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MCS recognizes 5 Parents of the Year
From left, Mt. Carmel School president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, board chair Attorney Joseph Taijeron, Parent-Teacher Organization acting president Luis Camacho, Parents of the Year Catherine Attao-Toves and Randall Steele, principal Frances Taimanao, vice principal Ida Bahillo, counselor Tobed Smith, business manager Bobby Baldazo, and director of Institutional Development John Blanco pose for a photo during Mt. Carmel School’s annual family night event as a part of Catholic Schools Week. (Thomas Manglona II)
As a part of its conclusion to Catholic Schools Week, Mount Carmel School recognized its Parents of the Year for their outstanding volunteerism and commitment to students, faculty, and staff. Unlike previous years, five parents were recognized last Friday during the school’s Family Night on campus.
Tina Crisostimo, Elizabeth Lebria, Randall Steele, and Mark and Catherine Attao-Toves are recipients of this year’s award.
According to Guerrero, Crisostimo is an active member to the Parent-Teacher Organization and spearheaded one of its most successful fundraisers, including last year’s garage sale and carnival.
“She has been instrumental this year in working to energize and engage more parents,” he said.
Guerrero explained that with the school’s growing involvement in athletics and development of more sports organizations, parents play an integral role in coaching, supporting, and even feeding student athletes during the season.
Steele, who was recognized for forming and coaching a U12 soccer team that played in the championship, told Saipan Tribune “it’s an honor to coach our kids and serve the school.”
He added, “My son is in the 6th grade and that was one of my favorite years are school. I did not want the kids to miss out on so many athletic opportunities.”
Fellow parent coach Lebria, for her part, has coached MCS’ girls softball team for many years and has supported the school’s various sports programs.
Mark and Catherine Attao-Toves, parents to one MCS AlumKnight and four current students, work in tandem to give back to the school, which they said “made a huge difference in [our kids] lives not only socially but academically.”
The father-and-mother duo work six days a week to train both girls and boys basketball teams. Under their guidance, the school’s girls team competed in an adult league during the holidays.
“This is really the only way for us to really try and give back that experience to other students,” she said.
In his remarks, Guerrero told parents “despite how hard it can be, you all still choose to send your kids to Mt. Carmel School.”
He added, “We thank you for your continued support of your child’s Catholic education and all that you do for this school.”
