By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
THE Soroptimist International NMI Chapter on Saturday presented scholarship awards to four women who are the primary breadwinners of their families while pursuing post-secondary education. The awardees were celebrated at a luncheon at Bravo Kitchen & Bar in Garapan.
The 2026 Live Your Dream Award, Soroptimists’ signature education award, was presented to Caitlin Tinney. The Live Your Dream Award recognizes a woman who serves as the primary financial support for her family. The award provides critical resources to help the recipient overcome barriers, complete her education, and achieve lasting economic empowerment.
Tinney is pursuing an associate degree in nursing at Northern Marianas College.
This year’s Vision Award, which honors a woman who has demonstrated clear direction and progress in her educational journey and reflects perseverance and focus toward long-term success, was presented to Clarinda Aldan. Aldan is pursuing an associate of arts degree in education at NMC.
The CNMI Soroptimists also presented Wish Awards to two women. The award recognizes women who are taking steps toward educational and career advancement to accelerate their potential and supports their commitment to building a stronger future for themselves and their families.
This year’s Wish Award recipients are Britney Ucherbelau, who is pursuing an associate of arts degree in criminal justice, and Darlene Chuweiluk, who is pursuing an associate of arts degree in business administration, both at NMC.
In her remarks, Mercilynn Palec, the 2018 Live Your Dream scholarship recipient, said the gathering was held to celebrate “the strength, resilience and dreams of the incredible women in our community.”
In an interview prior to the awarding ceremony, Palec said the four recipients are breadwinners of their families while pursuing post-secondary education. She added that since the NMI chapter’s inception in 2013, the organization has awarded more than $35,000 to women overcoming barriers in pursuit of their dreams.
Soroptimist International NMI Chapter President Tania David said she was excited about the event, which was organized by an amazing team.
“We come together and do this every year in an effort to fundraise for awards that go toward women who are currently students and are the primary financial supporters of their households,” David said. “The intent is to make it a little easier to purchase necessities — whether books, utility bills, or other essentials — and to give something back to our women to improve their lives, not just for themselves but also for their children.”
Palec also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made the event possible: 500 Sail, D&Q Distributors, Marpac, Triple J Saipan, Turnkey Solutions LLC, Bank Pacific, Bank of Guam, Paradise Dental Spa, Crowne Plaza Resort, Bishu Marianas, IT&E Saipan, PHI Pharmacy, Girl Scouts of the NMI, Joann Aquino, Marilyn Marron, Catherine Cachero, Takagi & Associates, Nam Dae Moon, Cazimi Escape & Relax, Chiku Chiku, and NMI News Service.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
