VFW recognizes top student essayists from MHS, MCS

Saipan International School teacher Adam Harris smiles as he receives the Citizenship Education Teacher Award. (Thomas Manglona II)

The Veterans of Foreign Wars on Saipan awarded top students who participated in this year’s Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay competition.

A ceremony was held at the VFW Garapan Office last Friday to award the student essayists as well as two teacher recipients of the Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

Marianas High School student Mary Grace Tiglao placed first in the Voice of Democracy Essay competition for the high school division. Her 5-minute essay on why Veterans are important to the nation also earned her first place in the Guam district-level competition, thus moving her up to the Asian regional competition in the Philippines.

“It is truly amazing that I can contribute to an essay that honors our veterans,” she said. “They are the source of our key knowledge. I’ve learned from my JROTC instructors that being a veteran or soldier is not an easy thing.”

She added, “Our freedom is not free after all.”

Pete Callaghan of the VFW told Saipan Tribune that the purpose of the competition is to promote patriotism and citizenship. “We hope to educate students about being an American essentially.”

Mount Carmel School senior student Andrea Lazaro placed second, with fellow Knight Cathryn Javier in third place.

Saipan Veterans of Foreign War officials pose with winning student essayists last Friday during the awarding ceremony. From second to the left, Earl Tabora, Justin Ocampo, Cathryn Javier, Andrea Lazaro, and and Mary Grace Tiglao hold their cash prizes and certificates. (Thomas Manglona II)

Mount Carmel School dominated the middle school division, as 8th grade students Justin Ocampo and Earl Tabora garnered first and second place, respectively. In addition to his local win, Ocampo placed 2nd in the Guam district level competition. Marianas Baptist Academy’s Ian Cataluna came in third.

The winners of each category received certificates and cash prizes.

One middle school and high school teacher was also recognized at the ceremony for their commitment to teaching citizenship and American history.

Marianas Baptist Academy high school teacher Paul Murphy received the award for his division, but was not present at the awarding.

Saipan International School middle-school social studies teacher Adam Harris received the Citizenship Education Teacher Award as well.

Harris, who has been teaching on island for two years, said “it is always nice to be noticed by someone outside other than students and parents.” He added, “This is just more motivation to continue teaching to ensure that my students are productive citizens.”

Harris said that it is imperative to teach youth how they can actively make their environment and society better through good and honest citizenship.