School traditions that foster fond memories

Keeping the school’s traditions alive is part of the well-rounded education that Mount Carmel School students—called Knights— eceive.

“The traditions at Mount Carmel School are core events that symbolize our identity as a school and what our values are. Observing these traditions gives our Knights long-lasting memories of their time with their peers and their teachers at MCS. To this very day, AlumKnights at MCS can look back with fondness to these traditions that helped make their stay at MCS an unforgettable experience,” said Victoria Deleon Guerrero, who is the school’s director of Institutional Development.

The school’s traditions are a combination of Catholic holy days of obligations, holidays and academic events that often see a gathering of past and present Knights.

Starting the calendar year off is the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, which is held every year, between January to February. Thus, the event is celebrated in conjunction with Catholic schools all over the United States. Different aspects of the week is highlighted depending on the theme for the year’s celebration. One highlight of the event is the awarding of the school’s Teacher and Support Staff of the year.

A much-anticipated yearly event is the “Night with the Knights,” an occasion celebrated in honor of MCS graduates, who are known as “AlumKnights.” This fun-filled night comes with dancing, music and good food, all taken in the spirit of a school reunion that also serves as a school fundraiser. This evening is marked with the recognition of the AlumKnight of the Year, Class of the Year, Legacy Teacher of the Year, and the Millennial Falcon of the Year awards.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic holy day of obligation that the MCS community takes part in partnership with the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. The school’s community may be seen assist in singing, reading, altar serving, and other services. Traditionally, MCS seniors are tasked to escort and transport the image of the Virgin Mary around the village of Chalan Kania and then back to the Mount Carmel Cathedral.

The school helps usher in the holidays beginning with the Thanksgiving Feast, in which the entire school community participates in various events and activities to give thanks. Spearheading the collection of canned food and clothes that are donated to Karidat Social Services are the school’s leadership team, student council and National Honor Society.

Marking the Christmas season is the school’s Christmas program, which is a family favorite of the Knight community.

MCS hosts a yearly STEM/Science Fair, which is an opportunity to showcase the exceptional work of students in science, technology and engineering, arts, and math.

Also, for more than 10 years now, MCS has hosted a student leadership workshop that prepares student leaders to lead their organizations by providing them with information on school policies and best practices.

MCS also hold pep rallies for its Knights to develop school spirit and camaraderie. Held twice a year, these rallies also showcase the Knight’s artistry, creativity, and talent with performances and works of art judged and winners named.