Yandall Gabbard of Leloaloa, American Samoa in 1948, Mike Gabbard was elected Senator for Hawaii's District #19 in 2006 and he currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation & International Affairs Committee, and a member of the Senate Education, Agriculture & Hawaiian Affairs, and Judiciary & Labor committees.

He lived in American Samoa from 1971-1983. During this time, Gabbard taught at Faga'itua and Samoana high schools, and served at American Samoa Community College as a guidance counselor, Assistant Dean of Instruction, and Dean of Adult and Community Education.

He earned a Bachelor degree in English from California State University-Sonoma, and his master's degree is in Adult Education with an emphasis in Community College Administration from Oregon State University.

Gabbard, resides in Kapolei (Oahu Island) with his family.