Swimmer crowned Miss Marianas Teen

Sixteen-year old Saipan swim team member Myana T. Welch was crowned as this year’s Miss Marianas Teen during a night of glamour, sophistication and fun at the Saipan World Resort Amphitheater Friday night.

Welch bested 17 other equally beautiful candidates when she impressed the 500-plus audience with her answer to the question-and-answer portion of the pageant.

Welch, clad in elegant white evening gown, was asked the question: If she were to give a gift to the Emperor and Empress of Japan, what would it be and why?

Welch replied that she would give the royal guests a replica of the latte stones because the stones are the symbol of the foundation of the CNMI community, “the beginnings where we came from.”

It was an emotional night for this year’s big winner because, during the announcement of the special awards, she didn’t get any. “I thought I’d lost already because I didn’t get any of the special awards which I thought were my strong points,” she said, adding that the whole pageant experience was exhilarating. “I am just so happy. I wanted it so bad!”

The first runner up slot went to Dina Marie Palacios, who also bagged the Stellar Awards and the Best in Fun Fashion. Palacios said it felt great to just have all the experience they had together. Palacios will pursue a bachelor’s degree soon in Las Vegas.

Nicollete Lopez took home three special awards: Best in Evening Wear, Best in Talent and the Stellar Awards. Miss Photogenic went to Rosree Ann C. Leon Guerrero and Hee Ae Lee won Miss Congeniality.

The top 10 candidates also included Jomanda Lynn Manglona, Heather Calderwood, Ashley Reiko Pangelinan, Naomi Sablan, Kathrene Rose T. Taylor, Angelee Cruz, Lopez, and Leon Guerrero

‘MAKE IT TO THE TOP’

Welch said she is excited about the international competition in July, adding that she would do her best to make the CNMI proud of her.

“The CNMI will make it to the top! Watch out Chicago because the CNMI is here!” she quipped.

Friends and well-wishers were all ecstatic with Welch’s success. They said they were very happy for her as she has always wanted to be a beauty queen and now it has all come true. They wished Welch all the best for the upcoming Miss Teen International in July.

Judges for the pageant included award-winning musical scorer and composer Les Wolf, Northern Marianas College Board of Regent chairwoman Kimberly King-Hinds, PC Outlet’s Peter Pareda, Anne Marie Roy, and Deedee Rayphand. NMC’s Raaj Kurapati was the event tabulator while Melia Johnson directed the show.