Student-led Charter Day fest a resounding success

The Northern Marianas College commemorated its founding with food, music, and entertainment last Friday at its 33rd annual Charter Day. Hundreds of community members, college officials, and students crowded the college’s South Field in As Terlaje.

The night’s theme was “Full Speed Ahead,” referring to the college’s recent reaffirmed accreditation and its desire to keep its momentum and dedication.

NMC president Dr. Sharon Y. Hart welcomed everybody to the celebration and expressed her gratitude for their continued support for the college.

This was also the first student-led Charter Day festivity. Event chairperson and NMC sophomore Ervin Cruz told Saipan Tribune that preparations were underway since March.

NMC has been “through a long road since its establishment,” Cruz said. “Without NMC there would be no college on Island.”

External Relations director Frankie Eliptico said that NMC has been playing a central role in training and educating many island residents.

“Many of our students have gone on to other schools and became great leaders. We are very proud of our alumni. Tonight we celebrate the college’s role in the development of individuals and the leaders of our islands. We want to be here 33 plus more years in doing that,” he said.

As a part of NMC’s movement to promote healthy living, sugary drinks were not sold at the event. “We are stepping up our commitment to living healthy,” said Eliptico.

The festivity, which was streamed live online, featured a long line of performances, booths, and competitions. Sports competitions, the Marianas Idol signing competition, the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands, Miss Charter Day Pageant Show, and several other activities took place Friday night.

NMC student Charnessa Lizama said the CNMI’s sole community college has helped her widen her horizons. “The instructors here are helpful and now we are more involved in a lot of activities. NMC has furthered my education,” she said. Lizama encouraged graduating high school students to start at NMC because of its affordability and proximity to home.

Fellow student Tomas Atalig II expressed similar sentiments. “It was a fun learning experience. I am now learning more difficult concepts about stuff and I get to meet a lot of nice people. It is a smart place to start.”

Cassy Deleon Guerrero told Saipan Tribune that her time at NMC was a “hard [but] enjoyable experience.” “NMC was where I not only gained my educational experience but I have gained so many new friendships and discovered things about myself. The people have helped me find myself. People should not underestimate NMC, they will push you.”

Sponsors of NMC’s Charter Day include IT&E, NMC Cooperative Research and Education Service program, Docomo, Saipan Tribune, Pacifica Insurance, the Pacific Islands Club, DFS Galleria, Delta Air Lines, and Mobile Marianas Inc.