(Stellar Marianas) — Time takes on a set of wings when you are doing what you are most passionate about, so it is not surprising that only in a few short days, 2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto will pass her crown to the next queen after a flurry of local and international activities and events.
The young queen has been quite busy since her crowning in July 2019, becoming one of the most active and inspiring titleholders for the Marianas despite the challenges of a global pandemic.
While she attended many local events and activities, her first major community project was working closely with the NMI Girl Scouts and helping to launch the first cookie program on the islands, a program designed to help young girls become leaders and entrepreneurs.
“It was a wonderful experience motivating and working with our young girls and troop leaders to create this opportunity for them. It was then I realized that we could make things happen despite what resources we may or may not have,” said Sasamoto.
Then she was off to the Miss International Pageant in Tokyo, Japan, where she shone on stage, presenting the first locally and personally designed Evening Gown on the global platform.
“We were most proud to work with her and help her bring her own design to the international stage, she performed beautifully and represented our islands well,” said Stellar Marianas President Michelle Sablan.
Aspiring to own her own business and dabble in fashion design, Shannon took her creativity to sew 200 masks for the “The Guardian Mask Project”, an initiative with Representative Sheila Babauta as well as present the first video tutorial series on local art and culture with the assistance of a grant from the NMI Humanities Council.
Shannon also hosted the first National Costume Contest, urging the community to share their talent in designing naturally made costumes that represents the Marianas and awarded three creative winners.
With schools suspended, Shannon decided to read to kids that may not have as many books at home or rely on libraries to obtain books. She read the following titles through a video series online: Wings Within, One Voice, and It Feels Good to be Yourself. Her selection of stories was in hope to enlighten, educate, and inspire our beautiful community to create safer, braver, positive, kinder, and more inclusive spaces in the CNMI.
Shannon also attended the Ride for Pride, a motorcade organized by Pride Marianas and Pride Marianas Youth.
“As an ally, I will be sure to continue to support the LGBTQ+ community and work towards a safer and more inclusive community not just during Pride Month, but all year round. Let us recognize, understand, accept, respect, and educate ourselves on all types of diversity with an open mind and understanding necessary for a safer and more inclusive community,” says Shannon.
Soon after, she hosted one session for NMC’s 4-H Camp Maga’lahi, called “Can You Be-Weave It?”
Sharing the art of weaving she learned at home during quarantine, she taught 56 participants ranging from 7-19 years how to weave a small fish and a rose. She also delved into the history of weaving within our culture and described the Coconut tree as the tree of life as it provides so much for our livelihood. She created two weaving videos uploaded on the Stellar Marianas YouTube page, where she weaves a hat and rose.
Hailing from the village of San Roque, Shannon partnered once again with Rep. Sheila Babauta and the NMI Humanities Council to create a community garden at the Tanapag Youth Center called “Hope Garden.”
“We not only hope this garden brings environmental education and benefits but promotes physical and mental health during these trying times. Our goal is to make fruits and vegetables easily accessible to incorporate into our diets and lifestyles and provide some type of normalcy where our youth can come together safely to interact with one another and stimulate their brains, mobility, and energy into a garden that supports their community. If you are interested in donating supplies or your time, please feel free to email the contacts on the flyer or visit our Facebook page ‘Hope Garden CNMI,’ ” says Shannon.
The young queen also took part in the “Hailigi Pole Project,” headed by the Lady Diann Torres Foundation to paint a power pole with her sister across from the Cabrera Center.
“As allies of the LGBTQ+ community, my sister and I wanted to create a mural that serves as a reminder that love is a form of acceptance, understanding, and respect. Thank you to my sister for being the lead artist on this project. Thank you to those who were passing by for giving us encouragement along the way. And thank you Pride Marianas Youth for continuing to advocate and share the meaning of PRIDE in the Marianas,” said Shannon.
Shannon also thanked PBS for reaching out to her to be a part of the American Portrait project where she shared the traditions she carries on and raised to believe in. “If you want to view these videos or share your story, visit their website to further represent the CNMI. Our stories deserve to be heard, she pointed out.
Shannon was invited as a panelist by LDTF in coordination with the Northern Marianas College to host a webinar focused on the theme “Where do we go from here?” to join in discussions concerning topics that will include: Future Outlook; Finding Financial Stability at a time of Crisis; Survivor’s Resources; and Community Opportunities.
“As queens, we can set examples not only for young girls, but for our community as a whole. This interview portrayed the true strength of women throughout different generations showing that no matter your age, you are able to make a difference within your community and the world,” said Shannon.
“I also attended the DVAM Motorcade hosted by @endviolencenmi and Triple J Motors and it was extremely heartwarming and uplifting to our community members ready to support and listen. In our islands we are one family and as a family we are here to listen, support, educate, and care for one another to instill hope and strength. To victims of domestic violence, we recognize the tremendous amount of strength and courage you possess that will forever hold the true meaning of hope, said Shannon.
As part of the NMI Humanities Council grant focused on sharing local culture and literacy, Shannon created videos sharing how to make Coconut Oil and Coconut Candy at Triple J’s Surf Rider Hotel. “I wanted to share one of my favorite candies I remember making during cultural day in school. Although traveling, for the most part, has halted since quarantine, there are still different ways of promoting the Marianas all while being in the Marianas.”
Shannon also wanted to create the islands’ first native crown, beautifully adorned with Spondylus and other shells, with the help of the NMI Humanities Grant and local artist Momoko Halstead, two crowns were made, one for her and the future queen, who is expected to be crowned this Saturday.
As she looks back at her reign, Shannon also looks forward to the future, a graduate of Northern Marianas College, she still has dreams to pursue and looks forward to continuing working with our community.
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto prepares to wrap up her reign and pass on her crown this Saturday at the 2021 Miss Marianas Pageant. Live streaming will be on www.facebook/stellarmarianas
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto models two of the first Spondylus crowns she inspired created by local artist Momoko Halstead with the help of a grant from the NMI Humanities Council.
Photo by Island Image & Motion
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasmoto joins Rep. Sheila Babauta at the Tanapag Youth Center to donate supplies graciously given by TRES’emme to the community during the pandemic.
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto promotes one of her projects the Hope Garden at the Tanapag Youth Center aimed to encourage sustainable community gardening in partnership with Rep. Sheila Babauta and the NMI Humanities Council.
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto models her weaved pieces among other local art in an effort to promote local art and traditions.
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto prepares to join the motorcade hosted by @endviolencenmi and Triple J Motors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto showcases the coconut candy she made during the first tutorial video series also made possible by the NMI Humanities Council Grant to help preserve local culture and tradition.
Stellar Marianas photo
2019 Miss Marianas Shannon Sasamoto joins, center, fellow delegates from around the world at the 2019 Miss International Pageant in Tokyo, Japan.
Stellar Marianas photo
