Winners all in Carolinian-themed contests

Several students from schools around the island converged last week at the Carolinian Utt in Garapan to participate in contests hosted by the Carolinian Affairs Office in commemoration of Cultural Heritage Month.

The events kicked off Thursday evening with the speech and cultural attire contests. The theme for both events was “Refalúwasch” or “Carolinian.”

All contestants in the speech contest were required to be fluent in speaking, reading, and understanding the Carolinian language.

Reigning supreme in the 8th grade level speech contest was Leilani Roligat of Hopwood Junior High School, winning for herself an $80 prize. Douglas Dillay of Tanapag Elementary School bagged first place and $75 in the 6th grade competition.

Placing second and third in the 6th grade category were Momilani Mike of Garapan Elementary School and Shanen Roligat of Oleai Elementary School. Mike will receive $70 while Roligat $65.

Nikissa Magofna of Garapan and Austin Kosam of Oleai finished with a first place tie for the 5th grade category, each receiving $65.

The only other grade level competition was won by 4th grade student Jerrena Romolor of Oleai. She is entitled to receive $60.

Besting the 3rd grade attire contest category was Frank Rabauliman of Tanapag ($75), while fellow Tanapag student Peter Lieto placed second ($70) and Lorelyn Itibus of Garapan placed third ($65). Lou Frances Pua won the 1st grade category, bagging $60.

The following evening, CAO hosted its first ever CAO Challenge Bowl, which featured students from each grade level faced with the task of answering questions or translating phrases using the Carolinian language.

Pua topped the first grade category, adding another $60 to her corner.

Jesus R. Faisao of Oleai bested the 2nd grade category, earning $65 while fellow Oleai colleague Shema Shahim ($55) and April Kaipat ($45) of Garapan placed second and third.

Aisha Rebuenog ($70) and Lellighbwe Rasiang ($60) of Oleai placed first and second in the 3rd grade competition, while Jonathan Ignacio ($50) of Koblerville won third place.

Other results include Rachel Rebuenog ($75), Frances Falig ($65), and Henry William ($55) placing in the top three for the 4th grade category; Emina Kaipat ($80), John William ($70), and Nikkisa Castro ($60) besting the 5th grade level; Keoni Hosono ($85), Arnicia Kapileo ($80), and Douglas Dillay ($75) winning the 6th grade competition; and Leilani Roligat ($100) winning the 8th grade level.