MCS announces Teacher and Support Staff of the Year

Shirley Ann C. Duenas-Kapileo is awarded Mount Carmel School’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. (Contributed Photo)

Shirley Duenas-Kapileo has been named as Mount Carmel School’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, while Kimberly Tentia was selected as the Support Staff of the Year.

The announcement of their selection came as Mount Carmel School participated in the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week last Tuesday, which had the theme “Celebrating Our Faculty and Staff.”

Besides Duena-Kapileo and Tentia, the school also awarded both Julian Greening and Jener A. Pineda as finalists for Teacher of the Year, despite being new to the school’s celebration.

The faculty and staff eligible for the awards were scored based on their performance, classroom observations, and involvement in extracurricular activities during the past year.

Kimberly Tentia is awarded Mount Carmel School’s 2021-2022 Support Staff of the Year. (Contributed Photo)

Tentia has worked at Mount Carmel School for five years and assists homeroom instructors in kindergarten through Grade 6. Beyond her duties as a teacher aide, Tentia has also assisted in organization projects throughout the summer and is regarded as a kind and hardworking professional among her colleagues.

“I feel overwhelmed,” said Tentia. “I was not expecting this award but I am grateful to our MCS family for giving me this opportunity and especially the Lord for guiding me through. I would also like to thank my parents, colleagues, mentors, and students for their support these last five years. I have grown so much and will continue to do my best as an educator.”

Award finalist Greening, who has been employed at Mount Carmel School since 2017, is the only band instructor at Mount Carmel School.

During all his years at MCS, Greening regards teaching music and working with other musicians as his passion. Throughout his time at Mount Carmel School, Greening is credited with the successful development of Mount Carmel School’s Band Program. Through his leadership, Greening has taught MCS students how to play several instruments and has helped connect MCS musicians with other local musicians on island. Greening was recently recognized by the National Band Association, presenting him with a “Citation of Excellence” in October 2021.

Jener A. Pineda is recognized as a finalist for Mount Carmel School’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. (Contributed Photo)

The second finalist, Pineda, brings over 20 years of educational experience. While this is Pineda’s third year at Mount Carmel School, he has served in many capacities that continue to help the school fulfill its mission—“to educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.” 

In just three years, Pineda has served in many capacities for the school, not just as a teacher but also in the various extracurriculars the school offers. His hard work includes serving as the campus minister, chairperson for the Catholic Schools Week vocations committee, co-chairperson of the Faith Learning Community, the MCS Choir adviser, Knights of the Altar adviser, vocal director for the school’s production of The Sound of Music, the MCS Cross Country coach, the MCS Athletics Team coach, and MCS Basketball Junior Varsity coach. 

“I would like to thank our Almighty God who is the source of my strength, my wife Franni, and my three kids for their unconditional love and support, the leadership team headed by Ms. Taimanao for their confidence and support, my colleagues, and of course our students who always inspire me to work harder,” said Pineda.

“I am deeply honored and blessed to receive this prestigious award. It is a proud moment of my professional career. This award will help me to remain humble, focused, and dedicated to my craft. Thank you very much and to God be the glory,” he added.

This year’s Teacher of the Year, Duenas-Kapileo, has been employed at Mount Carmel School for 10 years but served in the Public School System for 12, bringing over 20 years of educational experience.

Following her father’s footsteps, Duenas-Kapileo regards teaching as her passion and finds her work challenging and rewarding stating, “Teaching is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Be flexible and find balance. Remember, you’re making a difference in the lives of children so make it count.” 

Julian Greening is recognized as a finalist for Mount Carmel School’s 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year. (Contributed Photo)

When asked about receiving the Teacher of the Year award, Duenas-Kapileo said, “I’m ecstatic and I’m still letting it sink in. There are so many strong and hardworking teachers here at MCS and they deserve to be recognized too. For now, I would like to thank my family for picking up the pieces when I fall apart and keeping it real with me. My MCS family for making sure my feet are on the ground and focused, and finally, my students for all the laughs and challenges we face together. Thank you all!”

Acting Mount Carmel School’s president Francis Taimanao commends all the awardees and employees for their commitment and dedication despite the trials the school has faced. “I have worked with these individuals as colleagues and recently as their supervisor and have gotten to know them all to be dedicated, committed, and dynamic professionals who are always willing to improve. We congratulate all Mount Carmel School faculty and staff for another outstanding year of faith, excellence, and service.”

Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. The year 2022 marks the 48th year for the national organization to recognize the importance of Catholic education and all the efforts of its stakeholders at each Catholic institution. Mount Carmel School has participated in this celebration since 1995, making this the school’s 27th year to celebrate Catholic Schools Week. (PR)