Four MBA students top regional NJFL

 Four students from Marianas Baptist Academy will represent CNMI in the nationwide competition of the National Junior Forensic League later this year in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Scarlet Chen won the gold medal in the recent regional contest for the Lincoln Douglas Debate. Yuuki Nishida emerged first place in humorous interpretation, Robert Solis won first for extemporaneous speech, and Shizuka Takayama for impromptu speaking.

There were close to 100 junior high school students who joined the rigorous elimination rounds.

The elimination and semifinal rounds were held on April 13 at Chacha Oceanview Junior High School, while the final rounds took place on April 14 at Tanapag Elementary School.

Takayama said all their hard work paid off and is thankful for the guidance and support of team coach George Gomez.

“I am so thankful that my hardships paid off. I would like to thank my parents, my coach, and my fellow students for their support. But most especially to God,” Takayama said.

Saipan Tribune learned that Shizuka made it to the finals for impromptu last year but fell short, finishing third.

Chen said that she didn’t expect to win first place, but she is very happy and joyful about it. “I thank God for my answered prayer request and all the people who supported me. I couldn’t have done this without them,” she said.

Chen won first in the Lincoln Douglas Debate with the topic “Resolved: It is morally permissible for victims to use deadly force as a deliberate response to repeated domestic violence.” She also made it to the finals in impromptu speaking with Takayama.

Nishida, a seventh grader who won for humorous interpretation, said the win was unexpected but is likewise appreciative of all the support of her family and colleagues.

Other MBA students who made it to the finals during the regional NJFL competition were Fritz Trinidad, Emily An, Justina Lee, Myoung Ki Oh. Other student-participants were John Arugay, Delaney Chua, Daniel Han, David Kim, Jose Castro, Zamuel Alfred, Won Jun Kim, Debbie Sui, and Alex Bae.

The NJFL competition is an event held annually for all public and private schools in the CNMI to encourage and motivate junior high school students to participate and become proficient in the forensic arts that include debate, public speaking, and dramatic interpretations.