By: Edward C. Maratita, Jr.
Students, educators, and parents at Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja joined with thousands of students across the country to culminate National Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 in their own special way.
In our small community on Rota, the theme “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service” encompasses several concepts at the heart of Catholic education. Our school is not only communities itself but also a part of the larger communities of home, church, diocese, village/city, and nation. Faith, knowledge and service are integral components of a Catholic education, which has as its core aim to build up the body of Christ.
And in every communities of faith, knowledge, and service there is always someone in the community sent by God to help.
“The annual Catholic Schools Week celebration is a time of great joy where we thank God for sending great and special people to assist Catholic Schools,” said administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig.
Atalig added, “We need to recognize these people who in any way shaped Catholic Schools.”
In celebration of 2017 Catholic Schools Week, Eskuelan San Francico de Borja honored those that walk the faith, knowledge, and service to build up the body of Christ at our school including the faithful people of the community of Luta here and abroad, the elderly/ManAmko’ and the staff of the Rota ManAmko’ Center, Monsignor Louis Antonelli. Some who were also acknowledge were some of the alumni: Samantha King Sablan, Deanna Manglona Ogo, Dominic Maratita, Paul M. Manglona, Jr., Denn M. Manglona Pauline M. Manglona, and Dina Songao.
The Catholic Schools Week Guest Speakers this year were Rev. Fr. Isidro Ogumoro, CNMI Public Schools System Board Member-Rota Rep and retired SGM. Herman Atalig, Notre Dame Alumna-Guam Rosita A. Hocog, and 2008 Mount Carmel School-Saipan Alumni Chanelle A. Manglona.
ESFDB was also grateful to Matea King Sablan Scholarship Foundation (Tanya King), to the tireless and Supportive community member of Luta: Tita A. Hocog, to Senator Paul A. Manglona, Senator Teresita Santos, Rep. Glenn Maratita, Councilman Ivan Mereb, former Rota council members George Hocog and Roman Calvo.
And finally the school also recognized the local businesses, benefactors, donors, the parents, families, and friends of Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja and the students and children of God in our communities of faith, knowledge, and service.
In addition, awards were presented to educators, staff, and volunteers. They are:
- Mary Rose S. Lucero (3rd – 5th Grade Class Adviser): 2017 Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja Teacher of the Year Award
- Lea Del Rosario Maratita (Pre-School Adviser): Support Staff of the Year Award
- Edward C. Maratita, Jr. (6th – 8th Grade Class Adviser): Leadership Award
- Florinda M. Chavez (1st – 2nd Grade Class Adviser): Religious Award
- Mary Rose S. Lucero: Religious Award
- Monette M. Ladao: Appreciation and Recognition Award
- Rorilyn T. Cantil: Service Award
- Abel Barcinas: Grandparent Award
“Congratulations to all who made our Catholic Schools Week successful at Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja,” said Atalig.
“We ask all our parish communities to pray daily for the continued mission of our Catholic schools. Pray for teachers and staff members who daily witness and proclaim the Gospel to our students. These men and women truly are, in the words of St. John Paul II, “great gifts to the church,” said board member Edward C. Maratita, Jr.
“Pray also for our predecessors (the late Sr. Benedict, Sr. Bridget, Sr. Ascension, and Sr. Zosima), priests, and lay people who established the firm foundation for Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja in our diocese. What a tremendous treasure they have given us to continue providing Catholic education,” added Maratita.
The administration, faculty, staff, students, and board of directors would like to extend their appreciation to the PTO officers led by Imelda H. Atalig, parent’s, and guest. Thank you, Un Sen Dangkulo Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase, and Maraming Salamat Po! Happy Catholic Schools Week!
