Seven schools to vie for Parade of Books honors

Seven public and private elementary schools will be vying for the grand prize in this year’s Parade of Books to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Saipan on Saturday, April 14 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

These schools and their respective book titles are Dandan Elementary School, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein; Golden Harvest International School, Pinocchio; Kagman Elementary School, Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault; Koblerville Elementary School, Corduroy by Don Freeman; Sinapalo Elementary School, Sam and the Lucky Money; San Vicente Elementary School, A Chair for my Mother by Vera Williams; and Oleai Elementary School, The Legend of the Blue Bonnet.

Parade coordinator Reina Camacho said yesterday via email that they did not receive any feedback from other elementary schools on why they won’t be participating on Saturday. This year marks the 8th year of the Rotary event, which aims to raise reading awareness at school and at home.

“Perhaps, it is simply that schools do not have the time, or do not have a dedicated teacher to take on the challenge and the potential rewards-monetary as well as public recognition/bragging rights,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune.

Still, Camacho said she is pleased with the participation of the seven schools for this year’s event, which coincides with the National Library Week celebration.

A $1,000 cash prize awaits the winning school, which will be judged based on proximity to the 3 to 5-minute time frame, costume depiction, enthusiasm of participants, vocal clarity, and overall adherence to theme.

Other prizes include $750 for second place, $500 for third place, $300 for fourth place, $200 for fifth place, and $100 consolation prizes. The school that will be awarded Best in Spirit will receive 30 water park passes to Pacific Islands Club while the Best Director awardee will win a one-night stay, also at PIC.

During Rotary’s general membership meeting yesterday, Camacho said all volunteers are requested to attend today’s meeting at 5:30pm at the MHS Gymnasium.

She noted that parents, friends, and relatives of participating schools this year can pre-order DVD copies of Saturday’s performances for $10 each.

For more information, contact Camacho at reinacamacho@gmail.com or 664-8512.