Yesterday, Mount Carmel School participated in the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week and announced the 2023 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.
Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. 2023 marks the 49th year for the national organization to recognize the importance of Catholic education and all the efforts of its stakeholders at each Catholic institution. Mount Carmel School has participated in this celebration since 1995, making this the school’s 28th year celebrating Catholic Schools Week.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the theme of the day was “Celebrating Our Faculty and Staff.” In the middle of student activities, Mount Carmel School announced Ms. Suzanne Jetnil as the 2023 Support Staff of the Year. The finalist for the 2023 Support Staff of the Year was Ms. Shyaralyn San Nicolas. The finalists for Teacher of the Year included Mr. Zeno Deleon Guerrero, Ms. Tracy Taimanao, and Ms. Criselda Aldan. Earning the official title of Mount Carmel School’s 2023 Teacher of the Year was none other than Mr. Jener Pineda.
The faculty and staff eligible for the awards were scored based on their performance, classroom observations, and involvement in extracurricular activities during the past year.
The finalist for Support Staff of the Year is Ms. Shyaralyn San Nicolas, a teacher aid for the K4 homeroom. Ms. Shyaralyn, otherwise known as “Ms. Shy” has been with Mount Carmel School for two years and has been instrumental in organizational projects and activities at Mount Carmel School.
The 2023 Support Staff of the Year was awarded to Ms. Suzanne Jetnil who has worked at Mount Carmel School for four years. Prior to her role as office manager, Ms. Jetnil also served as a third-grade homeroom teacher at MCS.
Ms. Jetnil is a product of Mount Carmel School, the Public School System, and is a Northern Marianas College graduate from the School of Education. Beyond her duties as a teacher and office manager, Ms. Jetnil has also assisted in organizational projects throughout the summer and is regarded as a kind and hardworking professional among her colleagues.
“I feel very humbled to receive the award for Support Staff of the Year and I promise to continue to do my best in supporting my fellow coworkers and our students,” said Ms. Jetnil. “I would like to thank God for the blessings He’s given me throughout my life. I would also like to thank my family, friends, and MCS Family for their love and support in all my endeavors.”
The third runner-up for Teacher of the Year is Mr. Zeno Deleon Guerrero, Jr. (2017 MCS AlumKnight). He serves as a high school English teacher, Theatre Club co-advisor, Student Council co-advisor, and the current faculty representative.
The second runner-up for the Teacher of the Year is Ms. Tracy Taimanao. Ms. Taimanao is currently a K5 homeroom teacher, a devout member of the San Vicente Parish, and an adjunct instructor at Northern Marianas College teaching elementary Chamorro.
The first runner-up for the 2023 Teacher of the Year is Ms. Criselda Aldan. Ms. Aldan is a long-time employee of Mount Carmel School who has dedicated six years at MCS but taught at the Public School System for nine years. Currently, Ms. Aldan teaches English language arts, is a club advisor for Vox Knights and the National Junior Honor Society. As part of her community service efforts outside of Mount Carmel School, Ms. Aldan serves a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Pacific Regions of the National Speech and Debate Association and the International Thespians Society. Ms. Aldan is regarded as a lively and beloved individual at Mount Carmel School often bringing smiles to the hearts of her school community.
After being named a finalist in 2022, Mr. Jener A. Pineda earned the 2023 Teacher of the Year during the Catholic Schools Week: Celebrating Our Faculty and Staff Ceremony. While this is Mr. Pineda’s fourth year at Mount Carmel School, Pineda brings over twenty years of educational experience and leadership.
Since joining the Mount Carmel School team, Pineda has served in many capacities that continue to help the school fulfill its mission, “to educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.” Beyond his duties as the math and theology instructor, Mr. Pineda is the Campus Minister, Faith Learning Community Chairperson, Leadership Team Member, MCS Choir Advisor, Religious Retreat Instructor, and coach for MCS Cross Country Team.
His service in the community includes being a lay minister in Kristo Rai Parish, a choir member, lector for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral. He is also the Mount Carmel Children’s Choir Coordinator and a member of the Couple’s For Christ.
“First of all, all the glory and praises to our Lord Almighty God who always strengthens me. Thank you very much for my family – my life and inspiration. Of course Bishop Ryan Jimenez for the divine guidance, the school board, and the leadership team headed by our very own Mrs. Frances Taimanao, my dear colleagues who I also offer this award for their hard work and dedication, our dearly beloved students – the reason why I am here, parents headed by the Parent Council.” shared Pineda.
“I am so thankful and grateful for this very prestigious award. This won’t be possible without the grace and love of God. He always strengthens and guides me in everything I do. Every day is always a learning and exciting experience with my students. In everything – love and serve the Lord.”
In addition to the special awards given, all Mount Carmel School employees were awarded certificates of appreciation. Other awards distributed include the Perfect Attendance Award, which was awarded to Mr. Francis San Nicolas. The last award given was the Service Award which is given to employees who have served at Mount Carmel School for twelve years. MCS employees who are given this award become honorary “AlumKnights” of Mount Carmel School. This year, the Service Award was awarded to Ms. Tobed Smith, Ms. Filmah Buenaflor, and Ms. Frances Taimanao.
Mount Carmel School’s President Mrs. Frances Taimanao commends all the awardees and employees for their commitment and dedication to Mount Carmel School. “Catholic Schools Week is a beloved time for the school as we get to celebrate all our community members that help make MCS successful. Today, we celebrate our employees who continue to dedicate themselves to providing a quality education for our students and embody our mission every day, ‘To educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.”
