NMC Weekly Update - June 5th

NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE




Hafa Adai, Tirowami and Greetings Everyone!

Here are the highlighted articles of the week:

UPWARD BOUND STUDENT SELECTED TO ATTEND 2006 EMBRY RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY MATH & SCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM
Richille Denora, an Upward Bound student and a sophomore at Saipan Southern High School, is selected to attend the 2006 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Math & Science Summer Program from June 17, 2006 to July 27, 2006. Participants will experience college residential, attend career awareness seminars, and take classes in English, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, and Foreign Language. In addition, participants will partake in a math or science related research project supervised by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University faculty.

Richille is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Renante Denora of Fina Sisu. Richille likes to challenge her leadership skills by joining National Honor Society, National Forensic League, International Thespian Society, and JROTC at her high school. Richille loves to experience new things and challenges. Richille is very much involved in helping her community by teaching, tutoring, and singing at her church. “I do all these, but I especially try to focus my love and attention on my friends and family.” For leisure, Richille likes to write poetry and prose, read interesting books, sing, and act. Richille plans to get a degree in nursing and travel around the world and help others.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it because I knew I wasn’t the only one who applied. I was so happy and excited”, she replied, when she received a letter from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University informing her that she was selected. “I think this program will help me open up more to the opportunities out there and help me get ready for college, be independent, and have a great new experience. In addition, I am convinced that college is important.”

Richille is a participant of the Northern Marianas College Upward Bound Program, a Federal TRIO program tasked with the responsibility to prepare and motivate qualified high school students for post secondary education.

“Congratulations Richille” from the entire NMC Community!

UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND 2006 MONTEREY PENINSULA COLLEGE MATH & SCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM
Two Upward Bound students, Daisy Rojo, Junior at Marianas High School, and Jolyn Caoleng, Junior at Saipan Southern High School, were selected to attend the four-week Math & Science Summer Program Level I program, an introductory math and science skills focusing on marine science at Monterey Peninsula College. The 2006 summer program will be held from June 30, 2006 to July 30, 2006. The four-week summer program is offered in a residential setting on the beautiful campus of the University of California at Santa Cruz. Participants will experience living in a college environment, immersed in a math and science study program with other participants who have goals similar to theirs. In addition, they will enroll in courses in marine biology, mathematics, communication (oral and written), and college orientation and personal development. They will also participate in laboratory and field activities that emphasize skill development in note taking, quantification, observation and description, graphing, independent and group research, experimental techniques, and oral reporting. Workshops, guest speakers, counseling, and enrichment activities will be conducted to enhance learning.

Daisy is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Romeo Rojo of San Jose, Saipan. On her spare time, Daisy likes writing poems, playing volleyball and basketball, and surfing the Internet. When asked how does she feel of being selected to participate in this year’s Monterey Peninsula College Math & Science Summer Program, she replied, “I was extremely happy and excited. I kept jumping up and down during a volleyball practice in sheer excitement.” When asked how will the summer program help her, she responded, “I’m hoping to gain a wider range of knowledge on both my science and mathematics skills. In addition, I hope to develop more confidence and independence within myself.”

Daisy plans to join the military and pursue a career in Computer Science or Nursing. “After college, I plan to comeback and help my community in whatever profession I attain.”

Jolyn Caoleng is under the guardianship of Raul and Vanessa Blanca of Koblerville, Saipan. For her extra-curricular activities, Jolyn volunteers at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and enjoys reading a great novel. Jolyn plans to major in Dentistry in college and hopefully make a lifetime career as an Orthodontist. “When I attain my college degree, I will be proud of myself for reaching a goal and being the first in the family to finish college.”

When asked about being selected to attend Monterey Peninsula College Summer Upward Bound Program (MSUB), Jolyn replied, “When I first heard that I got accepted, I did not believe it. I did not take my acceptance seriously because I did not have proof that I was accepted. Yes, I am excited to go and earn college credits especially to meet students who share the same interest I have.” When asked how will the summer program help her, she responded, “Attending the MSUB program this summer will allow me to view a wider selection of career choices in the science field. I will also have a chance to share my knowledge in science and mathematics with other students attending the program. More importantly, the program will help me expand my knowledge in science and mathematics.”

Daisy and Jolyn are participants of the Upward Bound Program at Northern Marianas College, a federally funded TRIO program, tasked to motivate disadvantaged high school students to pursue a college education.

“Congratulations and best wishes Daisy and Jolyn!”

ACTING GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS THE MONTH OF JUNE AS SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
The Acting Governor Timothy Villagomez signed a proclamation on Thursday, June 1st, at 11:00 a.m. This proclamation declares June 2006 as the 9th Annual Small Business Development Month here in the CNMI. The proclamation recognizes the NMC Small Business Development Center and the Commonwealth Development Authority (CDA) for their efforts in assisting and promoting small business and economic development in the CNMI. NMC will also promote the workshops that the SBDC/CDA will be conducting on Saipan, Rota and Tinian during the month of June including Essential Skills of Leadership, Delegating, Managing Complaints and Dealing with Conflict.

If you have any questions about the workshops (which start this week) or you would like to sign up to attend, please contact the SBDC at 235-1551.

NMC TO HOST ECO ADVENTURE ON ROTA
The Northern Marianas College School of Education and NMC Rota, in cooperation with the Community Development Institute, are hosting the first Rota Eco-Education Summer Camp from July 24th through July 28th. The recreational and environmental component is being coordinated by the NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow, at the Department of Environmental Quality in Rota.

With tourism and development encroaching on the otherwise pristine environment, there is a need for increased ecological awareness among CNMI youth. The purpose of the summer camp is for middle school students to gain an understanding and appreciation of local natural resource conservation issues. The Camp will serve as a Northern Marianas College Pilot Project with potential to evolve into an eco-tourism venture.

Students will experientially learn about Coral Reef and Wildlife Conservation, Watershed Issues, Savannah Lands Ecology, Human Impacts on the Environment, and Strategies to Conserve Rota’s Natural Resources. The outdoor “hands on” learning stations are scattered around the idyllic island including Sasanhaya Bay Fish Reserve, Wedding Cake Mountain, and the Bird Sanctuary. On the evening of the 27th, there will be an overnight camp-out, BBQ, and stargazing event on Mt. Sabana. The week will be a fun-filled learning experience for the students, who for some will be their first time snorkeling and kayaking!

NMC thanks their partner agencies on Rota whose expert staff will lead the learning station activities. This initiative would not be possible without the involvement of representatives from: Rota Mayor’s Office, Rota High School, Rota Junior School, NMC CREES, NMC Natural Resource Management Program, NOAA/NMC Hutchuman Project, Luta Marine Center, Rota Municipal Council, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Resource Management Office, Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Interested middle school students should enroll now as space is limited to 40 students. Applications are available at NMC’s Rota Administration Office. For more information, please contact the NMC Rota Director, Severina Ogo at 532-9477 or the NOAA Coral Fellow, Lihla Noori at 532-3102.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RECYCLING CAMPAIGN
The Division of Environmental Quality is looking for wonderful volunteers to assist with their recycling campaign during the Liberation Day Carnival, June 2 through July 9, 7 days/week, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ANY TIME YOU CAN GIVE CAN BE WORKED INTO THE SCHEDULE.

Where: Liberation Day Carnival Grounds (Fishing Base, Garapan). What You'll Do: Encourage people to recycle paper, plastic, cans and glass in proper bins at the Recycling Station. Monitor the bins to be sure the correct materials are put in the proper containers (they will be clearly labeled). Who to Contact to Volunteer Your Time or for More Information: TINA SABLAN, DEQ, 664-8545 (direct line, but no voice mail) or 664-8500 (leave a message with the receptionist if Tina is out; be sure to leave a contact number where you can be reached and the best times to call that number). ANYTHING ELSE: If you do sign up to assist, please e-mail to Melody Actouka, Co-Coordinator, Service Learning Program melodya@nmcnet.edu your name and schedule, so that she can include you in our service database for recognition! Thank You!

Have a Safe and Wonderful Week!