“We’re counting on you,” Inos told the recipients.
Inos was the keynote speaker during the awarding ceremony held at the Minachom Atdao pavilion on Friday.
DYS acting Director Debra Inos said the event was sponsored by the Family Support Guidance through its Community Outreach Unit as part of the Youth Month celebrations from June to September.
Taking the lead was the Family Support Steering Committee.
“The awardees will be a part of the Youth Leadership Steering Committee,” Debra Inos said.
As a member of the committee, each of the awardees will have the chance to recommend and evaluate, and to have a direct involvement, in policy-making on youth concerns.
Leading the 15 youth leadership awardees was cancer survivor Angelray “Bo” Tudela Guerrero of Saipan Southern High School who was nominated by the DYS Emergency Shelter.
Important for the future
“This gathering is good for the children and youth so they can know how important they are for our future,” Guerrero, 15, told the Variety.
Another awardee, Alvin Arcega of San Vicente Elementary School, was recognized for his many efforts that benefitted his school and the community.
Arcega is an active member of the San Vicente School Young Farmers Club and a former student council officer.
He has written an article on horticulture and shared knowledge with families and community on how to be more self-sufficient.
Arcega also made presentations to the school and the community about grants that will allow San Vicente students to have laptops.
Regional Spelling Bee winner
Mikhail Alcantara was honored for winning the regional Spelling Bee competition and representing the region in the national event held in Washington, D.C.
Alcantara serves as a role model for William S. Reyes Elementary School where he is the student council president and an officer of the National Junior Honor Society.
He is active in school activities and gives advice to fellow students. He also gives back to the community by spearheading fundraising drives.
Youth achievers
Also honored were Kycel Butlers of Kagman Elementary School; Philippe Lacson, also of Kagman Elementary School; Keanah Deleon Guerrero of Hopwood Junior High School; Jaiden Santos of San Vicente Elementary School; Nikki Yutuc of William S. Reyes Elementary School; Joy Samonte of Marianas High School; Eufemio Feria of MHS; Jinky Kintaro of the Hopwood Junior High School Crime Stoppers Club; Kayla Borja and Kassandra Royal who were nominated by DYS Foster Care Program; Ha’ani Aldan; Peter Carayoan; and the Public School System’s Teen Talk Youth Organization.
Also on Friday, 141 children received certificates of completion and t-shirts for participating in the second summer youth leadership camp.
