Rosie Castro is MEI’s first scholarship recipient

The recipient of the first Marianas Eye Institute scholarship to attend Townshend International School in the Czech Republic has been awarded. Rosie Castro, daughter of Vince and Hilma Castro. Rosie Castro applied for the scholarship upon hearing about it in May.

Marianas Eye Institute’s co-founder, Dr. David Khorram, started the scholarship after relocating his family to the Czech Republic earlier this year where his children are attending Townshend International School. Wanting to provide opportunities to the junior high and high school students of the Mariana Islands, Khorram earmarked funds to provide an opportunity for students.

Marianas Eye Institute CEO Russ Quinn and Rosie Castro. (Contributed Photo)

Upon announcement of this scholarship program, several individuals expressed interest. Castro was the first to submit her application and send it to the Townshend International School.

Castro’s father, Vince, was initially hesitant due to the distance and unknown aspects of having his only daughter attending school abroad, but reconsidered when he felt that God was opening doors that eased his concerns.

The Castro family is a very close family and they struggled with letting their 14-year-old daughter head off to a far away land without support. That is when Khorram and family came in and reassured them that Castro would be taken cared of in the warm and loving atmosphere of Townshend.

“We went through the same struggles a year ago when faced with the decision to send our daughter, Nava, who was then 15, to Townshend,” explained Khorram. “But Nava quickly became part of a school community that allowed her to thrive. Townshend gave her the opportunity to grow and to learn tremendously.”

Castro had been a classmate of one of the Khorram children and the families have known each other for years.

When asked how she felt about moving to Europe to go to school, Castro stated, “I am excited to have this opportunity. Saipan has been my whole world and to have a chance to go abroad and gain new experiences is a dream of mine.”

Marianas Eye Institute CEO Russ Quinn said, “I’ve known Rosie for many years and she has matured into a smart young lady. I am happy that she is our first recipient. I know she will do well.”

During her first weeks at Townshend, Castro missed her family and friends, but was in touch with them daily. She was also a bit surprised at how easy the transition has been. “Everyone here is so welcoming,” said Castro. “It’s amazing to meet so many nice people from around the world.”

The school has made arrangements to help Castro, a devout Catholic, to attend Mass each week at the nearby centuries-old church.

Townshend International School is a co-educational non-profit school, which for the past 22 years has welcomed students from 98 countries and territories. In addition to providing outstanding academics, the school places emphasis on character development, spiritual development, and in preparing young people to be of service to others and to contribute to social progress. The school serves children from pre-K through high school. Boarding students are welcome from 7th grade and older.

Townshend is located in a peaceful village overlooking the countryside of South Bohemia, in the Czech Republic, near the borders of Austria and Germany. The surrounding area is dotted with historic castles, lakes, rivers, and beautiful villages.

More information about Townshend International School is available at www.Townshend.cz. Though the funding is provided by Marinas Eye Institute, the scholarship program is administered directly by Townshend, and interested individuals should apply directly to the school admissions@townshend.cz. Once accepted, request financial assistance from the school, mentioning that you are interested in the Marianas Eye Institute scholarship. Students are accepted throughout the year.

Marianas Eye Institute, which is funding the scholarships, provides total eye care for the family, including one-hour glasses, contact lenses, medical eye care, advanced cataract surgery, diabetic eye care, and laser treatment. Marianas Eye Institute has been recognized by Retinal Physician Magazine as “one of the best-equipped eye clinics in the Asia Pacific region.”

Marianas Eye Institute is located on Beach Road Garapan, across 13 Fishermen’s Monument. (MEI)