Yona school principal

Manuel Ulloa Lujan Elementary School, more commonly referred to as MU Lujan Elementary School, was built in 1973 and originally called Yona Elementary School. It was renamed two years later by public law in recognition of Lujan who was a longtime educator and public servant on Guam. Lujan served as the school’s principal. His wife, Mariana, was also a teacher at the school.

Lujan was born February 17, 1912, in Hagåtña, Guam to Manuel Olive and Carmen Ulloa Lujan. His formal education included attending the Guam High School and the Normal School, and the University of Hawai’i as an extension student.

In November 1941, Manuel U. Lujan married Mariana Manglona Leon Guerrero, also an educator. Together they had four sons, Vincent “Sonny”, Rudolph, Ronald and Raymond, and reared a nephew, Leonard, and two nieces Maria and Ana.

Distinguished political career

Manuel U. Lujan had a distinguished career in politics and public service on Guam. He was a senator in I Mina’ Uno na Liheslaturan Guåhan / 1st Guam Legislature through I Mina’ Dies na Liheslaturan Guahan / 10th Guam Legislature. Throughout his legislative tenure, he held the positions of vice speaker from the 4th through the 7th legislatures, chaired the Committee on Education and Labor, and was vice chair of the Committee on Health and Welfare.

Lujan also was a member on the Committee on Education, Housing and Urban Development, Select Committee Multi-media, Reintegration of the Marianas, Hospital Charges, Health Insurance and Airport Facilities.

Lujan was also active civically, serving as chairman of the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross from 1950 to 1951. Lujan was also Post Office drill team master from 1933 to 1935, Pre-War Scout Master from 1933 to 1935 and is credited with organizing the Guam Boy Scouts in 1944.

Manuel U. Lujan died unexpectedly on 26 January 1975, at the age of 63.

By Patricia Long Diego

For further reading

M.U. Lujan Elementary School. “Home.”