ESFDB students win drawing and essay contests

In an effort to prevent drug use and educate the youth, the Pacific Regional Training Institute – Child, Youth, & School Services, in collaboration with the National Family Partnership, invited public and private schools in Guam and on Rota to participate in its Annual Red Ribbon Drawing and Essay Contest.

Nine students from Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja won cash prizes for their entries to the 2014 Red Ribbon Week Drawing and Essay Contests.

Students took the Red Ribbon Campaign prevention message into their homes, neighborhoods, and schools with this contest. It’s a fun and creative way for teachers, parents, and volunteers to educate children about the dangers of drug use while they draw and write using this year’s theme, “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.”

The winners are:

In the 1st to 2nd Grade Level Drawing Category:

1st Place, Edward U. Maratita III

2nd Place, Titus Hugh T. Hocog

3rd Place, Star C. Mendiola

In the 3rd to 6th Grade Level Drawing Category:

1st Place, Éclair Marj Ladao

2nd Place, Maria Althea C. Mendiola

3rd Place, John Kent Clitar

In the 7th to 8th Grade Level Essay Category:

1st Place, Aneshia Ciony M. Reyes

2nd Place, Angelo Lucero

3rd Place, Tyra Reese A. Calvo

“I applaud the students for a great work. The artistic and writings challenge our students to think about the important issues such as drugs,” said administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig. “It is always difficult choosing the winning entries, as they are all great in their own way.”

“Engaging our young students, the next generation of leaders, is a key part of the Institute’s mission,” said school board chairman and regional director Edward Maratita Jr. “We work to empower youth with the skills such as art or writing to become engaged citizens who understand the connections between their lives and the lives of people around them or the world.”

“Whether we win or not in the contest, the whole point is we learned to stay drug-free,” said student body president Tyra Reese Calvo.

“It’s about healthy choices,” said 6th grade student Jeremy Atalig.

The contest, which kicked off on Oct. 1 and ran through Oct. 31, generated student interest in their drawings and essays.

In addition, the students would like to thank the people that pledged for their Red Ribbon Week 1 Mile Run/Walk fundraising. The money raised will be used for their upcoming Youth For Youth Conference to be held in Guam.

The administration, students, faculty and staff, and board of directors would like to express their appreciation to the National Family Partnership, Pacific Regional Training Institute – Guam/Hawaii, Honolulu Federal Credit Union, Paul and Kendra Tanaka, Catherine Alia, Grace Kakesako, and Ford Kaneshiro. (ESFDB)