During last week’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Mount Carmel School honored many individuals who have, in one way or another, embodied this year’s theme of “learn, Serve, lead, Succeed” and have fulfilled the school’s mission to “educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.”
ALUMKNIGHT OF THE YEAR
At Saturday’s Night with the Knights AlumKnight dinner, the school awarded its AlumKnight of the Year to 1963 AlumKnight, Sister Isabel T. Seman. Upon receiving the award, Sister Beck, as she is known, dedicated the award to her fellow sisters in the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz (MMB). She noted that by serving others to learn, lead, and succeed, they made great sacrifices in fulfillment of this year’s Catholic Schools Week theme. Remembering the first MMB Sisters to arrive in 1928, she said, “Their love for God, their zeal and desire to share the good news of redemption, was their only compass.
In presenting the award, school president, Galvin Deleon Guerrero, also honored the work of the MMB Sisters. Noting that the the 2018 AlumKnight of the Year marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious award, he said that it was fitting that the award also honors the 90th anniversary of the arrival of MMB Sisters on Saipan. He said, “At a time when women around the world are finding empowerment against oppression and injustice, it may help to note that the sisters of the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz have been empowered and have been empowering thousands of others for over a hundred years.”
CLASS OF THE YEAR
At the Night with the Knights event, the school also announced the Class of the Year award, which was given to the school’s graduating Class of 1990. The award recognizes classes that
have given back to their alma mater in a substantial manner and that represent the school’s mission and philosophy. In addition to helping the school and various community out- reach efforts, the Class of 1990 launched its annual scholar- ship program for graduating seniors pursuing a college degree.
Members of the Class of 1990 were ecstatic to win the award, and pledged to continue giving back to their alma mater.
LEGACY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND MILLENNIUM FALCON AWARD
A few other new awards were also launched at the Night with the Knights, including the Legacy Teacher of the Year and the Millennium Falcon Award. The Legacy Teacher of the Year Award was presented by the school’s 2018 Teacher of the Year to Marie Soledad Camacho Castro, as one of the first batch of teachers at the school back in the 1950s, for her contributions to the learning, growth, and success of many AlumKnights.
Taking its name from the famed Star Wars aircraft piloted by Han Solo, school president Galvin Deleon Guerrero created and presented the first Millennium Falcon Award to 2005 AlumKnight Robert C. Travilla to honor a millennial AlumKnight who has distinguished himself for his accomplishments in business, art, and entertainment.
TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR
On Tuesday, the school announced the 2018 Teacher of the Year, kindergarten teacher, Zhenzhu “Pearl” Jin, and Staff of the Year, Priscilla T. Dela Cruz. Two years ago, after earning her Bachelors in Science in Elementary Education from Northern Marianas College, Jin started teaching at the school. She was one of the first batch of teachers to launch the school’s first kindergarten classes when it merged with Sister Remedios Early Childhood development Center.
For her part, Dela Cruz was recognized for her invaluable contributions to the school. School President Deleon Guerrero, was especially thankful for her service. He said, “Much like a staff that provides support when you need help walking, staff like Pres provide much needed support we need as a school to keep moving forward.”
PARENTS OF THE YEAR
At Friday’s Family Night celebration, the school recognized several Parents of the Year: Alyssa Griffin, Armela Ham, Brien Sers Nicholas, Jocelyn Toskas, John R. Santos, Jung Honn Yun, Lauren DLC. Sanchez, Leilani B. Iramk, Lucia Buensalido, Parent Council President Luis Camacho, Ma. Rizallie Punzalan, Melisa T. Jack, Rowena Javan, Rowina O. Torres, and Tina Crisostomo-Tudela.
The school recognized the valuable contributions of parent volunteers like them. School president, Deleon Guerrero, shared with parents gathered, “These parents have generously given their time, attention, and commitment to Mount Carmel School. Their acts of volunteerism are necessary for Mount Carmel School to achieve its mission of educating the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.”
