Meet the 2015 Liberation Day Royal Court candidates

From left, Anon, Basa, Camacho, Tabilisima, and Yaroitemal.

Preparations for the islands’ Liberation Day celebration are underway and leading the fundraising efforts are five beautiful young contestants representing Saipan and the Northern Islands for the 2015 Liberation Day Royal Court.

A go-getter who loves working on do-it-yourself projects, Mary Jane Anon is an incoming senior at Kagman High School and has been with its Student Council, the school’s Prom Committee, and its Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

She plans to enroll in the Northern Marianas College’s nursing program and then eventually become a physician.

She currently works at Ocean Productions as a Polynesian dancer. “I love to dance and play volleyball and softball. I have been playing for every school year for three years now,” she said.

“I joined as a Royal Court contestant to…help fundraise for the CNMI and become a positive role model as well as for the experience and to [improve] my public speaking skills,” said Anon.

“My role model is my mother because she started from scratch and worked her way up…at work. I believe hard work and determination will get you far,” she said.  Her parents are Raqnel Anon and Norlynn Paunes.

Elizabeth Basa, also an incoming senior at Kagman High School, served as junior class president and is a member of the National Honor Society.

“I joined this year’s contest because I realized it is a great opportunity. I think it’s a great time to reach out to the community and become involved with my island and also to enjoy and create new friendships along the way,” said Basa.

“Occupation wise, I would love to become a profiler in law enforcement. My role model is my mother because she inspires me to be a better person,” she said. Her parents are Patrick and Valerie Camacho.

A member of the Guam National Guard 1224th Engineer Support Company, Stephanie Camacho looks to her parents, Joe “Kamikaze” Camacho and Cathy Casil, for inspiration—her mother for how strong and independent she is and her dad for motivation in sports.

“I just wanted to gain an experience. I have never had done anything like this before and I wanted to show my family that I am willing to take on any challenges,” said Camacho.

She loves to play sports, works on her lifeguard skills since she is also a certified lifeguard, and works with her platoon in heavy diesel vehicles.

Graduating from Kagman High School, Ashley Tabilisma was an active member in the school’s Japanese Club and American Red Cross Club.  She is also a Polynesian dancer in the Tekanahau Nui troupe and enjoys doing the fire ball dance.

“My ambition is to travel the world so I enjoy different experiences.  I joined to help our community and represent our islands,” said Tabilisma.

“My role models are my mom for her strength and encouragement and my auntie Tee for her guidance and support,” she said.

Her parents are Raymundo and Alicia Carmen Tabilisma.

Representing the Northern Islands for the first time in Royal Court history is Zolenska Yaroitemal. Currently on the Food and Beverage team as a waitress for Laolao Bay Golf Resort, Zolenska plans to continue her studies at the Northern Marianas College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Her parents are Pius and Gina Yaroitemal.

“My role models are my parents because even through struggles, they never give up,” she smiled.

All the 2015 Liberation Day Royal Court contestants are selling raffle tickets to compete for the 2015 Liberation Day Royal Court and to help raise funds for the 70th Anniversary Liberation Festivities.

For $1 apiece, you may have a chance to win the $10,000 grand prize, $5,000 baby grand prize, $3,000 first place and $1,000, $500, $250, $100 other cash prizes.

Only the contestants are selling the raffle tickets up to June 30.

All the contestants will be at Joeten SuperStore this Saturday, June 13, from 10am to 2pm to sell tickets and meet the community.

To buy tickets from each of the contestants, you may also reach them through www.facebook.com/cnmiroyalcourt, email liberationcnmi@gmail.com, or call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at 234-6208.

From left, Anon, Basa, Camacho, Tabilisima, and Yaroitemal.