Camp Blaz Marines welcome students back to Finegayan Elementary School
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam— High-fives, fist bumps, and high energy echoed through the halls of Finegayan Elementary School as students arrived on campus this academic year. Standing front and center to greet them were Marines from Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, offering a warm and motivating welcome to the incoming students.
Over the past six months, Camp Blaz Marines have worked hand-in-hand with their sister school, Finegayan Elementary School, dedicating their time to fostering a safe, vibrant, and positive learning environment. From clearing debris to repainting classrooms, this collaborative effort ensured the school was fully prepared for a successful year ahead.
The joint effort began in February when Marines joined school staff to clear trash and debris along the campus fenceline. During the visit, Marines also spent time on the playground, connecting directly with students to share stories about Marine Corps life and participate in recess games.
The partnership deepened just a month later during a campus beautification project. Marines and staff teamed up to revitalize the grounds and donate nearly 60 pieces of recreational gear—including volleyball nets, soccer balls, and footballs—to ensure the children had the resources they needed to play safely.
In July, the collaboration proved vital once again. Following the impact of Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, Marines returned to the elementary school to assist with storm recovery. The team relocated furniture, organized educational supplies, and painted buildings to restore the campus before the start of the school year.
The months of preparation culminated this Friday with a back-to-school event, celebrating the hard work accomplished over the spring and summer. While the campus preparation is complete, the enduring friendship between MCB Camp Blaz and Finegayan Elementary continues to grow stronger. School leaders emphasized that the partnership extends far beyond physical campus improvements, leaving a lasting impression on the student body.
“Working side-by-side with Camp Blaz teaches our students that helping others is the ultimate way to show up for your home,” said Melvin Finoña, Finegayan Elementary School’s principal.
For the Marines involved, supporting the local Guam community at Finegayan was an equally meaningful experience.
"It's an honor to show up for Guam's next generation,” said Staff Sgt. Tawanya Norwood, communications strategy and operations chief, MCB Camp Blaz, “Being a mom, I understand how precious these students are to their families and community, and I love being able to welcome them into the new school year just as the Guam community recently welcomed my daughter and me here."
Mutual support continues to define the relationship between the Marines and Guam’s community. Through its collaboration with Finegayan Elementary, MCB Camp Blaz has reached beyond the base perimeter—delivering real impact right into the heart of the island’s classrooms.
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