Northern Mariana Islands

Garapan Elementary School

“Creating ornaments for the National Christmas Tree Lighting was a meaningful and heartfelt experience for our third-grade students. Each ornament reflects the love, pride, and deep connection our children have for their island home. Inspired by the beauty of our ocean, beaches, mountains, wildlife, and cultural traditions, students shared the stories and memories that connect them to their roots.” – Garraine Bianca C., Teacher

Leisa

I think our island is beautiful because we work together to keep it clean. My ornament shows people wearing cultural clothes, dancing, and playing instruments. I made it to show our culture and how we come together as a community.

Auria

I had fun making my ornament because I wanted to show a beautiful flower from Saipan. I chose a plumeria because it is part of our culture and grows all over the island. I like plumerias because they are pretty and smell really good. We can also use them to make mwars and leis for special occasions like graduations.

Corielaine

I enjoyed creating my ornament because I wanted to show what makes the Northern Mariana Islands beautiful and special. I was inspired by our beautiful ocean, palm trees, flowers, island culture, and the natural beauty around us. I used bright colors to make my design festive, cheerful, and special for the National Christmas Tree.

Elena

I love the CNMI because it has cool things to share with my friends and family. My ornament was inspired by my Chamorro culture, our delicious food, and our beautifyl beaches. I wanted to show how proud I am of where I come from and share a little piece of CNMI with everyone.

Heleina

This design was inspired by my beautiful home, the CNMI. I drew a fish, our island, a boat, and the ocean because I love our island and the ocean that surrounds it. I am proud to share my culture and the beauty of the CNMI with everyone.

Jasper

I was inspired by the beautiful islands of the CNMI when we created our ornament I drew the blue ocean, fish, palm trees, the sun, and a sea turtle, to show the nature and wildlife that make CNMI special. I also added “I Love Saipan” because I love our island and I am proud to call it home.

Jethro

My ornament designs were inspired by the natural beauty of the CNMI, incuding coconut trees, mountains, and ocean waves. I drew these symbols to show my love for my island and to share a little piece of our home with the National Christmas Tree lighting.

Joey

My ornament design was inspired by the beautiful scenery of the CNMI. I wanted to show the beauty of our islands and share a little piece of my home with everyone at the National Christmas Tree Lighting. I enjoyed creating my ornament because it reminds me of how special our island is.

Kennedy

I was inspired by the beauty, wildlife, and memories of Saipan when creating my ornament. I love Saipan because I was born here, and it is my home. Saipan is full of life, from sparrows, fish, turtles, sharks, stingrays, eels, sea urchins, and octopus, to the dogs and cats we see around the island. I have so many special memories here with my family. Through my artwork, I wanted to celebrate the natural beauty and unique wildlife of Saipan and share what makes this island such a special place to call home.

Kolin

I think the beach makes the CNMI beautiful because of our dark blue ocean, which reminds me of the blue on our CNMI flag. I was inspired by the Carolinian people and their history because they traveled across the ocean in canoes and became an important part of our islands. I drew the beach and ocean to honor their journey and show how their culture and history help make the CNMI special.

Nazareen

The beach inspired me to make my ornament. When I go to the beach, I feel happy and free. I love going to the beach and seeing all the amazing sea creatures in the ocean. I wanted my ornament to show how much I love the beach and the ocean.

Nitalea

I created my ornament to show the beauty of CNMI, which is our home. I wanted to show why it is important to take care of our island, ocean, and the animals that help keep CNMI beautiful. Our ocean is also important because it is home to many differnet sea creatures.

Roselei

I picked the CNMI flag because it represents the people of the Northern Mariana Islands. I think the people are brave and strong, and I wanted my ornament to show how much I love and care about my home.

Samantha

I enjoyed making my ornament because I wanted to show what makes the CNMI beautiful. I drew latte stones, the beach, and a person wearing cultural clothes with a mwarmwar. These things represent our culture, our beautiful islands, and the people of the CNMI.

Suraiya

This ornament was inspired by my beautiful home, Saipan. I drew the ocean, coconut trees, and flowers because they remind me of how special our island is. I love Saipan, and I hope my ornament shows how much I love my home.

Tominiko

The CNMI is a beautiful island surrounded by sparkling waters, making our beaches a perfect paradise where you can spot many lovely birds overhead. Along the beaches, you’ll find vibrant bushes blooming with colorful flowers and tall coconut trees providing refreshing shade. It’s a truly enchanting place to relax and enjoy nature.

William

This ornament is inspired by the beautiful flower that is a symbol of the Chamorro people. I wanted to show my Chamorro culture and share the beauty of our island with everyone who sees my ornament.

Ysabella

I was inspired by the natural beauty of the CNMI, including its green mountains, beautiful ocean, colorful flowers, and coconut trees. I used crayons to draw and color my design, showing the special places and things that make my island home beautiful.

Zion

I was inspired by the beautiful views and history of Mount Tapochau in Saipan. I used bright colors and drew plants and the mountains to show the natural beauty of our island. My ornament celebrates the highest point in the CNMI and our rich culture and history.