KUAM News took a trip to Tiyan High School to check in on their Mes CHamoru preparations. Here’s more on what to expect this weekend as they kick off the month-long celebration, in addition to their annual Titan Day.

CHamoru culture and pride have taken root in our next generation, as they carry forth our language, traditions, and spirit of a people. And to see this happening in real time, you don’t have to look further than in our public schools. At Tiyan, these students have a strong sense of who they are, and are happy to share it.

Senior Annielynn Palacios shared “I think we should carry the culture in our hearts everywhere, all the time.” The school gearing-up for this weekend’s launch of Mes CHamoru, combining the celebration with their annual “Titan Day.”

Palacios and junior Benjamin Mendiola will be part of the event’s storytelling aspect, honoring the history of the CHamoru people through dance and song. He said, “We’re prepared, we’re ready to rock and roll on that one.”

Palacios added, “We have Senora Mendiola, who is our other CHamoru teacher, and Senora Eileen Meno, and their first-year students are working on the ancient era of the CHamoru culture, and that’s basically the creation and migration of our people. So, through song and dance, they’re telling their migration from Austronesia to Guam and asking permission. Then later on in the day, we also have the Spanish Era, which is the advanced class, and we tap on colonialism.”

This year’s theme is I Fino' Chamoru Muna'såtton Saina Yan Påtgon which means "The CHamoru language creates an intergenerational connection between parent and child."

The event will have activities, traditional food, music, and more. It will also highlight the school’s academic programs and opportunities, with more information on the 12 different career pathways.

The celebration kicks off Saturday, February 28, from 10am-1 pm at Agana Shopping Center.