(NMC-CREES) — Empowering youth to be successful leaders in the future, the 4-H Marianas program announced the members of their Academic Year 2025-2026 Youth Island Councils. Selected from a competitive application and interview process, the youth-led governing bodies for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will participate in various youth advocacy projects by planning and leading community service initiatives, events, and leadership activities.
There are three councils from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The youth-led councils will take charge of the program’s community service initiatives, such as planning and leading events to represent their respective islands. To elevate youth involvement, a Youth Facilitator/Peer Mentor role was created to allow former council officers to guide and mentor current members throughout the academic year.
The Youth Island Councils for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are as follows:
• Saipan Council: Ellie Cho, President; Jeongbin “Celine” Park, Vice President; Peige Tomokane, Vice President; Frances Hernandez, Secretary; Jesse Lin, Treasurer; Mary “Audrey” Bansil, Public Relations Officer; Jheams Sagana, Public Relations Officer
• Tinian Council: Adriel Lenteja, President; Serenity Guzman, Vice President; MercyAnne Christian, Secretary; Matthew Sarmiento, Treasurer; Iris Lin, Public Relations Officer
• Rota Council: Rianna “Isa” Barcinas, President; Lovelee Jingco, Vice President; Carlos Calvo, Secretary; John Tacud, Treasurer; Jelina Calvo, Public Relations Officer
The Youth Facilitators/Peer Mentors are as follows:
• Saipan: Sylvia Sanchez, Isa Nishitani, Anastacia Minor
• Rota: Danica Malaborbor, Bernice Feolino, Sayera Sidur
The council members will also participate in the Marianas Youth Leadership Series, a quarterly inter-island gathering that strengthens leadership skills, connections to the Marianas, and relationships among all councils. Throughout their term, members engage in advocacy projects, including short films that highlight topics such as mental health, cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and civic engagement. The films are available to watch on 4-H Marianas’s social media platforms, Facebook (4-H Marianas) and Instagram (@4hnmi).
“At first, I was nervous to take on this position because I’ve always considered myself a shy person — not much of an extrovert — but I’ve been learning a lot through this experience. It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone and connect with different groups and people. We recently completed our first quarter leadership series, where all the members gathered in one place for three days to learn about leadership and how to take initiative. It really helped me grow and understand different perspectives on what makes a good leader.” stated Saipan Council President Jeongbin “Celine” Park.
Danica Malaborbor, Youth Facilitator/ Peer Mentor states, “With 4-H, there are boundless opportunities for the youth and for You. Be impactful, be inspired, be courageous, and be Beyond Ready.”
4-H Marianas looks forward to another year of youth-led service, leadership, and advocacy across the islands.
For more information about 4-H Marianas or NMC-CREES, visit crees.marianas.edu or call (670) 237-6843. For more information on 4-H Tinian, contact Jacklynn Sanchez at jacklynn.sanchez@marianas.edu or call (670) 433-2576. For more information on 4-H Rota, contact Tonica Barcinas at tonica.barcinas@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-9208.
