Seven public and private elementary schools in the CNMI have confirmed their participation in the 2013 Parade of Books organized by the Rotary Club of Saipan.
Rotarian and event coordinator Reina Camacho noted that only two of these schools have already decided on the book that they will interpret for the competition.
“We're on track,” Camacho told Rotarians Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
Parade of Books, slated for April 13, Saturday, at the Marianas High School Gymnasium, is an annual competition open to local elementary schools and aims to encourage literacy and creativity in a fun and innovative way by allowing them to create a performance reflecting their chosen books to win cash prizes.
This year's theme is “Legends and Myths of the Marianas and Micronesia,” which was selected based on the result of a survey completed by last year's participants.
“Everybody knew what they were getting into from the very beginning,” she said.
Of the seven confirmed participants, only two schools so far have registered their books: Sirena for Dandan Elementary School and Flame Tree for Garapan Elementary School.
Other schools that will compete are Eucon International School, Mount Carmel School, Kagman, Kobleville, and San Vicente elementary schools.
Participating schools are given two references, Legends of Micronesia and Pacific Island Legends, which contain more than 30 legends to choose from.
“We encourage schools to choose and perform different legends because we want their creativity to stand out,” Camacho added.
She noted, however, that participants find it “quite challenging” to come up with a script that would accommodate up to 35 students in one presentation under five minutes.
Schools are encouraged to incorporate the native language in their performance to make it exciting, she said, reminding them that the focus of their performance is the interpretation of the book, not the costumes and props.
Camacho revealed that the reigning champion, Oleai Elementary School, and other participants from last year have not signed up for the 2013 Parade of Books.
“It is not too late to join the event,” she said.
The deadline for registration is March 1. Interested participants are invited to attend the next planning meeting at 4pm on Feb. 21, Thursday to be held at one of the beach pavilions along Beach Road in San Jose.
To register or for more information, email reinacamacho@gmail.com or saipanrotary@gmail.com.
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