SSHS lass is 2011 Liberation Day Queen

Fifteen-year-old Joni C. Castro has been proclaimed the 2011 Liberation Day Queen in a brief ceremony at the Mayor’s Office conference room yesterday.

Castro won the competition for the most number of raffle tickets sold for the annual Liberation festivities. She sold over $6,250 worth of tickets.

The ninth grader at Saipan Southern High School expressed surprise and happiness after hearing her name called out as the new Liberation Day Queen.

“I’m very happy. I didn’t think I could make it this far, to this position. I especially want to thank my mom, Frances Muña. She did so much and she worked so hard,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Castro disclosed that she and her mother sold tickets mostly to family members and friends. “I also sold my tickets at the information booth at the carnival grounds almost every night.”

Castro, whose pageant experience includes joining Little Miss CNMI where she won Best in Sportswear, said she looks forward to gaining more during her reign.

“I would love to help out in the community. I’m excited about the possibility of traveling to Japan with the mayor, just like when I did as part of the My WAVE program,” she said.

Castro hopes to promote the CNMI during the likely visit as well as inspire the young members of the community.

When asked how she would celebrate her victory, Castro replied, “I really don’t know. Right now, I’m just so happy.”

Castro’s mom became teary eyed when her daughter was announced the winner. “All our hard work paid off. I’m just feeling very proud of my daughter.”

Nizelynn T. Masayos, who sold about $3,100 worth of tickets, is this year’s Royal Princess. Mariah I. Ada, meanwhile, is the first runner up after selling tickets worth $2,500. All candidates were given plaques.

Masayos, 17, said being the Royal Princess feels “very exciting and great.” “I hope to inspire the community regardless what place I’m in. I want to encourage others, especially those who are my age.”

For her part, 18-year-old Ada said, “It doesn’t really matter if I didn’t win. I still feel like a winner.”

Liberation Queen Committee chair Vinycia Seman said the three candidates sold a total of $11,850 worth of tickets. Each candidate will get a 10 to 15 percent share in their ticket sales.

“It turned out to be a successful event. These girls are not only beautiful but also intelligent. I’m very proud to have them in the competition,” she added.

2011 Liberation Day chair Jonas Barcinas extended his appreciation to all the families, particularly the parents, of the three candidates.

“They sacrificed their time, they showed their commitment and did a lot of hard work,” he said.

Barcinas encouraged the candidates to sell the remaining tickets until coronation night on Saturday. Many exciting prizes, cash and in-kind, will be given away for the raffle, he said.

“I’m inviting the community to come out and celebrate with us this Liberation Day. Come and enjoy the festival grounds with your family and friends,” added Barcinas.