The scholarship will allow her to attend the 2008 Democratic Presidential Symposium in Denver, Colorado on Aug. 24-29, during the Democratic National Convention; and the 2008 Republican Presidential Symposium in St. Paul, Minnesota on Aug. 31-Sept. 5, during the Republican National Convention.
Untalan recently returned from the Junior Statesmen Foundation Stanford Summer School Program in July, where she spent five intense filled weeks participating in the following college level courses: Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics, and Honors Speech Communication.
While attending the Stanford Summer School Program, Untalan learned of the upcoming presidential symposiums.
The JSA territorial director informed the students that the foundation would grant each territorial district — the CNMI, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa — one full scholarship to attend this event.
Knowing that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, Untalan filled out the application and submitted the required essay to the JSA Foundation.
She then turned her attention to her final exams and the graduation ceremonies at Stanford, and then returned home to Tinian, where to her surprise she was informed of her selection to represent the CNMI at this prestigious event.
While attending these events, Untalan hopes to learn more about what both presidential candidates are proposing for the country, to expand her views on political issues facing the United States, to experience the political process, first hand, and to be a witness to history, especially since this is the first time the CNMI is invited by JSA to join the events.
Additionally, this is the first time since 1928 when neither an incumbent president nor an incumbent vice president is seeking the nomination for office.
Untalan admits that her five weeks at Stanford improved her writing and forensic skills which she believed assisted her in applying for the scholarship.
She personally gives special thanks to Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas for his continued support and assistance to the students of the island.
“Mayor San Nicolas always supports educational programs. He has sponsored so many different activities this year, including helping me to attend Stanford Summer School and helping my classmate Edward Hofschneider attend Georgetown Summer School. Thank you so much Mayor San Nicolas, your help and guidance means so much to all of us students here in Tinian,” Untalan said.
She also gives credit to her teachers and administration of Tinian Jr. and Sr. High School.
“My teachers helped me in preparing for the challenge of facing Stanford professors,” she said. “Special thanks to Mrs. Long for all her help — you’re the best! Last but not least thank you to my father John and stepmother Gladyliza Untalan for always being there for me.”
Marisa Untalan is the eldest of six children and is proud to set a good example and be a positive role model for her younger siblings.
