The My Mom’s Story contest just completed this week, and thanks to the heartfelt essays submitted by our young readers, six moms are celebrated for their love and caring ahead of Mother’s Day on May 12.
Contestants from CNMI elementary, middle, and high schools were asked to use clear, concise writing, highlighting their mothers’ unique story. Variety judges wanted students to “show their love and appreciation” for mom.
Variety President Amier Younis confirms there were 147 entries in the contest.
The winners were as follows:
High School Division
- Runner Up: Sylvia Ledesma Sanchez – Grade 11 – Marianas High School
- Winner: Zihan (Jacob) Wang – Grade 12 – Agape Christian School
Junior High / Middle School Division
- Runner Up: Kim Hyun Chae – Garde 8 – Saipan International School
- Winner: Julius Cruz – Grade 6 – Tinian Middle and High School
Elementary School Division
- Runner Up: Ulyana Borja – Grade 1 – Koblerville Elementary School
- Winner: Wyette Chase N. Olngellel – Grade 4 – Oleai Elementary School
“It’s really touching and heartwarming to see and have the kids participate and write stuff about their moms,” Younis said at the small award ceremony held for the students on May 9. “Mom’s good job, children thank you so much for participating.”
With their victories, the students walk away with prizes for their moms and for themselves.
First place winers get a flower bouquet; MarPac gift bag; brunch at Aqua Resort; Pena House Boutique large gift bag; MarPac lemon tea package; stationary pack from Variety; a $10 gift certificate from Herman’s Modern Bakery; and a $25 gift certificate from National Office Supply.
Runners up received a flower bouquet; $50 gift certificate from CK Smokehouse; a Pena House Boutique small gift bag; MarPac lemon tea package; stationary pack from Variety; a $10 gift certificate from Herman’s Modern Bakery; and a $25 gift certificate from National Office Supply.
Jacob Wang, first place winner for the high school division, says he entered the contest as a way to honor his mom, who lives in China.
“My essay is mostly about my mother’s life and how she helped us during COVID,” Wang said. He adds that his father passed away during the pandemic and that the family encountered other hardships.
“That time was really difficult, but my mom by herself took care of me and my sister,” he said. “It was really hard for her and we needed to pay a big fee. I really appreciate what she has done for me and my sister. That’s why I wrote this essay.”
Sylvia Sanchez says that she wrote the contest hoping to do something nice for her mom.
“I’ll be leaving off island tomorrow and I won’t be spending mother day or my mom’s birthday so I thought that this was a really great opportunity to take and show appreciation for my mom,” she said.
4th grader Wyette Olngellel says his essay is about “the day [mom] became a hero.”
He tells Variety he feels happy. He also adds that he is unsure whether or not the family will be barbecuing on Sunday for his mom.
For Kim Hyun Chae, who won in the middle school division, he said his mom is in for a surprise this Mother’s Day, because he hasn’t told her that her story won an essay contest. Kim’s mom lives in Korea.
“She doesn’t know that I won,” he said. “But I told her that I’m putting this letter in the competition and after the result I’ll translate it and send it to you. I miss her a lot.”
Chae says that when he was younger, he misunderstood the way his mom disciplined him, but that he later had a change in perspective when he matured.
“In Korea most moms are Tiger Moms. She was that kind of mom,” Chae said. “She always told me to study more. Years passed and when I got older I can feel why she said that to me. It gave structure in my life. I really wanted to appreciate her.”
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s in the CNMI!
