(NMC) — Ten representatives from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, will represent the CNMI at the 2023 National 4-H Conference this April.
NMC photo
From left, the two 4-H National Conference representatives from Rota: Jaselle Manglona and Kaitlyn Balgoa.
NMC photo
According to the 4-H website, the conference will be held on April 14-19, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.
The CNMI representatives are Jinkim Abogado, Claire Barrozo, Sylvia Sanchez, Clarize Rodriguez, Chad Acollador, Jaselle Manglona, Kaitlyn Balgoa, Rownel Jody Coloma, Ryan Nuera, and their chaperone Beda Mundo, an extension aide for the Family, Community and Youth Development program under Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services,
Abogado, Barrozo, Sanchez, Rodriguez, Acollador, Manglona, Balgoa, and Mundo, were awarded travel scholarships by New Mexico State University. Coloma and Nuera were selected by the national committee to be a part of the leadership and facilitator teams.
“Congratulations to our 4-H Marianas youth who have been selected to represent the CNMI at the National 4-H Conference,” NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD said. “We are incredibly proud of the ten for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing about their experiences.”
4-H youth aged between 15 and 19, from other Land-Grant University 4-H Departments, will be participating in the National 4-H Conference on April 14-19, 2023. The young delegates work together for four weeks before the conference to prepare briefings on important topics. During the conference, they will virtually present their briefings to federal officials in Washington, D.C. Along with this, the conference provides a platform for personal development experiences, knowledge sharing, and skill-building while discussing topics affecting youth and 4-H programming across the country.
“Our NMC-CREES FCYD and 4-H Marianas team’s youth-led programming approach continues to positively impact our CNMI youth. It is reassuring to know that their efforts are recognized locally and nationally,” NMC-CREES Interim Dean Patty Coleman said.
Coloma, an undergraduate student at NMC and 4-H Marianas Youth State Council President will be one of 21 National 4-H Conference Collegiate Facilitators. His group will host and facilitate the youth roundtable groups, where each group is given a challenge question submitted by a federal agency. The roundtable groups prepare a 45- minute Youth Perspective Briefing that is presented to the federal agency.
“I am truly excited to represent the CNMI at the national level again,” Coloma said. “Despite coming from a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, the experience will be worthwhile and beneficial. It is a testament to my peers to chase after every opportunity as you may not know where it may take you. I’m excited to work with the collegiate team and hope to learn new things from one another during our short time together. I’m excited to meet the delegations that will gather at this year’s National 4-H Conference. I look forward to this journey and the new responsibilities that await me as a collegiate facilitator.”
Nuera, a Senior at Tinian Jr/Sr High School and the 4-H Marianas Youth State Council President will be a part of the 2023 National 4-H Conference Youth Leadership Team where he will work with five other students from across the country to plan and facilitate the conference's events.
“I feel grateful to represent the Marianas at a national level once again,” Nuera said. “At first, I was anxious to apply for the facilitator position as I had originally attended as a delegate last year. This year, I hope to create bonds with my fellow team members and create an enjoyable environment for the delegates at the 2023 National 4-H Conference.”
Jaselle Manglona, one of the youth representatives from Rota, said that she is excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent the CNMI.
“I am excited to go to the event and meet youth in 4-H from around the country,” Manglona said.
“I am also excited to share my ideas with other delegates while hearing their own thoughts. I am looking forward to the different activities I’ll be able to join in!”
For more information about 4-H Marianas or the 2023 National 4-H Conference, contact NMC-CREES FCYD Extension Agent Robbie Suzuki Jr. via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./.