It was back in 2021 when Paul Cuaresma, a physics teacher at Guam High School, decided to apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in mathematics and science teaching, the nation’s highest honor for educators in these fields.

After an intensive application process and even making it as a finalist, Cuaresma went four years without hearing anything from the White House.

“It was both anxiety–because I was wondering, are they going to say anything? Am I going to get any clues,” said Cuaresma.

Until Monday, when President Joe Biden announced the recipients of this prestigious recognition and Cuaresma was among them.

“It took me some time to let it sink in, and then eventually, when I started getting more information, then it really made me realize–wow, this is real. It really happened,” said Cuaresma.

It’s a huge honor for the educator, who has dedicated 13 years to teaching and is one of only three teachers from the island to receive the award.

To put that in perspective, the finalist pool included 336 teachers and mentors from across the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense education activity school system.

For Cuaresma, receiving this award as a DODEA teacher carries even more meaning, given the critical role he plays in supporting military families.

“We help to provide a space for our military-connected families to have a safe and stable space for their kids and families. A lot of times, and Guam is a very military-heavy space. I work with families where mom or dad is deployed for months, or they’ve traveled back and forth around the world, so they’re very transient,” said Cuaresma.

It’s a mission Cuaresma holds close to his heart, shaping the future for the next generation while providing stability for families who need it most.

His message to fellow educators? Never lose sight of your impact.

“Just remind yourself that yes, it might sound like a thankless job, and yes, it’s a really tough job, but you’re doing something so critical in building up our society. And by allowing these young kids to get to a point where you can build their foundation, and then let them go off and then do what they’ve got to do–you’ve been part of that,” said Cuaresma.

Cuaresma isn’t alone in this honor. Guam Department of Education teachers Wendie Flores from Simon Sanchez High and Dianne Hope T. West from Okkodo High School were also recognized.

Flores shared in part, "I have had the privilege of learning from and collaborating with many dedicated and skilled individuals within the Guam Department of Education, which has played a role in the educator I am today.”

West, reflecting on her journey, saying, “I owe this achievement to the incredible support of my community—mentors, educators, administrators, students, friends, and family—who have made this journey possible.”