Eichenberger, Costales top Law Day essay, poster contests

Grant C. Eichenberger, an 8th grade student at Grace Christian Academy, and Katrina O. Costales, a fifth grader at William S. Reyes Elementary School, won the top awards in the 4th Annual Law Day essay and poster contests of the CNMI Judiciary.
The 13-year-old Eichenberger was named the first place winner in the essay contest for private and public middle school students, while the 11-year-old Costales took first place in the essay contest during yesterday’s awarding rites at the CNMI Supreme Court.

The Judiciary also held a special recognition ceremony yesterday, which coincided the 25th anniversary of the Commonwealth Judiciary.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Lt. Gov. Jude Hofschneider, several lawyers, school officials, and other community members attended the ceremonies.

Eichenberger bested over 100 participants with his essay titled, “American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters.”

Eichenberger received a loud ro und of applause from justices, judges, government officials, and other people in the gallery after he finished reading his winning piece.

Eichenberger is the son of Doug and Calla Eichenberger.

Costales prevailed against 197 public and private elementary school students after her poster was chosen as the best among the entries.

“I’m happy. It’s just unbelievable,” said Costales, who joined the contest for the first time.

Costales, the daughter of Sammy and Jessica Costales, completed her poster in two days using crayons, pens, and pencils.

The other top winners in the essay contest were Rachel Kwon of Whispering Palms School, second place; Breyandel Santos of ChaCha Ocean View, third place; and Angelo Gabriel Manese of Mount Carmel School, honorable mention.

In the poster competition, the other winners were Tricia Zeruiya D. Salcedo of William S. Reyes Elementary School, second place; Irish Christine Viray of William S. Reyes Elementary School, third place; and William Blake C. Deleon Guerrero of Mount Carmel School, honorable mention.

The winners were given cash awards, certificates of recognition, and a copy of the book Northern Mariana Islands Judiciary: A Historical Overview.

Associate Justice Perry B. Inos presented the winners in the essay contest, while Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja presented the winners in the poster contest.

Castro said that yesterday was also a very special day as it marked the 25th year of the maintenance of Commonwealth law. He recounted meeting with several lawyers on Rota, where they drafted a legislative initiative that led to the creation of the CNMI Supreme Court in 1989.

Associate Judge David A. Wiseman also recalled how they first formed the CNMI Bar Association and gave special recognition to Bar presidents who were present at yesterday’s ceremony: former judge Timothy H. Bellas, former presiding judge Edward Manibusan, Vicente Salas, Maya Kara, and Sean Frink (through a representative).

Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo handed the awards to the most senior members of the Bar—former first judge of the Commonwealth Trial Court Herbert D. Soll and William Fitzgerald. Attorney Michael White was also recognized, but he was not present at the ceremony.

Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho handed plaques of recognition to the Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society trustees: Timothy Bellas, Johnny Fong (through his wife), Michael Pai, and Juan S. Tenorio (through his son).