Today marks the 20th Charter Day celebration of Palau Community College (PCC).  The theme for today was “Strength through Diversity and Teamwork” celebrating the diversity of the PCC family which includes its faculty, staff, and students.  Over 180 people participated in the annual President’s Walk & Run which began at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge and ended at the Palau National Track & Field.

Joynal Mize was the first male runner to complete the course with a time of twenty-five minutes and fifty-six seconds (25.56).  The second male to complete the run was Akito Suzuki with a time of twenty-six minutes and forty-five seconds (26.45).  Mr. Suzuki was followed by Marinelo Salepare who came in with the time of twenty-seven minutes and nine seconds (27.09).  Ngoki Kuramoto was the fourth male runner to complete the course with a time of twenty-seven minutes and twenty-five seconds (27.25).  The fifth male runner to complete the run was Omak Ueki with a time of twenty-eight minutes and eight seconds (28.08).

The first female runner to complete the course was PCC Instructor Holly Farlin with a time of thirty-five minutes and five seconds (35.05).  She was followed by Instructor Laura Lay with a time of thirty-five minutes and nine seconds (35.09).  Counselor Shelly Ueki followed with a time of thirty-five minutes and twenty-four seconds (35.24).  Yuka Yamagami finished in fourth with a time of thirty-five minutes and thirty-five seconds (35.35).  Joni Kesolei was the fifth female runner to complete the course with a time of forty-one minutes and twenty-five seconds (41.25).

The first male walker to complete the course was Queency Tailimepiy with a time of forty-five minutes and three seconds (45.03).  He was followed by Denny Yangrelpiy who completed with a time of forty-five minutes and eighteen seconds (45.18).  Master Canoe Navigator Sesario Sewralur finished in third with a time of forty-seven minutes and fifteen seconds (47.15).  Instructor Lester Rekemesik followed with a time of forty-seven minutes and fifty-two seconds (47.52).  Female walkers were not able complete the course within the time limit frame.

As part of the teamwork promoted in the Charter Day theme, PCC teams competed with one another for the highest points gained in a Fishing Derby and half-day activities.  The PCC faculty, staff, and students were divided into six teams: Green Team (Captain: PCC President Dr. Patrick U. Tellei, Co-Captain: Abrah Shirai); Purple Team (Captain: Vice President Thomas Taro, Co-Captain: Lisa Sulog); Red Team (Captain: Vice President Jay Olgeriil, Co-Captain: Ronnie Thomas); Blue Team (Captain: Dean Willy Wally, Co-Captain: Nena Tilfas); Orange Team (Captain: Dean Sherman Daniel, Co-Captain: Tommy Obed); and Brown Team (Captain: Dean Robert Ramarui, Co-Captain: Antoni Soalablai).

On Wednesday night from 5Pm to 12Am a Fishing Derby was held at M-Dock. Each team was represented by three fishing teams consisting of a male and a female member.  The points awarded during the derby were based on the total weight of the their catches.  The following are the overall standing of all the teams’ catches from first to last place: Team Blue -First place, Team Brown -Second place, Team Green Third place, Team Purple Fourth place, Team Red Fifth place, and Team Orange was Sixth place.

The half-day activities included Coconut Husking/Grating/Peeling, Frisbee Target Throw, Rubber Shooters – Target Shooting, Mixed 50 Meters Relay, Distance Target Throw, Softball Target Throw, Target Spear Throw, and Musical Chair.  Team Brown won first place with an overall score of 87 points; Team Green won second with 81 points, Team Red won third with 72 points, Team Purple placed fourth with 68 points, Team Blue place fifth with 67 points, and Team Orange placed in sixth place with 66 points.

PCC would like to thank everyone who participated in making its 20th Charter Day Celebration unforgettable. Thank you all for contributing to an amazing day!