Sablan joined the close to 1,000 participants, including 460 students, of Dandan Elementary School’s King and Queen/Cultural Day as well as 10th anniversary celebration.
Without the support of the parents, teachers and the community, the celebration would have not been possible, Sablan said.
It was their dedication and sacrifice that made the event very meaningful, she added.
School principal Jonas Barcinas said diverse cultures “make our planet a beautiful place to live in.”
Otherwise, “the world would be a boring place to be, which is why it is always important to respect and appreciate the differences we all have, for in return, it makes us better, knowing we can love and honor what makes us us, especially in this melting pot we call Saipan, where different races, creeds, and colors mingle every second of every day,” Barcinas said.
Sablan recalled the physical condition of the school in the past years, but gradually, she said, due to the good leadership of administrators, teachers and staff as well as the governor’s support, it has continued to improve.
Ten years ago, Barcinas said, the school was just a “patch of land with nothing special about it, but now it has blossomed from a simple set of buildings to a second home for all of the village’s manhoben.”
Barcinas said the school continues to nurture bright minds to help ensure a bright future that Saipan deserves.
He extended his gratitude to his predecessors who continue to support the school despite numerous challenges such as the CNMI’s financial crisis.
“You have not only given your children and family members a good time, but you have given the school a good reason to be thankful in being here, for our youth, now and in the future,” he told the crowd during the opening of the program.
Attorney Vince Torres, PTA president, acknowledged the support of the parents and teachers.
He said Cultural Day is not only about learning other cultures, but it also allows for fellowship with people from various ethnic groups.
Cultural events co-chair Catherine Borja said there more participants in this year’s event.
There were 18 tents set up by 16 vendors and government agencies.
This year’s Cultural King was Rickio Seidler, while Kiana Hocog was crowned Cultural Queen.
In the raffle draw, the grand prize was won by Eva Raed while the baby grand prize went to Remy N. Repeki.
The other winners: first prize, Jude Hofshneider; second prize, no name; third, Kelly Camacho; fourth, no name; fifth, Viola A. Seidler; sixth, Jhanna Acho; seventh, Zachary M. Taitano; eighth, no name; ninth, no name; and 10th, Lino S. Tenorio.
The amount of raffle tickets sold reached $21,200.
