His artwork “The Journey up the Sun” bested the 13 other entries of other MHS students.
Last year, his work “Through the Radiant Rays of Sunshine” earned him one of the 20 finalist slots in Maui.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, MHS principal Karen Borja and art teacher Wesley Foster presented the awards to the students yesterday.
Tudela is hoping that Martin’s artwork will make it all the way to the grand finals in Washington, D.C. in August this year.
The theme for this year’s competition is “Your Path to Peace.”
“Keep your fingers crossed and patiently wait for the result in just a few weeks. It will be a record-breaker for our municipality if our entry qualifies to compete with the other entries in D.C.,” Tudela said.
Borja said the art competition gives the students an opportunity to showcase their talents in art.
“It takes a lot of time and perseverance for the students to compete,” she added.
She said most of the students decided not to bring home their entries. They want their artwork displayed at the mayor’s office.
Tudela said he has been always upbeat to host the competition and “excited to award prizes to the winning entries.”
The mayor acknowledged the support of Saipan World Resort and McDonald’s for donating the prizes.
The second prize went to “Choosing the Right Path to Peace” by Richard Ken Matsuyma while the third prize was awarded to “Freedom is not Free” by Earllon Granada.
Honorable mention awards were given to Jason Anthony D. Quiblat, “Walk Together”; Leni Joy Cruz, “May First Drawing”; Dae Hwan Jung, “Difficult Times”; Diego Camacho, “A Long Red Brick Road”; Mark Anthony Peter Hosono, ”Choices”; Pandita Torres, “Trailing Tranquility”; Michelle Camacho, “Paradise of Peace”; Andy Tse, “Rainbow Road to Heaven”; Keneisha Parks, “Serenity in Midst of Chaos”; Christine Tokilo Rengiil, “Sight of Journey”; and Jeric Maglonzo, “Guardian Angels Path.”
Youth programs coordinator Jemalyn T. Tenorio said of the three public high schools in Saipan only MHS participated.
The judges were Robert Hunter and Noel Quitugua.
