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.”
1. ALUMKNIGHT OF THE YEAR
At Saturday’s A Night with the Knights AlumKnight dinner, the school awarded its AlumKnight of the Year to 1985 AlumKnight, Ben Babauta.
In presenting the award, school president, Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, recognized Mr. Babauta’s journey based on hard work and commitment to service. “Mr. Babauta has contributed tremendously to our community in many ways,” shared Dr. Deleon Guerrero. “It is no wonder that he quickly rose through the ranks of DFS from sales to assistant general manager for sales and now assistant general manager for all store operations.”
During Dr. Deleon Guerrero’s introduction he explained how Mr. Babauta has provided invaluable leadership to countless nonprofits, including the NMC Foundation, the Saipan Rotary Club, and the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
2. 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 2005. In the photo (from left to right) are MCS president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero; Class of 2005 AlumKnights Amanda Chong, Jacqueline Che, Emmanuel Borja, Krizia Mendoza, Juanet Sablan, Janine Nogis, Crystal Cabrera, AlumKnight Association president Norisa Sn. Camacho, (kneeling left to right) Robert Travilla, and Joseph Deleon Guerrero.
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 2005. 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.
Members of the Class of 2005 were ecstatic to win the award, and pledged to continue giving back to their alma mater.
3. LEGACY TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND MILLENNIUM FALCON AWARD
The Legacy Teacher of the Year and the Millennium Falcon Award were also announced at the ALumKnight fundraising dinner. The Legacy Teacher of the Year Award was presented by the school’s 2020 Teacher of the Year to Ms. Maria Zita Feliciano-Sablan, for her contributions to the learning, growth, and success of many AlumKnights and children of AlumKnights.
Taking its name from the famed Star Wars aircraft piloted by Han Solo, school president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero created and presented the Millennium Falcon Award to 2005 AlumKnight Jacqueline Che to honor a millennial AlumKnight who has distinguished herself for her accomplishments in education, educational leadership, and community service.
4a/4b. TEACHER AND STAFF OF THE YEAR
On Tuesday, the school announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year, seventh-grade teacher, Ms. Evangeline Villar.
Last Tuesday, the school announced the 2020 Teacher of the Year to seventh-grade teacher, Ms. Evangeline Villar and Support Staff of the Year, Ms. Leeani Villagomez. Since joining the team as a faculty member, Ms. Villar has gone above and beyond the call of teaching. She has taken a leadership role in improving and developing more practical, comprehensive, and engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM curricula at Mount Carmel School. Additionally, she along with Mrs. Luz Baldazo earned the E-Land grant that has funded project-based learning resources for their science courses.
On Tuesday, the school announced the 2020 Support Staff of the Year, Ms. Leeani Villagomez.
For her part, Ms. Villagomez was recognized for her invaluable contributions to the school. School President Deleon Guerrero, was especially thankful for her service. He shared. “When you need something, Ms. Leeani is everyone’s go-to person and without her hard work and dedication, each school day wouldn’t run as smoothly. Today, we recognize her for her efforts and contributions to Mount Carmel School.”
5. PARENT OF THE YEAR
At Friday’s Family Night celebration, the school recognized Mrs. Tina Crisostimo Tudela as the 2020 Parent of the Year. In the photo (from left to right) are MCS computer science teacher Ms. Filmah Buenaflor; Campus Minister Mr. Vir Abueme; MCS Vice Principal Bobby Nelson Baldazo; School Counselor Ms. Tobed Smith; MCS business manager John Blanco; 2020 Parent of the Year Ms. Tina Crisostimo Tudela; Most Reverent Bishop Ryan P. Jimenez; and MCS president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero.
At Friday’s Family Night celebration, the school recognized Mrs. Tina Crisostimo Tudela as the 2020 Parent of the Year. Mrs. Tudela is also the president of the MCS Parent Teacher Organization. The school recognized the valuable contributions and efforts Mrs. Tudela has made to make school more enjoyable for Mount Carmel School students.
