Students march to make a difference

Students from various schools, as well as other members of the community, took part in the Make-A-Difference Walk-a-thon early yesterday morning to encourage people to adopt the virtues of volunteerism.

In all, more than 65 participants placed pledges and trekked along the Beach Road Pathway from Kilili Beach to the World War II tank located across the Quartermaster intersection and back.

Saipan Southern High School’s National Honor Society members made up the most participants with 31 taking part, while 17 students represented Marianas High School. Other schools that contributed were Kagman High School, Kagman Elementary School, Dan Dan Elementary School, and William S. Reyes Elementary School.

Miss Liberation 2004 Leiana Ogumoro, Miss Liberation 2004 Royal Princess Sweeda Glad, and 2004 Miss Liberation Princess Sarah Igisaiar also participated in the event.

As of yesterday morning, the walk raised about $511.25, an amount that Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, whose office hosted the event, said he is satisfied with.

“I’m really happy with what we got,” he said during an interview. “It’s going to help the youth on this island, and most of the youth that came in…it’s going to benefit them also.”

Funds generated from the walk would be used to purchase computers for the Saipan Mayor Youth Center in Chalan Kanoa.

“I’m planning on having computer program lessons at the youth center,” Tudela said. “I would hire an instructor, and that’s why I’m trying to get more computers.”

Tudela commended all participants who contributed to the program. “Even though we started slow because of the rain, I still like the turnout. We have students, parents, other members of the community, and my staff, who really put in their time for this Make-A-Difference event, and their contribution will be all worth it because it is for a good cause.”

Tudela’s office has hosted the event for the past three years, and he said the event would continue next year. “We’re going to do it again next year. If I’m reelected, we’re going to continue doing this in the years to come.”

Meanwhile, Tudela said the U.S. Conference of Mayors has requested that he designate a day next month recognizing fitness. He said his office will host Fit Saipan Day sometime before Thanksgiving Day.