14 students advance to Thespian nationals

Fourteen middle and high school students from various private and public schools in the Commonwealth were named gold medalists in the 2009 Thespian Regional Competition and will officially represent the CNMI in the national contest in Lincoln, Nebraska in June.

Organized by the National Forensic League board, 25 finalists vied for the prestigious awards during the four-hour competition held in the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe Friday night.

The nine gold medalists in the high school division included Kagman High School’s Miki Dela Cruz who ruled in the solo musical category; Marianas High School’s Liezel Tiples for solo monologue; Kagman High’s Akiko Dela Cruz and Aisha Joyner for duet acting; and MHS’ Tommy Baik and Moon Hyo Lee for mime.

Three students of MHS also ruled the technical aspect of the thespian competition as Adeleya Mojica was adjudged gold medalist in the film category, Kay Park for overall set design, and Earllon Granada as overall best costume design.

In the junior division, Reese Brown of Saipan-American Education Foundation topped the solo musical category, while Chacha Oceanview Junior High’s Zalika Joyner ruled the monologue competition. In the duet acting, middle schoolers Royze Banados and Dayanara Flores of Hopwood Junior High emerged overall winners, while their schoolmate, Ray Mark Denora, won gold in the mime category.

According to Harold Easton, NFL board chair, the CNMI has been sending delegates to thespian national contest for the last five years.

Saipan Tribune learned that among the honors bestowed to previous CNMI team members included Top 8 in the nation for costume design and Top 4 in the nation for duet acting in 2007. It was also adjudged Top 2 in the nation in costume design and Top 10 in solo musical in 2008 national competition.

A thespian scholarship for set design was also awarded to a CNMI student in 2007 along with the inclusion of a team member in the official videographers for the thespian national festival.

“We’ve done extremely well the previous years and we’re confident with our team this year. Seeing the commitment and dedication of our kids who were chosen among the bests on our islands, I have no doubt on the honors they would bring to us,” said Easton.

Contenders in the thespian regional were the Top 3 performers in the contest categories during the first four preliminary rounds throughout the year which were determined through accumulative points gained in every contest round.

Easton described Friday night’s competition as very intense.

Zalika Joyner, the competition’s best in monologue, said she’s excited to be included in the national thespian team.

MHS’ Adeleya Mojica, overall winner in film, said Friday’s event was a tough competition.

“I feel good…because I find this competition very tough and I made it. I am excited to go to the national and compete in film with other students from other states. It’s a good opportunity to showcase the talents we have in the CNMI,” she said.