MCS alumni group readying ‘Night with the Knights’

The AlumKnight Association’s Program Committee met recently to plan the program for the upcoming “Night with the Knights”, the school’s annual AlumKnight fundraising banquet. Clockwise from bottom left: Victor Cabrera, Cyji Cepeda, Helene Manning, Priscillla Dela Cruz, and James Benavente.
(Contributed Photo)

Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association is gearing up for its signature event, “The Night with the Knights,” set for Saturday, Feb. 3, at Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

Since the association launched over a year ago, the school’s alumni, called AlumKnights, have been working to help their alma mater. Headed by Charles V. Cepeda, the association has supported the school’s Save the Stage Campaign and is currently raising funds for scholarships and new furniture for the school.

For Cepeda, it’s all about giving back. “I attended here and I want to see it flourish.” Recalling how difficult he was at times, he said, “I owe it to all the principals and teachers who were patient with me, especially while I was here for my formative years. …This is where my roots are.”

Fellow AlumKnight Priscilla Dela Cruz agrees. “We are doing all that we can to make an impact and give back to our school.”

She noted that many AlumKnights have already come forward to contribute to the Save the Stage Campaign, including the Class of 1967 led by former lieutenant governor Jesse Borja and J.M. and Rieko Guerrero.

It’s also about bringing AlumKnights together, Dela Cruz noted. “Of course we encourage AlumKnights to help their alma mater, but we also want everyone to enjoy their time together, reminisce about their days at Mount Carmel School, and celebrate our school’s rich legacy, which is what the Night with the Knights will be all about!”

She said the association is planning several events throughout the year, including a sports competition that will be headed by AlumKnights John Blanco, James Benavente, and Patrick Guerrero.

The Night with the Knights will be the culminating celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2018. The night will feature a music video montage of the school’s history, raffle prizes, and entertainment. The 2018 AlumKnight Class of the Year and a few other surprise awards will also be announced.

The event will also include the recognition of the 2018 AlumKnight of the Year. Past awardees include former governor Benigno Fitial of the Class of ’64, the late governor Eloy Inos from the Class of ’66, former lieutenant governor and retired justice Jesus C. Borja from Class of ‘66, business leader and entrepreneur Jesus V. “J. M.” Deleon Guerrero of the Class of ’68, former lawmaker Felicidad Ogumoro of the Class of ‘68, architect and entrepreneur Efrain F. Camacho, Class of ’69; school leader Rita Kazuma-Guerrero, Class of ’69; the CNMI’s delegate to Congress, Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, Class of ’73; Bank of Guam vice president and CNMI regional manager, Merced “Marcie” Tomokane, Class of ’73; former Board of Education chair and attorney, Lucia Blanco-Maratita, Class of ‘77, former lieutenant governor Diego T. Benavente, Class of ’77; attorney Brien Sers Nicholas, Class of ’79; physician Dr. Norma Ada, Class of ’84; educator Dr. Debra Tudela Cabrera, Class of ’88; educator Dora Borja Miura, Class of ’90; law professor Rose Cuison Villazor, Class of ’91; educator Elaine Cabrera DelaCruz, Class of ’97; and former lawmaker Tina Sablan, Class of ’99.

Tickets for the Night with the Knights cost $50 each and can be purchased at the school’s business office or from AlumKnights. For more information, call 234-6184 or email Priscilla Dela Cruz at presdelacruz@gmail.com. (PR)