6 awarded Saipan Chamber of Commerce scholarships

From left front row, David Bona Phan Jr. (NMC), Elaine Enriquez (NMC), Kelvin Wolf (MHS), Cole Chambers (MHS), Reica Ramirez (MCS), and Pionnah Gregorio (MHS). (Contributed Photo)

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce awarded six scholarships at the Chamber General Membership Meeting last June 5. The meeting was held at Hibiscus Hall, Fiesta Resort & Spa. The students, their parents, business leaders, and Chamber members gathered to recognize these students for their academic excellence and achievements.

This year the Chamber received 50 competitive applications: 23 from the high school level and 27 from the college level. Scholarships were awarded to four graduating high school students: Cole Chambers (Marianas High School), Kelvin Wolf (Marianas High School), Reica Ramirez (Mount Carmel High School), and Pionnah Gregorio (Marianas High School) and two college students: Elaine Enriquez (Northern Marianas College) and David Bona Phan Jr. (Northern Marianas College). The six recipients bested the competitive pool of applicants earning them $2,000 each towards tuition at respective post-secondary institutions.

From left, Elaine Enriquez (Northern Marianas College), David Bona Phan Jr. (Northern Marianas College), and Frankie Eliptico (interim president, Northern Marianas College). (Contributed Photo)

For this annual presentation, the Chamber invited past recipients to share a few words of advice to this year’s recipients. The slate of impressive Chamber scholars were Kevin Bautista (press secretary for the Office of the Governor), Alexis Hofschneider (legislative assistant), and new Chamber member Michael Sheu (Hong Ye Trading Co.). President Velma Palacios expressed her gratitude to the Chamber members for their continuous support and contributions throughout the year that make the Chamber Scholarship Program possible.

Special thanks to Chamber Education Committee chair Nicole Babauta (CNMI SBDC), Chamber Education Committee members, and our scholarship judges: Velma Palacios (IT&E), Vickie Izuka (First Hawaiian Bank), Mark Bugbee (principal, Saipan Seventh Day Adventist School), Tyrell Pauling (Hyatt Regency Saipan), and Maxine Laszlo (Chamber executive director).

Saipan Chamber of Commerce is the largest non-profit private business organization in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. The Chamber works to promote and protect the business, economic, and civic interest, and general health and welfare, of our islands. The office is located at the Marianas Business Plaza, 3rd Floor #315. For more information, please call (670) 234-7150 or email administrator@saipanchamber.com. (PR)