19 vie for Miss Marianas Teen tiara

A first in the CNMI, 19 vibrant teenagers in the CNMI were presented Saturday at the Saipan World Resort to vie for the first ever Miss Marianas Teen Beauty Pageant this March.

Organizer Stellar Marianas, a non-profit organization, introduced the lovely candidates from Tinian and Saipan to the media.

Stellar Marianas president Laila Y. Boyer said the whole organization is very excited for the pageant because it would be a first time that a huge number of candidates enlisted to in the teen pageant

Candidates for this year’s pageant are Michelle Borja Avila, Leonore Quitugua Cabrera, Heather S. Calderwood, Vanerie Y. Deleon Guerrero, Darcie B. Duenas, Hee Ae Lee, Rosree Ann C. Leon Guerrero, Nicollette Lopez, Jomanda Lynn C. Manglona, Dina Marie M. Palacios, Ashley Reiko N. Pangelinan, Vivian D. Reyes, Leangie Lynn DLG. Sablan, Naomi C. Sablan, Kathrene Rose T. Taylor, Myana T. Welch, Angelee Cruz, Mary Ruth Lazaro, and Ritalynn Manglona.

One of these teens will represent the islands in the upcoming Miss Teen International to be held in Chicago, Illinois in July. Boyer said more than 50 teenagers from all over the world will convene for the pageant dedicated to young and confident teens worldwide.

All of the CNMI candidates are also first timers. For Welch, she joined the contest because it will be a great opportunity for her to represent the Commonwealth as a young ambassador of goodwill. She said she also looks forward to meeting new friends.

Palacios added that aside from being an ambassador of goodwill she would also be an instrument to help the community by joining the contest.

Youth senator Sablan said she entered the pageant due to peer encouragement. She said up in Capitol Hill, a friend and colleague told her that she’s got what it takes to be the next Miss Marianas Teen.

Some were emotional in joining the pageant but majority of the girls said they joined the beauty pageant for further exposure and to learn new skills along the way.

Calderwood, who grabbed the microphone from Boyer during the news briefing, said the next Miss Marianas Teen must be “gorgeous” in so many ways and that she must have a great sense of humor, smart, caring, and a person with an opinion and attractive personality.

The ladies will be busy before the competition date next month. Boyer said the candidates would be participating in several charity and community activities in the CNMI. “It will be a seven-week preparation for the girls,” Boyer said.

Former beauty queen Jennifer White-Aguon will be accompanying this year’s winner to Chicago. She said she is also very thrilled to find out that 19 beautiful teenagers are vying for this year’s title.

Miss Marianas Universe Shequita Bennett was also present during the media presentation yesterday.

Prizes at stake for the Miss Marianas Teen are uniquely tailored to fit the character of a teenager. Boyer said aside from cash, trophy, crown, and bouquets, the winner would get a whole range of prizes from cellular phones, to cosmetic products, and one-year free movie pass at Hollywood Theater, among many others.

The pageant will be held on March 24 at the Saipan World Resort Amphitheater. This year’s pageant will be directed and choreographed by Melia Johnson, the newest addition to the Stellar Marianas family.