By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE candidates in this year’s Miss Marianas Teen pageant demonstrated their talents on Friday at the multi-purpose center in Susupe.
Stellar Marianas president Laila Y. Boyer said the contestants are energetic and creative and have diverse talents which make this year’s competition “exciting.”
“We see a whole range of talents from singing, dancing, to taekwondo. We’re really proud of the girls and what they showed tonight is only a taste of what we will see on pageant night,” Boyer told Variety.
The ten candidates had their one-on-one personal interview with the five judges on Saturday.
Boyer said the winner of the best in talent award will be announced on competition night slated for March 31 at the Nikko Hotel.
The winner will be selected based on originality, stage presence, delivery and technical level.
“I was blown away,” said Kelly Butcher, an assistant public defender, after watching the talent night. “They’re all so talented and it’s a pleasure to be here watching them.”
Steve Nguyen, a behavior specialist with the Public School System, said they were very pleased to see the candidates’ variety of talents and dedication.
“I think they are all extremely talented and these young women are very vibrant…and seeing these quality performances, we must take pride in their work,” he said.
Butcher and Nguyen are among the judges.
Boyer said on coronation night, the 10 contestants will compete in physical fitness, fun fashion, evening gown and Q&A segments.
On talent night, Friday, nearly a hundred individuals cheered and showed their support for the candidates.
A group of Grace Christian Academy students rooted for Kagman High School’s 16-year-old Jessel Mesa who played the guitar and sang “Love Will Keep us Alive” by The Eagles.
“She’s outstanding — she showed two skills by singing and playing the guitar. Hope she gets the title,” the GCA students said.
They also praised Northern Marianas College’s Heather Calderwood, who performed “amazing salsa and tango dances.”
“Dancing is my passion and this year I really tried my best. I love doing it just as I love doing films. I want to try different things and continue to improve my myself,” the 17-year-old told Variety.
Also among the crowd favorites was 16-year-old Yvette Bennett who sang Beyonce’s “Listen.”
“I could relate to it. It is a moral song that is so strong and inspiring,” she said.
Bennett is the younger sister of reigning Miss Marianas Universe Shequita Bennett.
Kayla Atalig performed an Arabian belly dance; Chrislaine Lely performed a modern dance; Maggie Aldan performed a Polynesian dance number; and Ruby Somorang performed a Refaluwaasch chant and dance number. All are MHS students.
Tinian High School’s Quina Mendiola sang her composition, “Lost in Love,” Vinae Deleon Guerrero of MHS exhibited her taekwondo talent while Alexandria Davis presented her own fashion creations.
The winner of this year’s pageant will represent the CNMI in Miss Teen USA to be held in Chicago later this year.