The 2011 Youth for Youth Conference was sponsored by Guam’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, PeaceGuam, and Guam’s Department of Youth Services.
Tinian Jr./Sr. High School Students participated in three full days of small peer facilitated group activities, large group inspirational activities and were able to witness as well as take part in creative skits and programs focusing on a wide variety of life skills that promoted healthy decision making.
The topics included anger management, bullying, suicide prevention, conflict resolution, saying no to drugs and alcohol, and drinking and driving as well as developing leadership skills, college preparation, and stress management, just to name a few.
The students laughed and cried, made new friends, and learned how to support each other. The best part of this program was the interaction between the students, not only the ones they already knew but their new friends and the wonderfully energetic and charismatic high school students that lead and facilitated the entire program.
This was a life-changing opportunity and experience for the students of Tinian Jr./Sr. High School and without the support and contributions of the CNMI community it would not have been possible.
“Our sincere and abounding gratitude goes out to Tan Siu Lin Foundation for providing accommodations for the students and chaperones, Mr. & Mrs. Kwon and the Tinian High School PTSA for their monetary contributions, Tinian Municipal Council, Legislative Delegation, CNMI PSS and the Tinian Mayor’s Office for providing air and ground transportation and meals, Freedom Air, and to the two courageous parents, Mr. Manel Dela Cruz and Ms. Jennifer Pettis for giving their time and energy in helping to chaperone our very dynamic group. A special thank you to the following families in Guam who hosted all of the students and chaperones from Tinian and provided everyone with a wonderful meal and great conversation: Mr. & Mrs. Harry Nakasone & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Danny San Nicolas & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse M. Dela Cruz & Family, Mr. Lester Macaranas & Ms. Gladys Nakasone, Mr. Andrew Macaranas, Mrs. Lourdes San Nicolas & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Kin John San Nicolas & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Conrad Manglona & Family, and Mr. & Mrs. Norman Manglona & Family,” the school said.
“Our students are continuing to spread the messages to the rest of the campus utilizing the leadership skills they learned while in Guam. Many more activities and programs are being planned to incorporate the Say No To Drugs and Alcohol Message to all of the Tinian youth,” the school added.
