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‘Your Laolao Story’ contest launched
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Posted on May 08 2012
By Clarissa V. David
Reporter
Reporter
The Our Laolao campaign has launched a contest that ties in with its efforts to generate stories from community members about the treasure that is Laolao Bay.
Your Laolao Story contest urges students to apply their research skills to identify and interview individuals or families that offer insight into Laolao Bay’s past.
“Students are encouraged to look closely at their own circles of friends and family, and to contact relatives and neighbors to gather insight and information about the bay,” said Eloise Lee, program associate for Seaweb, an international non-profit organization involved in the Our Laolao campaign.
Launched in March, the campaign strives to capture why people value Laolao Bay, and in turn inspire community users to help keep Laolao Bay litter-free for all.
The campaign is a collaborative effort between the Division of Environmental Quality, the Coastal Resources Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Seaweb, and the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance.
Lee said the contest, which is open to all elementary, junior, and high school students, is an opportunity for young people to learn more about the rich cultural history of Laolao Bay through oral history as the CNMI observes Historic Preservation Week.
Herman Tudela of the Historic Preservation Office noted that sometimes, the best historians are “the people we see everyday, like our parents and neighbors.”
“A contest like this helps bring together young people with folks in our community who offer wisdom and insight into the history of Laolao Bay,” added Tudela.
Submission forms for contest entries are available online at www.ourlaolao.com or may be requested via email at info@ourlaolao.com.
Deadline for entries is June 8, after which the entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on originality, storyline, and use of historical facts and data.
Lee said winning entries will be divided into best overall essay, best research and documentation, and most creative essay.
“Winning submissions will receive prizes, and will be published and featured on the Our Laolao website,” she added.
For more information, call 808-989-4584 or email elee@seaweb.org.
