NJFL names 9 regional champs for national tilts

Nine students from public and private schools will officially represent the CNMI in various national competitions this year after being adjudged champions in the National Junior Forensic League regional contest held Saturday at Marianas High School.

The delegates will advance to the national level in San Antonio, Texas this June.

There were 73 middle school participants in the competition’s nine events that took place from the rigorous morning rounds through the final sets that ended at 6pm.

Grace Christian Academy’s Anastasia Schweiger ruled the impromptu speaking competition, getting the jurors’ unanimous decision and advancing to the national contest.

She, together with teammate Kahra Atalig, got another gold medal when they won first place in the duo competition rounds.

Anne Gelika Elenzano of Mount Carmel School also wowed the crowd, bagging two gold medal awards for her impressive performances in the dramatic interpretation and poetry reading divisions.

Another crowd favorite from Marianas Baptist Academy, Eunice Park, got two gold medals in extemporaneous speaking and original oratory events.

Glen Florendo of GCA will also be part of the national team to advance in the Lincoln Douglas debate after his persuasive performance in the final rounds.

Calvary Christian Academy’s Emily Dotts hope to bring the CNMI national honor in the humorous interpretation category after being adjudged champion in this particular event Saturday.

Judges also noted the outstanding performance of Zelika Joyner from Chacha Oceanview in the prose final rounds.

Two-time delegate to national contest Anastasia Schweiger said it is always her goal to give her best shot in all competitions she joins in.

“This is so exciting and breathtaking!” she told Saipan Tribune, admitting that it was hard to compete with friends but the experience was both enjoyable and worth it.

Schweiger has been an NJFL contestant since sixth grade. “I look forward to this chance to be in the national again because I love to meet people and learn valuable experiences from them.”

The student admitted that the local events have developed her discipline and her character as a whole.

“When you join NJFL, you would really learn about discipline. You must be on time, prepared, and most importantly you will learn the value of hard work,” she added.

MBA’s Eunice Park said the local and national competitions have brought her memorable moments in life.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to travel in the States for the first time because of NJFL. That’s something very memorable for me. The whole experience was great!” Park said.

According to Andrew Golden, tab-room coordinator for NFL and Western Pacific region, those who get more than one gold medal will be given the chance to choose the category where they will compete in at the national level. Silver medalists to unselected events will automatically be named alternates for the national contests.

NFL and NJFL are organized by the National Forensic League Board in collaboration with Public School System.

To qualify for the regional contest, participants must be ribbon or gold medal winners in the four preliminary rounds in the school year.

Last Saturday, nine schools were in the final sets: CCA, MBA, Saipan Community School, Eucon International, GCA, MCS, San Vicente Elementary School, Hopwood Junior High School, and Chacha Oceanview Jr. High.

The CNMI competitions began some 10 years ago and every year the number of participants just keep growing.

Organizers began adopting the national format rules and patterns since last year to better prepare students for the national events.

Last week, 14 students were also selected as official NMI delegates to NFL national contests slated for June this year.