Attendees of Tuesday’s reception included Nahnmwarki of Pingelap, Dr. Berysin Salomon, FSM acting Secretary of Health and Social Affairs Louisa Helgenberger, FSM acting Secretary of Education Bernis Dannis, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Weidong, College of Micronesia-FSM President Spensin James, Pohnpei state government education administrators and principals, participants and their families.
In July, the 48 participants each received a 27-exposure disposable camera.
They were permitted five days to photograph “Pohnpei in My Eyes.” The submissions were judged based on six categories: Best Animal Photo, Funniest Photo, Best Frame/Perspective Photo, Most Original Photo, Best Landscape Photo, and Best Culture Photo.
During her remarks, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires Lori Dando asked attendees to “admire, absorb, and appreciate the images…which these young photographers submitted as their interpretation of this island in its entirety: its nature, its culture, its people, and its animals.”
Addressing the contest participants, Dando described their photographs as providing “unique insight into life on Pohnpei — beyond what [one experiences] daily as a foreign diplomat.” She personally thanked the youth for sharing their perspective, noting that “pigs take home the prize for the most frequently photographed; who knew pigs were so photogenic?”
The 19 winning photographs will be displayed at the new Bank of Guam building in Nett.
Best Animal Photo
Third – Alberto Andon
Second – Flavia Bruton
First – Keanu Musrasrik
Funniest Photo
Third – Yuuki Omura
Second – Alberto Andon
First – Keanu Musrasrik
Best Frame/Perspective Photo
Third (tie) – Lavone Norman; Berson Jack
Second – Dan Gilmete
First – Eric P. Silwer
Most Original Photo
Third – Barney Jesse
Second – Ivaleen Simet
First – Kenny Amor
Best Landscape Photo
Third – McCain Ehmes
Second – Kenny Amor
First – Celine Fermill
Best Culture Photo
Third – AJ John
Second – Kenny Amor
First – Katsandra Shed
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