By Bernard Rivera
MV Teen Reporter

GCA hosts first book fair

Students at Grace Christian Academy got their creative juices flowing during their first annual book fair, which also hosted a writing competition for all grade levels.
Started last Monday, the book fair will run until March 9 from 9am to 4pm, giving teachers, parents and students ample time to choose their favorite books and turn in material for the writing competition.
The book fair, an idea of GCA Secretary Linsa Lizama, is sponsored by the Scholastic Publishing Company and is also a charity fundraiser.
“We are hoping that people will donate at least a dollar when they purchase a Scholastic Publishing Company product. The money will be given to charity, and the books will remain here in the GCA library,” said Bobbie Peterson, first grade teacher and GCA co-chair of the Book Fair committee.
GCA students are encouraged to do an original written piece, such as a short story or a poem. The writing competition is divided into grade levels and the winner will be announced next week.
The Book Fair committee is also inviting the community and parents to show support for the students’ work by attending the book fair’s Read Aloud sessions.
“We want as many people as possible to come. I want these students to be encouraged to share their talents. We are all so happy and I personally want to applaud our school secretary Linsa Lizama. She was the one who had the fabulous idea to have a book fair here in the school,” said Peterson.
Some of the young authors have already shared their work which is as imaginative as it comes.
“I want realism and I want truth in whatever I write and in what I read. Personally, I love to read teens books mainly because I can relate to them,” said Monique Sablan, a 9th grader at GCA.
“In my poem, I chose to talk about teen drama because it is just like my life,” Sablan laughs. “I really had fun writing it. I tried to make it as real as possible, and I think it came out well. Some feed back I got on my writing mentioned that it felt real, it felt authentic. So right now, I am happy with the response on my writing.”
For some students, the book fair reminds them of how important reading is.
“To tell you the truth, I think books are boring,” said Luther Taylor, a 14 year-old 9th grader. “But in reality, it’s important. It is something that everyone must have at least some interest in. We understand things much clearer and reading is extremely essential.”
Peterson agrees, saying “Books are the beginning of whole new world. Reading not only helps one’s vocabulary, but it improves people’s lives. Reading could blossom into something quite extraordinary.”

MHS Samoan dance group needs funds for Cultural Day

By Jacqueline Dela Cruz
MV Teen Reporter

The last time students saw an authentic Samoan cultural dance at Marianas High School, “Waterfalls” by hip hop group TLC was the number one song.
That was 13 years ago, and now a new group of students lead by MHS counselor Serona Vivao is planning to perform at the school’s largest community event, Cultural Day, next Friday.
The problem is the group needs money to purchase traditional Samoan dance uniforms.
“We have been fundraising, with hot lunches and car washes, but have not been too successful. We are hoping to get the costumes before Cultural Day,” said Vivao.
Vivao, who is from American Samoa, just moved to Saipan last year from Los Angeles, California.
One of her good friends, Selena Salas, who is also a Samoan, has been helping her teach 14 students how to perform the “Puletasi,” a traditional Samoan dance.
“Selena and I are really making the members practice hard everyday because I’ll be leaving for a workshop soon,” said Vivao. The group practices after school at the MHS cafeteria or Vivao’s house.
“Selena and her husband are really helpful as they give so much support to the group and we really appreciate it,” says Vivao.
For anyone interested in helping the student group, please call MHS Student Activities Coordinator Cherlyn Cabrera at 237-3223.

Fabulous everyday

By Bernard Rivera
MV Teen Reporter

Life in the CNMI is not about sitting on your porch and watching life pass you by. There is more to do besides plopping down on the couch watching television, playing video games or chatting on the phone. Teens should get out there and make a difference in the world, and look fabulous while doing it!
A pair of fabulous Dior Bugsy sunglasses worn by Jeannie King Caballa will bring out any outfit. The Bugsy sunglasses are not new for style insiders, rather, it has been a popular accessory for teens globally. It sparked fashion styles for the Bugsy sunglasses, which include Flannels, large heavy necklaces, spaghetti strap blouses with a small mini jacket, and hair pulled back with hanging earrings.
From hot models such as Giselle Bunchean and Hiedi Klum to famous celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Beyonce Knowles, colored sunglasses are officially hot. Sunglasses are not just protection for the eyes, but also they are a fashion statement for young socialites. This is a throwback 80’s. Colors explode throughout and illuminate those who cry for fashion, or for anyone who likes to dress well. Take a look at the Aviator sunglasses (down left) and neon pink Aviator sunglasses (middle left), as well as the Vanilla Sky sunglasses (top left).
(Sunglasses available at Papaya Clothing Store)
Red skulls with large black striped T-shirt, a black sleeveless hoody, with checkered cardigan pants, and a trucker hat, worn by Tony Angelo scream individuality—a fashion expression teens find attractive.
(Clothing and accessories available at Octopus Army)
Hazel Villacrusis is wearing a mini 70’s style dress. With fabulous accessories such as a leathered belt with imprinted jeweled turquoise beads, turquoise gold bracelets, a brown stoned emblem with turquoise necklace, and hanging jeweled earrings. A great fashion statement indicating that I am a strong, independent woman with a whole lot of sass!
(Clothing and accessories available at Octopus Army)
The hip and evolved 80’s style with a hint of millenniums side order. Hazel Villacrusis presents a pink sleeveless-leathered top, a Mickey Mouse jeweled denim jeans, black mini-jacket, gold necklace with black stones, and a gold bracelet with silver and gold embellishments.
(Clothing and accessories available at Octopus Army.)