3 from NMI win in NOAA art contest

Three young artists from the CNMI have been named winners in the NOAA Fisheries’ inaugural “Share the Shore & Sea Youth Art Contest” that helped raise awareness about responsible wildlife viewing in the Pacific Islands region.

More than 250 students from American Samoa, the CNMI, Hawaii, and the continental United States submitted entries. The budding artists highlighted one or more protected species, encouraging us to appreciate them from afar:

-Whales (100 yards)
-Dolphins (50 yards)
-Sea turtles (10 feet)
-Hawaiian monk seals (50 feet, 150 feet for mom and pup pairs)
-Corals (no touching or standing on)

The artists showed their creativity not just in the scenes they created, but also in the materials they used. Many students stuck to classic materials like pencil, crayon, and ink, while others branched out into watercolor and oil pastels. One 2nd grade student even incorporated seeds and seed pods into their masterpiece!

A diverse team of scientists, resource managers, communicators, digital media specialists, and others took on the art-judging task. They rated each piece of art based on three components:
Connection to the Share the Shore and Sea theme

Technique or quality of work
Originality or creativity

“I was really impressed with a lot of the entries I reviewed,” said Joey Bennington-Castro, senior science writer with Lynker at the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office. “These students did not make judging easy for us!”

Winning art will be featured in the 2023 NOAA Share the Shore & Sea digital calendar. Students will enjoy a virtual visit and awards presentation with NOAA marine scientists this summer.
Enjoy student art and #SharetheShore with us all week on Facebook and Twitter as we head outside to enjoy Memorial Day weekend.

GRADES K-2
Winning Entries
Help Dolphins by Ji Yu K., Grade 1, Hawai‘i
Have a great day! And have fun! But do not go too close to them by Lia K., Grade 1, Hawai‘i
Stay 300 Feet Away to Enjoy by Quentin L., Grade 1, Hawai‘i

Honorable Mention
Gibbs A., Etuale A., Luke B., Aileen K., Gina K., Skyla M., Nel O., Ashey T., Praylee Ann S., Fiona Y.

GRADES 3-5
Winning Entries
Enjoying nature from a distance by Skylar N., Grade 4, American Samoa
100 yards of Aloha by Koa S., Grade 3, Hawai‘i
Admire me from a distance by Lily Y., Grade 3, Hawai‘i

Honorable Mention
Selina S., Victoria H., Minato T., Aleizah N., Brielle V., Rixey P., Raiden T., Royce A., Tiresa K.

GRADES 6-8
Winning Entries
Whale watching by Asa P., Grade 8, Hawai‘i
Looking out for you by Fiona Z., Grade 7, CNMI
Just agree to let them be by Bella T., Grade 6, Hawai‘i

Honorable Mention
Isabella A., Kamara C., Aria G., Rylie G., Kaili H., Kianaonalani M., Gwanhun S.,  Beckett S., Sayema S., Caitlin Y.

GRADES 9-12
Winning Entries
Sea Turtle by Mary C., Grade 9, American Samoa
Protect the Wildlife by Watching from a Distance by Sophia W., Grade 11, CNMI
Beauty comes from a distance by Esther W., Grade 11, CNMI

Honorable Mention
Joymer C., Kristen C., Maia C., Fei Fei L., Isdore N., Claire P (PR)