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Fama, Sasakura, Toves top MTEC essay contest
Twelfth grader Chelsea Fama of Marianas High School poses with, from left, MTEC treasurer Chris Lubi, Marianas Visitors Authority marketing assistant Charlene Mendoza, MTEC chair Vicky Benavente, MTEC board member Gordon Marciano, keynote speaker and associate professor of Global Resources Management in the School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Guam Dr. Fred R. Schumann, and MTEC board members Larry Lee and Chris Concepcion at the Marianas Tourism Education Tourism Summit on Jan. 23, 2015, at Saipan World Resort. (Contributed Photo)
The Marianas Tourism Education Council has announced the winners of its essay contest “Tourism &Our Community.”
In the high school division, senior Chelsea Fama of Marianas High School took first place, stating that tourism “promotes social values, environmental awareness, and love for our island and its people.” She was followed by 10th grader Ann Margaret D. Norcio of Marianas High School in second place, and 11th grader Ou Yuan Zhi of Agape Christian School in third place.
In the junior high school division, 8th graders of Grace Christian Academy Rota swept the awards, led by Daniel Sasakura II, who wrote, “Tourism allows businesses to prosper and the people who work there to get paid. This also allows the government to get taxes and get income for future purposes.” Sasakura was followed by Rency Camacho in second place and Antonio Atalig in third place.
In the elementary school division for grades 3-6, 6th grader Hanna Toves of Sinapalo Elementary School placed first, pointing out tourism “provides support such as money to build many infrastructure in our community such as public roads, parks, etc.” She was followed by 6th grader Ivany Manglona of Sinapalo Elementary School in second place and 6th grader Sharmaine Olivos of Garapan Elementary School in third place.
“The winning essays really demonstrated a true understanding of the importance of our local tourism industry to the well-being of our community,” said MTEC board member Larry Lee.
“Written essays help the students articulate what they think about the tourism and hospitality industry. It’s one way to engage them and keep them informed about the importance of their role in our primary industry,” said MTEC chair Vicky Benavente.
Prizes for grades 3-8 were $50 (first place), $30 (second place), and $20 (third place). Prizes from grades 9-12 were $75 and 1 roundtrip ticket to the 2015 MY WAVE Tourism Summit in Guam (non-transferable, first place), $60 (second place), and $50 (third place).
Winners were announced at the MTEC/MY WAVE Tourism Summit on Jan. 22-23, 2015. (MTEC)
