MCS honors many during Catholic Schools Week 2018

Mount Carmel School honored many during its recent celebration of Catholic Schools Week, saying these individuals have, in one way or another, embodied this year’s theme of “Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed” and have fulfilled the school’s mission to “educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.”

Alumknight of the Year
The school awarded its AlumKnight of the Year to Sr. Isabel T. Seman, a 1963 AlumKnight, at the Night with the Knights AlumKnight dinner last Feb. 3.

Upon receiving the award, Sr. Beck, as she is known, dedicated the award to her fellow nuns in the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz. She noted that by serving others to learn, lead, and succeed, they made great sacrifices in fulfillment of this year’s Catholic Schools Week theme. Remembering the first MMB nuns to arrive in 1928, she said, “Their love for God, their zeal and desire to share the good news of redemption, was their only compass.

In presenting the award, school president Galvin Deleon Guerrero also honored the work of the MMB nuns. Noting that the 2018 AlumKnight of the Year marks the 20th anniversary of the prestigious award, he said it was fitting that the award also honors the 90th anniversary of the arrival of MMB nuns on Saipan. “At a time when women around the world are finding empowerment against oppression and injustice, it may help to note that the sisters of the Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz have been empowered and have been empowering thousands of others for over a hundred years,” he said.

Class of the Year
At the Night with the Knights, the school also announced the Class of the Year award, which was given to the school’s graduating Class of 1990. The award recognizes classes that have given back to their alma mater in a substantial manner and that represent the school’s mission and philosophy. In addition to helping the school and various community outreach efforts, the Class of 1990 launched its annual scholarship program for graduating seniors pursuing a college degree.

Members of the Class of 1990 were ecstatic to win the award, and pledged to continue giving back to their alma mater.

Legacy Teacher of the Year and Millennium Falcon Award
A few other new awards were also launched at the Night with the Knights, including the Legacy Teacher of the Year and the Millennium Falcon Award.

The Legacy Teacher of the Year Award was presented by the school’s 2018 Teacher of the Year to Marie Soledad Camacho Castro, as one of the first batch of teachers at the school back in the 1950s, for her contributions to the learning, growth, and success of many AlumKnights.

Taking its name from the famed Star Wars aircraft piloted by Han Solo, school president Galvin Deleon Guerrero created and presented the first Millennium Falcon Award to 2005 AlumKnight Robert C. Travilla to honor a millennial AlumKnight who has distinguished himself for his accomplishments in business, art, and entertainment.

Teacher and Staff of the Year
Last Tuesday, the school named Kindergarten teacher Zhenzhu “Pearl” Jin as its 2018 Teacher of the Year, and Priscilla T. Dela Cruz as Staff of the Year.

Two years ago, after earning her Bachelors in Science in Elementary Education from Northern Marianas College, Jin started teaching at the school. She was one of the first batch of teachers to launch the school’s first Kindergarten classes when it merged with Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center.

Dela Cruz was recognized for her invaluable contributions to the school. Deleon Guerrero was especially thankful for her service. “Much like a staff that provides support when you need help walking, staff like Pres provide much needed support we need as a school to keep moving forward,” he said.

Parents of the year
At Friday’s Family Night celebration, the school recognized several Parents of the Year: Alyssa Griffin, Armela Ham, Brien Sers Nicholas, Jocelyn Toskas, John R. Santos, Jung Honn Yun, Lauren DLC. Sanchez, Leilani B. Iramk, Lucia Buensalido, Parent Council pesident Luis Camacho, Ma. Rizallie Punzalan, Melisa T. Jack, Rowena Javan, Rowina O. Torres, and Tina Crisostomo-Tudela.

The school recognized the valuable contributions of parent volunteers like them. “These parents have generously given their time, attention, and commitment to Mount Carmel School,” said Deleon Guerrero. “Their acts of volunteerism are necessary for Mount Carmel School to achieve its mission of educating the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.” (PR)