Thousands attend Kick Butt March

Over a thousand students from Saipan joined Friday night’s Kick Butt March and Rally that ended the monthlong drug-free campaign in the CNMI.

Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Kagman Elementary School, and the Grace Christian Academy, among other schools, participated in the march. Other groups such as the G-Rollers and the Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program also attended the event.

The march was held at 6pm from the Carolinian Utt to the American Memorial Park where a rally began featuring select speakers, announcement of essay and poster contest winners, various entertainment events, and exhibitors that highlighted prevention program activities for the CNMI community.

Event coordinator Reyna Malone said she was overwhelmed with the participation of students. She said it was more than what they expected.

“It was great to see them being part of this event,” Malone said.

Friday’s events also included a rally against tobacco and drugs and different health exhibits.

Malone said the rally coincided with the Kick Butt National Campaign across the United States. “This is to encourage the CNMI to be tobacco- and smoke-free.”

Kagman Elementary School teacher Sam Joyner led his contingent during the rally. About 76 students from his school took part. Joyner said school principal Ignacia T. Demapan took the initiative for the school to participate in the event.

Candidates for the upcoming Ms. Marianas Universe also attended with Stellar Marianas officer Jennifer Aguon. Maggie Untalan of the Community Guidance Center hosted the Friday night rally at the park.

During the monthlong celebration, Malone said, the organization held R.O.P.E.S. training, proclamation signing, and presentations at several schools, among many others.

Malone cited the cooperation and assistance of the Department of Health’s Community Guidance Center, Department of Public Safety’s Crime Prevention Center and NMPASI. Other sponsors of the event included the Office of the Governor, Saipan Mayor’s Office, Multi-Purpose Center, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Division of Youth Services, Public School System, Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc., Garapan Youth Learning Center, Tanapag Youth Learning Center, Gualo Rai Children’s Park and Youth Learning Center, CNMI Youth Congress, Juvenile Justice Task Force and Transitional Living Center Consumers and Families.