John “Metaforce” Sarmiento, Alissa Eslavea, and Willa “Mickilla” Wai all have a common purpose to help the youth to grow as writers, artist, and speakers to better humanity.
The group travels all over the region to conduct workshops and share encourage teens to speak-out creatively.
John Sarmiento, the group’s outreach coordinator, said: “I was first motivated to start writing poetry when the Spoken Word Poetry introduced words that could change lives, and so that is what I wanted to do with my community.” He noticed that there was a lack of creativity in the youth. And through this experience, John said “it has made me appreciate creativity so much more.”
Each member performed their own piece of poetry slam then the students had a mini-workshop called “Fight or Flight.”
Several SSHS students including Roman San Nicolas, Josh Diaz, Leilani Guiao were given an opportunity to present their pieces of poem they have composed in 15 minutes.
Students were impressed with the presentations self expressions in poetry form.
This year, Saipan Southern High School formed a Free Speakers Club where students that have a passion for public speaking come together and have fun with their creativity.
Edward Manibusan, the Free Speakers Club creator and club president, said that he would definitely expect more student peers to enlist in the club and aims to have more poetry slam events in school.
Tinian student chosen as national youth correspondent
TINIAN — Mary Hocog, a rising senior at Tinian Junior/Senior High School has been selected to represent the CNMI as a national youth correspondent to the 2011 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University, a media release from the university stated.
Hocog joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media.
Hocog was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.
With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, The Washington journalism and media conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week long program, held at George Mason University’s state-of-the-art campus, will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.
The Washington journalism and media conference will be held on July 10-15, 2011.
George Mason University was named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report.
The university is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields.
Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.
Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts.
With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.
NMC hosts free info session on Jan. 5
(NMC) — Those interested in furthering their education and advancing their professional careers are encouraged to attend Northern Marianas College’s free information session on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011 in Room D1 at the college’s As Terlaje campus, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty, staff, and students from the different degree and certificate programs, as well as counseling, financial aid, and admissions will be on hand to answer questions. Other current students will also be speaking about their experiences at NMC.
Individuals who attend the free information session will qualify to have their application fee and their placement test fees waived for the Spring 2011 semester. This corresponds to a savings of about $75. Registration for the Spring 2011 semester will begin on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 and will continue until Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011.
Red flag at 3 Saipan sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality says water samples collected from Jefferies Beach, Old Man by the Sea, and Ladder Beach contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
DEQ has given these locations a red flag and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of the locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
