Two individuals, two groups to be recognized with awards

Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands - Beautify CNMI will announce on Saturday, April 24 the winners of their annual Beautify CNMI Champion and Beautify CNMI Steward Awards. The announcement will be made during a ceremony at the 29th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival main stage at 10am.

"This is the fourth year we are giving out awards to recognize the individuals, organizations, and businesses that have proven to be leaders in volunteering and advocating for the environment in the Commonwealth," said Cinta Kaipat.

This year Beautify CNMI will recognize an individual and an organization/business in each award category. The four award winners have been invited to accept their awards.

The Environmental Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.

The Environmental Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect our environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.

Beautify CNMI hands out the Steward and Champion Awards each year in Spring. Nominations are taken from the community at-large and the Beautify CNMI Committee Chairs select winners. Past winners include Aqua Resort Club, Friends of the Mariana Islands, Marites Castillo, Kathy Yuknavage, Captain Carl Brachear, Adam Sablan, Katie Busenkell, Rose Callier, Mike Tripp, Marianas Dive, Nava Khorram, Max Aguon, Paseo de Marianas Promoters, and Bree Reynolds, Tan Holdings, Laurie Peterka, Ken Kramer, and Friends of the Marianas Trench Monument.

Beautify CNMI! is a coalition of concerned citizens, private groups, and government entities united to enhance the CNMI's natural beauty and foster community pride in its residents and visitors. The coalition was a recipient of a 2007 EPA Environmental Award and received a Certificate of Commendation from the United States Congress in 2009. For more information visit them online at http://www.beautifycnmi.org.