HOW to foster more harmony among the diverse cultures represented on Guam was the topic of essays submitted in the 12th annual public, private and DODEA school essay contest sponsored by the Baha’is of Guam, a press release said.
Six winners received gift certificates from Best Sellers Book Store at an honor ceremony on April 1 at the Fiesta Resort, Tumon in the World Cafe South Dining.
“What can we do on Guam to foster harmony among and within the many cultures and races represented here?” was the topic of the essays.
The topic choice was based on the Baha’i writings of “Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love.”
The middle school winners are:
1st — Dareon-Lou Crisostomo Rios, Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School
2nd — Angelana Sablan, Mount Carmel School
3rd — Elena Munoz, St. Anthony School
The high school winners are:
1st — Raymond Salas, Father Duenas Memorial School
2nd — Arman Ruwen Burgos, George Washington High School
3rd — Julie Liu, Notre Dame High School
The winners received gift certificates from Best Seller Book Store of: 1st place, $100; 2nd place, $75; and 3rd place, $50.
Winners read their 500-word essay at the ceremony to family, teachers and their school principals. The winning essays were published in a booklet given to essay participants, their teachers and their school principals. Some schools prominently display the winning essays.
Judges this year were J. Bradley Klemm, Dr. Helen Thompson, and Erlinda Ariola. The judging criteria were whether the essay was well-written, clearly organized, and relatively free from errors.
The essay topics each year follow the general theme of unity in diversity, a main focus of the Baha’i Faith worldwide. Past year’s topics were Humanity is a Tapestry, and Humanity is One Family.