((DEQ) — Students can express their opinions and hopes and dreams by participating in the poem or essay contest, part of the Division of Environmental Quality 24th Annual Environmental Awareness celebration. 
The poem and essay contests are a CNMI wide competition and are based on the theme for this year, “Let Our Islands Shine!”
Jonathan Arriola, poem contest coordinator, said poems must reflect this year’s theme and use the haiku 3-line, 5-7-5 syllable format.
 He said the contest is only open to students in the first through sixth grades.
High school students interested in entering the essay competition are asked to write a 300 to 500-word composition on what the theme means to them personally and how it impacts our islands to shine in the years to come.
 Julie dela Rosa, coordinator for the essay contest, said DEQ has already received entries and hopes that all schools will participate.
Stationery and art supplies will be awarded to the winners of both events.
The supplies are valued at $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.
The winners of the poem and essay contests will be recognized on April 21 during the Sustaininable Living Festival at the Sabalu Market at Civic Center Beach Park.
Learning about environmental concerns and issues is a two-way street. 
Reina Camacho, DEQ spokeswoman, said, “While we visit schools teaching them about the environment, there is a lot we can gain from our students.  Students also talk about how they feel and how pollution impacts their lives.  DEQ annually holds the writing events to learn from the students as well.”
For more information about the contests, visit www.deq.gov.mp or call 664-8500.