SAIPAN — Four students from the Northern Mariana Islands have been named winners in a national America250 contest that asked young people across the country what America means to them, the CNMI America250 Commission announced Monday.
The commission, together with America250, the national organization charged by Congress with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, announced the 2026 America’s Field Trip awardees on June 8. The contest invites students in grades 3 through 12 to reflect on the question, “What does America mean to you?” through original writing or artwork.
The CNMI awardees include two first-place and two second-place winners. The first-place winners are Attina Louresse R., a fourth grader at Sinapalo Elementary School, and Haani B., a 10th grader at Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School. The second-place winners are Haryn C., a third grader at Grace Christian Academy, and Lily K., a fifth grader at Mount Carmel School.
“The CNMI is honored to celebrate two first-place and two second-place winners in this year’s America’s Field Trip contest,” said Leo Pangelinan, chair of the CNMI America250 Commission. “This remarkable achievement showcases the talent and promise of our students and highlights the unique perspectives they bring to the national conversation about America’s history and future. We are proud to see our youth representing our islands with such distinction.”
The commission said the 250 awardees this year hail from 42 states, three U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. First-place awardees will travel on once-in-a-lifetime field trips this summer, and second-place awardees receive a cash award and America250 gear.
The CNMI America250 Commission was established to lead the Northern Mariana Islands in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States on July 4, 2026, which the commission said also includes celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Covenant establishing the Commonwealth in political union with the United States.
