Cabrera, who holds a Ph.D. in sociology, is the dean of Academic Programs and Services at Northern Marianas College. She was elected to her first term in 2005 and has served as the board chairwoman since April 2008.
Other new board members include Janet N. King, Charles P. Reyes Jr., and Lillian A. Tenorio who were appointed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, and Fredrick P. Deleon Guerrero who was elected by the board. Each will serve a three-year term. King represents the island of Tinian.
OPA hotline numbers
(OPA) — This is to inform the public that the Office of the Public Auditor’s hotline telephone numbers for Rota, and Tinian have been disconnected. Please call the Saipan hotline number, which is toll free for inter-island calls: 235-3934.
LISS expands facility
LISS — Ladera International School of Saipan is expanding its dormitory facility to house 120 students on its campus in Finasisu, Saipan. The project is expected to cost $2.5 million.
LISS has tapped aggressively into the Korean study abroad market and now looks at furthering its reach into Japan and Russia.
Recently, LISS officials met with travel agents from Vladivostok, Russia.
LISS also hosted Nihon University professor and students and discussed the possibility of designating LISS as a venue for student teacher practicum for Japanese teacher interns.
“We are elated to work with Nihon University as well the Russian travel agents in developing specific programs that will enhance the school’s image internationally and create the atmosphere we believe the CNMI can capitalize on — education tourism,” stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS director.
MORE than 35 students showed up to read and sing their way into the 6th annual Thespian Chapter Play, which is THE SECRET GARDEN, a media release stated.
Student Directors from MHS — Dennis Chen, Dowen Jocson, and Joseph Martin — conducted auditions on Friday, Saturday, and Monday for the production.
THE SECRET GARDEN is a musical based on the children’s classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, originally published in 1909.
It’s enduring quality stems from the charm and strength of the story, which tells about Mary, an orphaned British girl recently arrived in England at her uncle’s manor, and her determination to tend to a secret garden she discovers with the help of the chambermaid Martha.
The garden, which had belonged to the uncle’s wife, was walled off when the wife died and the uncle was overcome with grief at her death.
With the help of Martha and Martha’s brother, Dickon, Mary brings the garden back to life.
Mary also discovers another secret in the manor, a sickly boy named Colin. Mary helps Colin regain his strength so he can surprise his father, Mary’s uncle.
The story weaves the regeneration of the garden and Colin and the emotional health of all of the members of this family into a blooming confrontation and resolution.
Although the story is now nearly 100 years old and takes place in England, students in Saipan responded enthusiastically when the Thespians of the Western Pacific Islands announced auditions for this chapter play.
Students came from Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman High School, Hopwood Junior High School, Chacha Oceanview Junior High School, Saipan Community School, and Saipan American Education Foundation School.
“I’m auditioning because I think this is a good opportunity to branch out. This can also help you learn how to speak in front of people,” said Anna Zhu, 8th grader from Saipan Community School.
Although Harold Easton, MHS drama teacher, was on-hand as an advisor, the auditions were strictly a student operation.
Parents who came with their children were ushered out of the audition studio.
“We let the students handle everything,” Easton said. “Of course, I’m here to step in if needed.” It didn’t seem that he was needed, though, except to end the auditions on the Saturday call when exuberant students wanted to read more and sing again, taking the stage in pairs.
The three student directors conducted the auditions, obviously looking for specific qualities.
Senior Dennis Chen typically called the students forward.
Juniors Dowen Jocson and Joseph Martin took notes and offered encouragement to those feeling a bit shy.
The directors had the auditioners fill out a form, and then read a duet scene from the play.
Each auditioning student had to sing a capella, and the directors occasionally asked for a second song to get a better appreciation of the auditioner’s talents.
“The student directors were doing really well,” said 9th grade SSHS student Anna Deleon Guerrero. “Some kids seemed nervous, but did well all the same,” she said. “I wasn’t nervous about auditioning. I’m nervous about what part I’m getting.”
The student directors hope to post a cast list early next week. And then the cast will get busy, because the production target date is mid-November. We can all look forward to seeing THE SECRET GARDEN when these students are ready.
DFS honors employees of the month
(DFS) — DFS Saipan Ltd. recently recognized Tomoko Esteves and Ryoko Chang as the DFS August employees of the month.
Tomoko, the winner for the sales category, was nominated by her manager Tessie Duenas. Tomoko is an excellent sales associate who serves customers politely and offers a warm “Hafa Adai” spirit and smile as well. Since her memory is very keen, she remembers her customers’ previous purchases and preferences perfectly. She can offer the very best suggestions when her important customers visit Tiffany shop each time. Tomoko has been with DFS since Aug. 2007.
Ryoko, the winner for the support category, was recommended by her manager Boyet Centeno. She works as a signmaker, and is a perfect bilingual in both Japanese and Korean in speaking, reading and writing. She takes care of signage for both Galleria and the Airport DFS shops responsibly. She also works as a trustworthy translator for Japanese and Korean. Ryoko was hired in Aug. 2003.
Both employees received a framed employee of the month certificate, a $100 cash award, and VIP parking for one month.
They are now eligible candidates for 2008 DFS employee of the year awards in their respective categories.
Recruitment ongoing for Miss Marianas pageant
STELLAR Marianas, the islands’ non-profit pageant organization, is still recruiting for the 2008 Miss Marianas Universe Pageant, tentatively scheduled for Nov. 15.
Women who are from 17 to 25 years old have the opportunity to represent the CNMI as its ambassador to the world and be a positive role model for the community.
The winner will be crowned the 2008 Miss Marianas Universe to compete in the 2009 Miss Universe in May and the 2009 Miss International Pageant in September next year.
Contestants will receive free hair and make-up training, free nutrition and fitness training, free model portfolio, free media and public speaking training, a goodie bag from Stellar Marianas, opening number outfits, swimsuits and two month worth of fun community events and activities.
The titleholder could win $1,000 cash, $1,000 scholarship award, all expense-paid travel to the Miss Universe and Miss International pageants and a list of other fabulous prizes.
Contestants have to 17-25 years old, U.S. citizen, single, not married, have no children, and of good moral and ethical character.
If you are interested to join the pageant, meet Stellar Marianas committee members at Gold’s Gym Saipan at 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call Neda Camacho at 285-4663.
