OES entry gets judges’ nod in Parade

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as interpreted by Oleai Elementary School students, captured the hearts of judges during Saturday’s Saipan Rotary Club’s Parade of Books.

Oleai Elementary School bagged first place in the first-ever Parade of Books contest. Garapan Elementary School’s rendition of their favorite book, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, won second place, while Kagman Elementary School took third place for its Drummer Hoff interpretation.

Over 600 people attended the event. Twenty schools joined the competition, using spectacular costumes and delightful colors interpreting their chosen literature.

Seven private schools took part in the contest namely: Calvary Christian Academy, Brilliant Star Montessori, Mount Carmel School, Saipan International School, Marianas Baptist Academy, Golden Harvest International and Grace Christian Academy.

Ten public elementary and junior high schools participated in the event: San Antonio Elementary School, Hopwood Junior High School, Cha-Cha Oceanview Junior High School, Tanapag Elementary School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Dandan Elementary School, Koblerville Elementary School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, and Tinian Junior High School.

Over $3,400 cash prizes were given away during the event. Rotary Club current president Jim Whitt said the schools did not leave empty-handed as the Rotary gave away $100 to each school.

“What a successful turnout,” said Whitt, adding that he and his fellow Rotarians were so overwhelmed with the success of the event that they would have to repeat the event next year.

Whitt said the event was an idea of his wife, Debbie, who incorporated the concept with the Rotary’s community service events.

“It was a magnificent and overwhelming turnout,” said Debbie Whitt, who worked as a teacher in Guam for 15 years.

She said the activity coincided with the Public School System’s proclamation of November as Education Month.

Rotarian Edward Salas said several more schools registered at the last minute, forcing them to deny some due to late filing.

The Rotary president also said the club is recognizing the support of the Rotary Club Pacific district governor Isao Ichikawa.