AS part of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s summer reading program for children, a sand sculpting competition was held on June 8 in the beach area near Sandy Beach Homes in Chalan Kanoa.
The activity, which was held in partnership with the Division of Coastal Resource Management, also coincided with CNMI Ocean Day.
DCRM Director Richard Salas thanked the event organizers: “It’s important to work with our partners, both public and private and nonprofit, to ensure that we all protect our resources for our future generations. We’re trying to capitalize on that partnership. When it comes to managing our ocean resources, that’s what our office is mandated to do.”
The sand sculptures were judged based on the summer reading program’s theme, “Oceans of Possibilities”: depiction of marine animals, originality, creativity, detail, use of space, and teamwork.
Winning first prize was the “Bikini Bottom” entry of Stephan Li, Elita Li, Keoni Ruszala, Leilani Ruszala, Keara Crisostomo, David Bercilla, Miranda Marian and Valerie Naputi.
The group received one item from a display case of toys donated by Lollipops, a $15 gift certificate to 670 Rocksteady, a Docomo Pacific beach chair, and movie passes sponsored by the Friends of JKPL.
In second place was the “Library Turtle” sand sculpture made by Noah Balisalisa, Evan Balisalisa, Ava Dela Cruz, Jesse Dela Cruz, Grayden Ngiralmau, Yuteng Chen and Leora Terlaje. Each received a movie pass courtesy of the Friends of JKPL.
Receiving third prize was “Jelly Fish with the Mask” which was sculpted by Tristan Que, Chloe Shin, Dana Hwang, Katherine Hwang, Emma Long, Nia Que, Eldrian Calibo, Share Fernando, Pauline Viray, Aaron Cayading, and Chelsea Gozun. They each received one movie pass, courtesy of the Friends of JKPL.
“This was what we thought was one of the fun ways for us to get together and celebrate the ocean,” said Marlyn Naputi, DCRM coral reef initiative communications coordinator.
She noted that JKPL’s theme this summer is “Oceans of Possibilities,” while DCRM’s is “Our Ocean, Our Responsibility.”
“So, I think it was perfect for this collaboration to happen,” Naputi added. “It’s just a fun way to celebrate World Oceans Day.”
Over 100 children registered for the two-week JKPL summer reading program that began on June 7 and will end on June 17.
At the end of the program, participants will receive prizes, including gift certificates, books, school supplies, toys, and other items.
Winning first prize in the sand sculpting competition held on June 8, CNMI Ocean Day, in the beach area near Sandy Beach Homes in Chalan Kanoa was the “Bikini Bottom” entry of Stephan Li, Elita Li, Keoni Ruszala, Leilani Ruszala, Keara Crisostomo, David Bercilla, Miranda Marian and Valerie Naputi. The competition was organized by the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library as part of its summer reading program for children, and the Division of Coastal Resource Management.
2021 Miss Earth NMI Crystal Fiona Rio poses for a photo with students, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and Division of Coastal Resource Management staff in the beach area near Sandy Beach Homes in Chalan Kanoa.
Young sand sculptors work on their “Bikini Bottom” entry.
2021 Miss Earth NMI Crystal Fiona Rio joins students, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and Division of Coastal Resource Management staff in the beach area near Sandy Beach Homes in Chalan Kanoa.
