MCS honors veterans

Mount Carmel School celebrates and honors military veterans today, Nov. 11, 2020.

Although the school dedicates the month of May to honoring veterans and those currently serving, MCS still joins the rest of the nation today to extend its appreciation to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom of the people of the United States of America. 

Prior to the pandemic, MCS also practiced several ways to honor the service of those in the military, not just in May and not only during Veterans Day.

On Mondays, the entire student body and administrators would gather to sing the national anthems of the U.S. and the CNMI. 

Each year, during the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week, MCS would take the time to pay tribute by having students design banners and write letters to those who have served the country and to those who remain active in the U.S. military 

The school is also supportive of the vocational goals of her students who plan to enlist in the United States military after graduation. Each year, the school coordinates with military recruiters to have students in the junior and senior classes take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, or ASVAB examination. This exam shows students, parents, and recruiters which military branch would be best suited for each student who has an interest in enlisting after high school. 

When asked what Veteran’s Day means to her and her family, Mount Carmel School principal Frances Taimanao said, “To honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. I have families, friends, and neighbors who have joined the military because they want to serve their country and fight for the most important thing—freedom.” 

Veteran’s Day also plays a role in the lives of MCS students. “As someone who has many friends and family members in the military, it gives me a chance to acknowledge the time and effort they put into our safety,” said senior class secretary Trinity Cruz.

MCS president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero said, “We owe our appreciation to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to securing our safety and freedom. From all of us at Mount Carmel School, Happy Veteran’s Day and God bless all those currently serving.” (Sinahi Cepeda and John Issac San Nicolas)