The commonwealth was represented by 27 young minds who were among the hundreds competing for a showdown that would award them a chance to be at the NASA-sponsored week long Space Camp on June 14-Aug. 13, 2010.
The fair, sponsored by Northwest Airlines, Shell, Marianas Energy Company along with other contributors, brought the competition to an all time high.
There were presentations and mock-up displays on various categories such as Ecology and Earth Sciences, Physics, Biology and Medical sciences, Chemistry, Energy and Inventions, Philosophy, computer science and aerospace technology interested hundreds of students from schools all over the Marianas.
The commonwealth was well represented with 21 students from various public schools and six students from private educational institutions.
The event, hosted on the campus of the University of Guam, built tension and anxiety among the presenters and their coaches.
Vying for the second round and hopefully the opportunity to win big was the goal set out for each participant and coach.
“The kids have worked hard and practiced their presentations over and over again. The overall value of such a program is that our students have the opportunity to gain from such an experience,” stated Monica Pangelinan, William S. Reyes Elementary School teacher/coach.
Turn up the heat
Judges came in from different angles and questions were asked related to the category.
Tension was in the air for the students.
“They asked me two questions, and I answered them well,” stated Mia Sablan, Garapan Elementary School student. “Her response was phenomenal,” said a woman who witnessed the judging on Mia’s project.
Each student patiently waited for their turns as the judges went into different classrooms looking at the entries and heard presentation concerning the projects.
“We are proud of our students and their coaches. This event not only improves the mind, but also provides our youth an opportunity that is always available when striving for excellence,” stated Dr. Rita Sablan, commissioner of education.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and myself along with the entire Public School System, we applaud our students for representing the commonwealth in this year’s fair, you are all winners in our book,” she added.
Special recognition
This event would not have been possible without Northwest Airlines’ support.
NWA provided the airfare to and from the commonwealth and Guam.
“Our community would like to express our deepest gratitude to NWA for their commitment to educational programs. Our PSS family consisting of professionals in education sees this as a great opportunity for our students and we are grateful to have supporting partners in education such as Northwest Airlines,” Sablan said.
Richard Parson, Guam-Saipan manager of NWA, was met by the commonwealth team who thanked him for his support.
“We are grateful to you and NWA for this opportunity, our kids are doing great and love their experience here on Guam as this enhances their educational stride in their lives,” stated Jonas Barcinas, Hopwood Junior High School principal.
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