At San Antonio Elementary School, students and teachers observed Earth Day with representatives from different government agencies.
The Department of Public Health, the Division of Environmental Quality, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and Coastal Resource Management discussed environmental preservation with the students.
Kindergarten teacher Rita Carreon, event coordinator, said they want their students to know how to save the Earth.
“They were very excited to learn about the reduce, reuse and recycle program,” she added.
Brooke Nevitt, CRM education and outreach coordinator, talked about the yellow crowned butterfly fish which can found only in the Northern Marianas and Guam.
Jonathan Ariola of DEQ discussed how the septic tank is protected from damage that could harm the environment while Perry Sablan, Public Health’s environmental health supervisor, talked about the impact of garbage on the environment. He was assisted by Rudy Sablan, a health inspector.
In an interview, Doralynn Cabrera, third grade student, said Earth Day “is very important to us because it is about the environment and we Chamorro live with the environment.”
She added, “What we learned today about the environment is something we can talk with our parents to help protect the world, and keep the animals from becoming endangered and dying.”
Eleiza Suarez, a second grade student, said “it can be great if we have a healthy environment, and minimize the power so we can save electricity.”
Herman Tudela of DCCA showed students how ancient and traditional tools were used, and why they were environment-friendly tools.
During their celebration, SAES students also conducted a beach cleanup and planted trees.
The winners of the Earth Day poetry contest also received their prizes.
