Contact: Ms. Leigh G. Pereda or Dr. Sam Mabini

Tel: 734-5483/2207
www.pbsguam.org

PBS GUAM NAMES 12 YOUNG AUTHORS AS LOCAL WINNERS OF

PBS KIDS GO! WRITERS CONTEST

Annual Competition Fosters Reading, Writing and Creativity;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – (April 29, 2010, Mangilao, GU) - - PBS Guam selected 12 local winners of the PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest, which encourages children grades K-3 in our local schools to celebrate the power of writing and illustrating by submitting their own original storybooks.  The winners were chosen from among 189 local entrants by a panel of local judges which included teachers, librarians and a station representative.

“PBS Guam with the support from our local business sponsors was one of the 87 public television stations who participated in this year’s Contest, formerly known as the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest”, states PBS Guam General Manager Dr. Sam Mabini. “Our first place winners from each grade division were sent to the national competition where a panel of renowned judges will identify the national winners.” Winners will be announced in summer 2010.

A private awards ceremony for the 12 winners will take place tomorrow Friday, April 30, 2010 from 3pm – 5pm at Planet Hollywood in Tumon. Media is invited to attend, please confirm with Leigh G. Pereda either via telephone, 734-5483 or via email, lpereda@pbsguam.org if you will send a media representative.

The winners for each grade division are as follows:
Kindergarten:
1st Place:          Sadie L. Tumanda, “Sad Little Cloud”             (Liguan Elementary School)
2nd Place:         Ethan Carlo David, “My Snow Adventure” (Santa Barbara Catholic School)
3rd Place:         Koby Joe Taimanglo, “I Love to Go Everywhere” (Inarajan Elementary School)

First Grade:
1st Place:          Elyse Sablan, “The Fly That Could Not Fly” (Wettengel Elementary School)
2nd Place:         Lyn Mikel Sazon, “Lyn’s Trip to Zoobic Safari” (Santa Barbara Catholic School)
3rd Place:         Uriah Aguon, “The Adventure of Lion and Bear” (Capt. H.B. Price Elementary School)

Second Grade:
1st Place:          Yssabelle Valencia, “Morty the Monster” (Santa Barbara Catholic School)
2nd Place:         Maya Dela Cruz, “Sandy Lost Her Scales” (Santa Barbara Catholic School)
3rd Place:         Ami Vice, “The True Story of Chick-Chick” (P.C. Lujan Elementary School)

Press Release – PBS Kids Go! Writer’s Contest
Page 2 of 2
April 30, 2010

Third Grade:
1st Place;          Reo Aiken, “Amazing Rainbow’s Door” (St. Paul Christian School)
2nd Place:         Emily Zervoulakos, “The Girl and the Poisonous Butterfly” (Home School)
3rd Place:         Kainoa Lee Reyes, “The Mystery of the Missing Mafute” (Home School)

“We take this opportunity to thank all 189 children, their parents and teachers from both public and private schools who entered in our contest this year”, said Dr. Mabini. “In telling their stories, all participants demonstrated their unique talents and learned from the process.” “We hope that you continue to create your own stories and participating in our future contests”.

Local business sponsors include: Individual Assurance Company, Coast 360 Federal Credit Union, Ambros, Inc., International Reading Association – Guam Council, 76/Circle K, Pat’s Tinting & Detailing, and Planet Hollywood. Prizes for the winners and other donations generously provided by: McDonald’s of Guam, Guam IRA, Payless Markets, LSG Sky Chefs, National Office Supply,

Research has shown that writing plays a key role in the development of early literacy skills.  The PBS KIDS GO! Writers Contest leverages the reach and resources of public media to encourage kids to tap into these important skills.  “Judging from the response we received, it is apparent that the children are indeed eager for these resources and this type of platform”, said Dr. Mabini.