THE Northern Marianas Humanities Council is hosting a free writing workshop this Saturday March 23, to help high school students enter the My Marianas Writing Contest, program manager Naomi Tudela said.
The workshop starts at 9 a.m. at the council office at Springs Plaza on Middle Road in Gualo Rai. The council office is adjacent to Bank of Hawaii.
The workshop facilitator will provide brainstorming exercises to help students begin their essays. Students will also learn about the personal narrative essay form, and the contest’s official scoring rubric to help them follow the contest guidelines.
To register for the workshop, email info@nmhcouncil.org or go to nmhcouncil.org/writersworkshop/.
The contest offers cash prizes for the best personal narrative essay that addresses the contest’s theme, which, this year, is “Through Generations.” The theme “explores how cultural heritage, traditions, values and practices endure ever-changing influences.”
Writers are asked to reflect on their own cultural practices while highlighting “the resilience of their cultural identity against globalization and technology.”
The first, second and third prize winners will receive $500, $400 and $300.
The contest is open to all CNMI high school students, and the submission deadline is April 15.
Asked about this year’s contest theme, Tudela said, “We thought about what do we do today that was passed down to us. We also…thought of themes that are inclusive for all people of the Marianas and what will connect people.”
Tudela said this is a contest that all cultures in the CNMI can take part in.
“Whether you are from a different background but you reside in the Marianas, we want you to include the traditions or rituals you do in your home that you will teach your children and their children,” Tudela said. “Include what you feel is impactful and part of your cultural identity that will endure through generations.”
Tudela said the contest helps the Humanities Council preserve the cultures of the Marianas in writing. She noted that past submissions have been impressive. “If you have been very lucky to read these essays they’re quality work,” she said. “We have a lot of smart students in the Marianas.
