By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

FOUR students from San Antonio Elementary School will head to the University of Nebraska to compete in the International Thespian Society Festival next month.
Sixth graders Dayanara Flores, Royze Banados, Jaythan Camacho and Nevin Salem will represent the CNMI in the national competition slated for June 27-July 2.
The four were gold medalists in the recently held regional thespian competition on island that saw the participation of almost all public and private schools in the commonwealth.
According to their teacher and coach, Dora Miura, this is the first time that San Antonio will send delegates to the thespian competition.
“Although we have traveled in the past, those were for other competitions. We’re proud to have our four students represent the CNMI,” she told Variety yesterday.
She said Flores and Banados will compete in the duet acting category while the tandem of Salem and Camacho will see action in the pantomime competition.
In preparation for the national event, Miura said they have been practicing every week.
“Besides this practice at school, we also asked them to have their own self-study at home so that they can better prepare for the event,” the coach said.
Miura said the event will be a good opportunity for the students.
“I expect them to do their best and hope they can learn from this experience. They did a great job in the local and regional meet here and we’re hoping for more from them at the national contest. They will also see the University of Nebraska and they can start planning their future,” Miura said.
Dayanara Flores said this will be her second time to travel off-island.
“I went to Texas two years ago for (a forensics competition). This will be my first time in Nebraska and I am excited,” she told Variety, adding that she’s diligently practicing the piece which won her the gold medal.
The students’ travel will be funded by a federal grant through the Public School System.