Teen Talk caps successful year

Some 20 student members of “Teen Talk” and their parents gathered Wednesday night for a recognition dinner, capping a year when the program managed to reach out to 14 schools, out of the 20 initial targets.

The Public School System, led by Science and Health coordinator Jackie Quitugua, presented a plaque of recognition to the Teen Talk members during the event held at the Aqua Resort Club.

Quitugua said Teen Talk has reached out to schools like Chacha Oceanview Junior High School, Hopwood Junior High School, Oleai Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, San Antonio Elementary School, Rota Junior High School and Marianas High School.

Quitugua said this year’s Teen Talk members would bid adieu to the program after they part in a retreat next week.

She said Teen Talk aims to reach the youth, the young students, and children in particular. The members are composed of high school students who have been trained as part of PSS’ youth leadership and development program to improve on their facilitative skills and organization skills.

Quitugua said the students reached out to schools and facilitated workshops with topics on how to protect themselves and other risky behaviors.

During the recognition ceremony, members presented their parents with what they were able to accomplish.

Mark Yebra said members are all in high school, with ages ranging from 15 to 18, and a diverse lot. “Each of us definitely [walk to the] beat…of our own drums.”

Edrianne Flores said Teen Talk members are lifelong learners in and out of their classrooms. She said their minds may not yet be full of what the world has to offer, but they will continue to consume knowledge and experience.

James Sison said their group has led clubs and organizations in or out of classrooms. He said they are all committed to Teen Talk because they gain so much more than what they give. “The pressure is a little scary but we enjoy what we do and want to continue,” he said.

Teen Talk members are stakeholders in the community, said Justise Quitugua. She said Teen Talk members are volunteers who want to reach out to the youth, seeing the need to collaborate with each other and with other members of the community.

Quitugua said the members also presented at the Youth Summit, the Guam Youth 4 Youth Conference and at professional development seminars for more than 90 teachers in the Commonwealth.

Quitugua said PSS has met its objectives. She said these youth members represent the “CNMI youth of colors.”

Parents also expressed their support, with Dave Bucher, parent of Teen Talk member Laura Bucher, saying that he is amazed by the leadership the youth members exhibited in the program. “They had fun too. They enjoyed themselves too,” he said.

He said he is very, very proud of the group that is composed of the leaders of tomorrow.

Eve Deleon Guerrero said she is very proud of her son, Michael, and the organization, which has had a big impact in the community and she is hoping that PSS would continue the group’s worthy activities for the sake of the youth in the CNMI.