ON Sept. 16, 2023, the Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion JROTC cadets participated in their first International Coastal Clean Up of the school year which took place on Koblerville Road.
The battalion’s cadets were split into two groups. Group #1, consisting of HQ and Alpha Companies, started at the Koblerville Mobil gas station. Group #2, comprising of Bravo and Charlie companies, started at the pavilion playground across from Tottotville Housing.
Before the cleanup started, the cadets received their safety brief. They were issued gloves, trash bags, and road guard vests. Following the successful completion of their community service, the Manta Ray Battalion cadets convened at the midway point, located across the street from S & S Laundry.
The cadet leaders monitored and tracked the different types of trash gathered during the cleanup. Plastics and cigarette butts made up the majority of the litter, resulting in the filling of approximately 12 trash bags.
“It was a successful community service considering it was our second one of the school year. Our cadets did amazing despite the weather conditions we faced at the end of the cleanup and I am so proud of the cadets who were dedicated enough to come out and help with this year’s International Coastal Cleanup,” said Battalion Executive Officer C/MAJ Amandus, Malentino.
In the interest of safety, the SSHS’ instructors, CSM (Ret.) Richard Basa and SFC (Ret.) Deyna Sunderland, positioned their vehicles in the center lane. They displayed signs directing vehicles to reduce speed and exercise caution due to the cadets conducting cleanup activities along the roadside shoulders.
A total of 80 cadets and two instructors participated in the cleanup effort. The event was successful, offering cadets valuable lessons in environmental preservation and maintaining a clean community.
