Meet you Liberation Day candidates

Leiana K. Ogumoro
Miss Northern Marianas Beauty Pagent 2004 Miss Photogenic, Lady Leiana, daughter of Felicidad and Ambrosio Ogumoro, is one of the many candidates running for the 2004 CNMI Liberation Queen.

This Northern Marianas College student is taking that extra mile to reach out to the community and support the people. She intends on beautifying the island by performing community services and getting others involved as well. Referring to the island culture, Ogumoro said people should keep the lessons of the past to pass these on to the future. She represents the Refaluwasch Foundation and community.

Myla Grace Capilitan

Representing the Filipino community, Myla joins the 2004 Liberation Queen candidates. Myla is the daughter of proud parents Rudolfo and Linda Capilitan. This Ms. Philippine CNMI 3rd runner-up also received the photogenic and best in sports wear award.

Capilitan aspires to learn more about Saipan’s other ethnic groups and learn new things through the Liberation Day royal court. She plans on starting a program that would help kids and young adults discover their talents and put them to good use.

Sweeda Narita Glad

Lady Sweeda, daughter of Joyce and Tony Glad, is currently attending Mount Carmel School. She has been involved with school activities, playing the lead character in the 2004 MCS Drama Production “Taming the Shrew.” This 5’9” candidate said she joined the royal court to promote the CNMI, making it known that we should be proud of our origins. She represents the Indian community.

Sheyvonne Judy Aldan

Lady Sheyvonne, student of Kagman High School, represents the Chamorro community in the 2004 Miss Liberation. Encouraged by family members, Aldan wants to make a difference in the CNMI by focusing on the youth. She wants to take part in addressing the issues that teens are now facing in society. When asked what CNMI Liberation means for her, Aldan said it is the day we celebrate equal rights for both men and women.

Sarah T. Igisaiar

The daughter of Casimiro and Sachary Igisaiar, this 17-year-old Kagman High School student represents the Chuukese community of the CNMI.

Lady Sarah aims to become a successful businesswoman. She joined the contest to test her independence. Her platform deals with various educational issues, including the lack of books and facilities.

Igisaiar describes her view on CNMI Liberation as a time for everyone to gather and recognize the various ethnicities and cultures in the CNMI.

Heather O. Woodruff

Lady Heather is the daughter of Stephen and Debbie Woodruff. She aspires to be a lawyer or doctor. She represents the Palauan community and is sponsored by the Palauan Community Association.

She sees her role in the royal court as uniting cultures and promoting the island.

As to what CNMI Liberation symbolizes for her, Woodruff said it means, “to be free from bondage and restraint, and to know and understand that all men and women are equal…no matter what your race or culture is.”

Her platform includes dealing with drub abuse among teenagers.

Monarie R. Cabrera

At 17 years of age, Lady Monarie, the daughter of Juliana R. Olkeriil, sees her experience through the Liberation Day Royal Court as an opportunity to meet new people and “open up to the public.”

She represents the Kagman High School JROTC and disclosed that her goals include graduating from high school, studying in the field of education, and becoming a teacher.

Among the issues that caught her attention is teen pregnancy. Her platform includes addressing the issue as a spokesperson for teen pregnancy prevention.

Nadia B. Manglona

The daughter of Fortunato and Julita Manglona, Lady Nadia represents the island of Rota and the Rota High School JROTC.

The Sinapolo I resident aims at one day enrolling in college and pursuing a degree in math and psychology. (with Cassie Fejeran)