By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
Variety News Staff

THE newly crowned Miss Marianas Teen Kayla Dee Atalig has joined the “War on Graffiti” program spearheaded by the Beautify CNMI! and the Department of Public Safety’s Crime Prevention Unit.
Atalig’s mother, PO2 Tricia Seman, the officer-in-charge of the Crime Prevention Unit, said her 14-year-old daughter will participate in the program and spread the news to her peers.
Seman said her daughter will talk about the importance of preserving the beauty of the environment and participating in the painting activity.
Atalig graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program in 2005 and is active in Beautify CNMI! cleanup activities.
A freshman student at Marianas High School, Atalig was crowned Miss Marianas Teen on March 31, besting nine other candidates.
According to DPS and Beautify CNMI!, the “War on Graffiti” is a positive approach in addressing the island’s vandalism and graffiti problem as it includes designating a venue where the youth can freely express themselves through painting.