Despite the many challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our community, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) was able to successfully organize the 2021 Arts and Tides Calendar contest. Jomil Garcia from Palau High School was awarded Overall Winner. Besides receiving a cash prize of $100 and a free copy of the Calendar, Jomil’s drawing will be featured on the cover page of the “2021 Saving Our Oceans from Plastic Pollution” Arts and Tides Calendar. At the same time, her art will be displayed on two road signs: one across from Palau High School and the other in Airai, near Bem Ermii.
The 1st place winners for each of the grades are: Alana Mutchler (Grade 1, Ngaraard ES), Edumael Lukas (Grade 2, Ngeremlengui ES), Arylana Humio (Grade 3, Ngaraard ES), Aurora Benson (Grade 4, Ngaraard ES), Dechel G. Ngirblekuu (Grade 5, Airai ES), Dicsy Iuong Mikel (Grade 6, Ngeremlengui ES), Jandall T. Emiwo (Grade 7, Ngeremlengui ES), Ezekiel Kintoki (Grade 8, Meyuns ES), Hokulani Rosang Allen (Grade 9, Belau Modekngei S), Thomas Marino (Grade 10, Belau Modekngei S), Himari Tono (Grade 11, Palau Mission Academy), Ruslan Eberdong (Grade 12, Emmaus-Bethania HS).
The 2nd Place winners for each of the grades are: Rirch R. Rayney (Grade 1, Ngardmau ES), Branon T. Brict (Grade 2, Ngardmau ES), Rayah I. Ulysses (Grade 3, Ngardmau ES), Aldan J. Ngirailemesang (Grade 4, Ngaraard ES), Faith Etpison (Grade 5, Ngaraard ES), Vince Oisewang (Grade 6, Peleliu ES), Otis B. Maidesil (Grade 7, Ngeremlengui ES), Shania O. Samuel (Grade 8, Ngeremlengui ES), Mallik F. Aquino (Grade 9, Mindszenty HS), Kezia Casandra S. Cuizon (Grade 10, Belau Modekngei S), Nobuyuki Yano (Grade 11, Palau Mission Academy), Sun Selena Yuling (Grade 12, Palau Mission Academy).
PICRC would like to congratulate the aforementioned winners, whose drawings will be displayed in the Calendar, while recognizing and congratulating, Ngaraard Elementary School and Ngeremlengui Elementary School for having the highest percentage of winners. The making of this calendar would not be possible without the help of teachers and principals who, year after year, play an invaluable role in motivating students into participating. Thank you for your continuous support!