Home School’s Splash wins DEQ Fashion Show

Old magazine paper, empty fruit juice tetra-packs and recycled clothes ruled Thursday night’s Division of Environmental Quality’s Environmental Expo 2006 Recycle Wear Fashion Show at the Garapan Street Market.

Saipan Home School’s Splash Group won first place in the Recycle Wear Fashion Competition, with a gown made of folded and interconnected paper, making it appear like the waves of the ocean.

The group, led by Jocelyn Lonsdale, 16, walked the ramp Thursday night, with Lonsdale herself wearing the paper gown.

Members Tikla Brown, 16, and Lakell Villegas, 12 also walked the runway to display their recycled creations. Fellow group member Jennifer Villegas assisted in dressing up the group with their unique creations.

The group won $500 in cash.

Lonsdale said they didn’t know what to do with their winnings yet. “We can’t think of anything right now what to do about our money. It could go into our group’s funding,” she said.

Brown said that, prior to the competition night, the group met three times a week to finalize their creation.

“It was a lot of work,” said Lonsdale, adding that their creations were inspired by what they have seen at Wing Beach in Marpi, combined with the passion and the mission for the CNMI to always have a healthy marine life.

Third place went to the National Honor Society of Marianas High School while Grace Christian Academy’s Biology Class bagged the second runner up prize.

DEQ director Frank Rabauliman and DEQ officers Reina Camacho and Tina Sablan led the awarding of certificates and prizes for the winners.

Thursday night’s program signaled the end of the Annual Environmental Awareness Week.

Event chair Jonathan Arriola thanked all supporters for the success of this year’s Environmental Awareness Week.

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List of winners:

LOGO CONTEST
1st prize – Arwin C. Piamonte, 11th grader Marianas High School
2nd prize – Elde Aque, 11th grader Marianas High School
3rd prize – Jason Limes, 6th grader Oleai Elementary School

ESSAY CONTEST
1st prize – Joleen Salas, 11th grader Northern Marianas Academy
2nd prize – Christie Alepuyo, Northern Marianas Academy
3rd prize – Suel Ki Chang, Northern Marianas Academy

POEM CONTEST
1st prize – Chauncey M. Calvo, 6th grader Rota Jr. High School
2nd prize – Bryan Castro, 3rd grader GTC Elementary School
3rd prize – Jenelle Teregeyo, 6th grader Oleai Elementary School

WE CAN RECYCLE
1st prize – Saipan Community School
2nd prize – GTC Elementary School
3rd prize – Grace Christian Academy

STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Young Hero – Joleen Togawa Salas 11th grader Northern Marianas Academy