Newly sworn-in Youth Sen. Mathew Salas, second right, poses with Youth Congress Speaker Vinnie Juan Sablan, second left, Floor Leader Maili B. Peter of Mount Carmel School, and Youth Sen. Jia Ross Nicdao of Marianas High School. Not in the photo are Vice Speaker Ayden Yumul of Grace Christian Academy, Youth Sen. Aden Calvo of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr.-Sr. High School, Legislative Secretary Ysabella V. Palacios of Tinian Jr.-Sr. High School, and Youth Sen. Soledad T. Sablan of Saipan International School.
Legislative Bureau photo
THE 19th CNMI Youth Congress, during its first special session on Jan. 18, 2025, welcomed its newest member, Saipan Southern High School’s Mathew Salas.
The 11th grader was sworn in to serve the remaining term of former Youth Sen. Mickyiel Josh B. Cabrera, who already graduated from SHSH.
Salas officially became a member when the Youth Congress adopted Credentials Committee Report 19-04.
The committee chair, Youth Sen. Ayden Sean Yumul of Grace Christian Academy, noted that Cabrera ran unopposed and, after a careful review of Salas’s credentials, he was found worthy to serve out the balance of Cabrera’s term.
The committee then recommended his acceptance into the Youth Congress, and it was unanimously approved.
Public Law 17-22 requires that the person be a registered student at the school they are representing to serve in the Youth Congress. They must be a U.S. citizen and fall within the required age range to serve as a youth senator, between grades 9 and 11.
In his remarks, Salas promised to “work hard with my colleagues to make the CNMI a better place for those who call it their home.”
Youth Congress Speaker Vinnie Juan Q. Sablan of Kagman High School congratulated his newly sworn-in colleague and expressed optimism that they will make the most of their working relationship while in office.
The Youth Congress’ new member is the son of former Rep. Andrew Salas.
