Frances Taimanao is MCS 2015 Teacher of the Year 

As a part of its celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Mount Carmel School named Frances Taimanao as its Teacher of the Year on Tuesday.

Taimanao, who has been teaching at the private school for over eight years, received a $2,000 reward and is now designated to represent the school’s faculty and staff at leadership meetings and on the MCS’ board.

Mount Carmel School Teacher of the Year Frances Taimanao, fourth from left, poses for a photo with, from left, vice principal for curriculum and instruction Bobby Nelson Baldazo, counselor Toby Smith, business manager Keiko Yamagata, vice principal for student affairs Ida Bahillo, director of Institutional Development John Blanco, and school president Galvin Deleon Guerrero. (Thomas A. Manglona II)

“My favorite part of being a teacher is making a difference in the lives of children and seeing them succeed,” she told Saipan Tribune. “I am humbled and honored.”

Taimanao, who has been in education for nearly three decades, was also Mount Carmel School’s Teacher of the Year in 2011.

One of her sixth grade students described her as passionate and determined. “What makes her the best teacher is how determined she is to approach us when we need help and to also let us know what we can do to be better. She has changed my entire life and let all of us know that we can do it.”

The Teacher of the Year urged other educators to continue to “do what they do with love and care.” She added, “I hope we can all continue to be an inspiration for our students.” 

Mount Carmel School president Galvin Deleon Guerrero congratulated Taimanao.

“Not everybody can teach. Our dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators are not here for the money. Yes, the money helps, but it’s not the money that brings us to this school,” he said. “It is the commitment to helping each one of you to grow as individuals.”

Several other teachers were also recognized for their perfect attendance and tenure at the private school. English teacher Candida Bahillo and vice president for curriculum and instruction Bobby Nelson Baldazo were honored as Distinguished AlumKnights for their over 12 years of service as educators at the school.

Elementary teacher Ariadne Snodgrass, P.E instructor Francis San Nicholas, science teacher Luz Baldazo, and foreign language teacher Tomoko Shimizu were recognized for their perfect attendance. 

Students also paid tribute to the educators with a skit performed by the school’s Theatre Club, a dance number, and a video presentation prepared by the student council.

Guerrero thanked City Parking and Richard Stein for funding the Teacher of the Year program for the past six years.

“Mr. Stein has demonstrated his commitment to Catholic education in general and Mount Carmel School in particular by supporting the heart of what we do, teaching,” he said. 

Students give back

The school’s celebration of Catholic Schools Week kicked off with a Mass on Sunday and continued with a Community Service Day on Monday, where students visited schools and cleaned up beaches. 

Junior student Amalina Evangelista and her classmates visited William S. Reyes Elementary School to read to students and assist teachers in the classroom.

“It was a real great experience. It was interesting to see students engaged in the lesson and activities,” she said.

WSR vice principal Marji Tarope said it was MCS’ inaugural visit to the school as a part of Catholic Schools Week. “I think it is a good experience to have our students interact with the high school students. It is nice to have them come in and interact with them and have tutoring with reading and math. I think we are all excited.” 

MCS vice president of student affairs Ida Bahillo told Saipan Tribune that a central aspect of Catholic education is learning the importance of service.

“I believe it is empowering for our students to serve their community and realize the difference they can make,” she added. 

Students also took part in lectures conducted by community agencies. Cultural groups, the American Red Cross, NMC CREES, Division of Public Health, and Neighborhood Watch were among the list of presenters.

Local Tahitian drummer Jesse Borja taught students how to play the traditional Tahitian drum. This Saipan World Resort cultural drummer said it was his first time to perform in the classroom and described the experience as “priceless and exciting.”

Borja spoke of his passion for drumming and how he learned to drum at the age of 10 while living in Samoa.

MCS student Jonathan Pangelinan found the sessions to be resourceful. He said, “I think it was significant for people like Mr. Borja to come because the culture on Saipan is disappearing. A lot of modern culture is interfering with the spread of local culture and this keeps us in touch with our roots.”

Bahillo explained that the aim of the session is to have students more informed about community organizations and learn how they can be difference makers on island. 

“Students then become a resource to their family and friends as they can pass that knowledge on to others. I hope that our students will truly embrace this experience and implement its meaning in their lives,” she said.