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Student seeks aid to attend Jr. Statesmen
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Posted on Apr 30 2009
A local student is hoping the Legislature will help her and others attend the Junior Statesmen of America program this summer.
Mount Carmel School sophomore Maria Balajadia has written to House Speaker Arnold Palacios seeking the Legislature’s help to fund her time at the summer program at Princeton University in Newark, New Jersey.
Balajadia is one of 22 students in the CNMI chosen for the program held at Stanford University, Princeton and Georgetown University.
Four of the students—Gino Benavente, a student at Marianas Baptist Academy; Denn Manglona from Rota High School; and Hazel Marie Doctor and Ryan Ortizo, both from Mount Carmel—received scholarships, which includes the full tuition of $4,695 and round-trip transportation.
Unfortunately, Balajadia said in the letter, many of the students might have to forgo the program because of the expense. Therefore, she said, she is seeking financial assistance from the Legislature and legislators.
“I am full aware of our economic situation and cash flow problems,” she said, “but I also know that you will be able to identify other resources. I can assure you that by sending our students to this rigorous and terrific program will result in a better CNMI. The outcome will be fresh, young, educated minds always wondering and always wanting to experience the wonderful world of politics and democracy.”
The Junior Statesmen of America program is a non-partisan student-run youth organization. The program was founded in 1934.
