Lazaro, Usi top MCS grade school promotion

“As we move forward to high school, there surely will be obstacles. But, every challenge is a chance for success.”

These were the words of 8th grade Mount Carmel School student Maria Christine M. Lazaro, who was named class valedictorian Saturday during the school’s promotion ceremony at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral.

Lazaro, valedictorian.

A total of 32 grade school students were promoted in the weekend ceremony.

Lazaro thanked the school’s teachers and staff and her parents for their diligence and unconditional support.

“Without my teachers I would not be where I am right now. You are like my second parents. Thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for dealing with out middle school drama,” she said in her address.

“Thank you Mom and Dad for the sacrifices you made to allow me to have a good Catholic education. I hope I make you proud,” she said. “Parents put up with so much and ask for so little.”

Fellow graduate Monica Aira B. Usi received the second highest academic honor as the salutatorian.

“Thank you parents and family for being by our side even in the hardest of situations,” she said in her speech. “Here at Mount Carmel every student receives a great education. We have learned to see with Christ’s eyes.”

Cassidy Chong Torres was recognized as 1st honor.

Saturday’s ceremony also awarded graduates Jeff Melchor with the President Award, Maria Christine Lazaro with the Citizenship Award, and Erika Mendiola with the School Leadership Award.

Grade school graduate Ace Evangelista said that promoting to high school “feels good.”

“My experience was fun with all the memories we had. The school helped me see with Christ’s eyes,” he said.

Fellow graduate and Rota transferee Jonelle Toskas expressed similar sentiments.

“My experience was fun and I had a great experience at MCS. There was a lot of studying and hard work into getting here. I plan on continuing my education with high school at this school,” Toskas told Saipan Tribune.

School president Galvin Deleon Guerrero congratulated the students and urged them see each other and the people around them with the wise, empathetic, and forgiving eyes of Christ.

“When you do that…you will do what He told us to do, ‘Love each other as I loved you,’” he told the students.

“People will hurt you and you will hurt other people. We are all imperfect. We all make mistakes. That is why we need to see each other with the forgiving eyes of Christ,” Guerrero added.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez, board chair Attorney Joseph Taijeron, school vice principal Bobby Nelson Baldazo, and school counselor Tobed Smith were also present to congratulate the students. (Thomas Manglona II)