Leon Guerrero, 16, is serving her third term as youth senator.
“I am really honored to lead the new leadership of Youth Congress and it is my desire to continue the active involvement of youth leaders in the programs and activities that help our youth,” she told Variety following the inauguration of the 11th Youth Congress on Saturday.
Leon Guerrero, who represents Precinct 3 and is a junior student at Marianas High School, is the daughter of Jose and Alicia DLG. Leon Guerrero.
The Youth Congress speaker said she is committed to work closely with the Community Guidance Center, the Youth Affairs Office and the Division of Youth Services in drafting youth legislation.
She believes that drugs and violence are among the pressing issues that need to be addressed by the youth.
She also believes that the Youth Congress plays a vital role in developing responsible citizens.
“Being the future of the CNMI, every one should give us this opportunity to learn, to grow, to help, and serve our community because we can do it,” she said. “We want to make a difference on the lives of our young citizens.”
Besides Alana May Leon Guerrero, the other leaders of the Youth Congress were also elected by acclamation: Vice Speaker Adeleyah C. Mojica of Precinct 2, Floor Leader John A. Ayuyu of Precinct 6, and Legislative Secretary Maria Grace Madeline B. Alvarez or Saipan Southern High School.
Mojica said she will offer legislation that aims to improve the welfare and well-being of the local youth.
“There’s a lot of pressing issues that we can consider in crafting our bills. We have a lot of issues at schools and that’s where we can start,” she said.
Bills and resolutions passed by the Youth Congress are submitted to the Legislature for its consideration.
Mojica, 16, is the daughter of Wolf S. and Tokuko Mojica. This is her first term as a youth senator.
She wants to impose stricter restrictions on littering and implement recycling projects.
“I want also the youth to realize their potentials and become more pro-active at schools and in the community,” she added.
Attended by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and lawmakers, the two-hour event was witnessed by over a hundred spectators in the House chamber.
In their messages, CNMI officials urged the youth leaders to “take the opportunity to become a part of the solution and encourage others to take a more pro-active stance in their schools, neighborhoods and island affairs.”
The other members of the 11th Youth Congress are Andrew C. Benavente, Precinct 1; Bianca K. Blanco, Precinct 1; Jessamin C. Santos, Precinct 1; You Mi “Laura” Lee, Precinct 3; Thomas R. Rabauliman, Precinct 3; Maegan T. Norita, Precinct 4; Quina Marie P. Mendiola, Precinct 5; Leilani S. Cepeda, Marianas High School; Jessel M. Mesa, Kagman High School; Sunny Frank L. Aldan, Northern Marianas Academy; Seong Bin Lee, Marianas Baptist Academy; Annie C. Camacho, Saipan International School; Min Kyung “Rachel” Kim, Mount Carmel School; Kimberly B. Hofschneider, Grace Christian Academy; Donnie R. Dosalua, Tinian High School; Johora A. Paeda, Rota High School; Min Seon Park, Northern Marianas College; Aesha D. Sablan, NMC; and Charlyn S. Techur, NMC.
