NMI a major participant in the NFL competitions

The CNMI annually sends the biggest contingent to the National Forensic League finals in the United States, according to Public School System Language Arts Program and National Forensic League for Western Pacific Region coordinator Stephen B. Smith.

Smith presented the achievements of previous NFL delegations from the CNMI during yesterday’s weekly Saipan Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.

According to Smith, CNMI delegates join competitions such as the National Forensic League, Middle School Forensic League, Primary Grade Forensic Conference, International Thespian Society, Junior Thespian Society, Math Court, Bilingual Academic Challenge Bowl, and Humanities Council Specials.

Due to the sheer number of events and categories under the NFL, Smith is calling on the cooperation of the public, as organizers behind the local competition is in need of more judges.

The NFL alone has 14 events that include the Lincoln Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Original Oratory, Extemporaneous U.S. Domestic Policy and Foreign Policy, Expository Speech, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Prose Reading, Poetry Reading, and others.

The MSFL events, meanwhile, include 12 events with similar events from the NFL events but with Declamation and TV Commercials categories. For its part, the PGFC has six events.

Smith also said his group is also looking for volunteer role models to visit schools and encourage participation. He said PSS would also appreciate additional presenters and assistance in advertising and recruitment of competitors.

This coming October, Smith said, the Forensic schedule will start with the Junior High Mock Trial Exhibition, PGFC, Math Court, NFL and MSFL Debate.

Three of the 12 students from the CNMI brought pride to the islands this year when they returned home with shiny trophies after bagging honors during the National Tournament of the Middle School Forensic League.

Eucon International School’s 6th grader Dong Hyun Shim bagged third place in the Storytelling category. Cha Cha Oceanview Junior High School’s Mercilyn Kaneshi, an 8th grader, took home fourth place for the same category, while Krystele Anne Chavez bagged 5th place in the Declamation category. Chavez is a 6th grade student from Calvary Christian Academy.