Three grade school students were recipients of this year's special awards from Mount Carmel School during its graduation ceremony last Saturday.
Josie Ann A. Santos, 14, was surprised upon receiving the MCS Leadership Award from the school's officials led by president Margaret C. Dela Cruz.
Santos is the daughter of Judy and Antonino Santos. She said the honor was unexpected and truly overwhelming.
“I didn't expect this.and it feels great!” she told Saipan Tribune after the momentous occasion. Santos said she will stay at MCS for high school and will continue to strive for the best.
Although she's excited to start her high school days, the 14-year-old admitted that she's also ready for new challenges.
“I know it will be harder and challenging in high school, but I will continue to strive for better grades,” she said, adding that she also expects to gain new friends and experience in the next four challenging years of her education.
Mount Carmel School conferred the citizenship award to Chelsea Marie B. Bartolo while her sister, Vanessa Rome, was chosen for the principal's award.
The two are the daughters of Rommell and Tess Bartolo and will both continue their high school education at Saipan Southern High School next school year.
Santos and the Bartolo sisters were also recipients of other special recognitions which were presented Thursday at Fiesta Resort & Spa.
These awards included president's award for educational achievement, co-curricular, and extra curricular recognitions.
Like Santos, the sisters were also surprised upon learning about the special awards.
MCS did not confer the valedictorian and salutatorian awards this year. A total of 45 grade school students were promoted to high school during Saturday morning's ceremony.
In her message to the graduates, Dela Cruz described Saturday's ceremony as just a beginning for the graduates.
“Today is not the end.but only the beginning. Wherever you go, allow me to give you some guidance and practical advice,” she said.
She urged the students to count their blessings, deliver more than what is expected of them, never ever give up, think positive in order to succeed, achieve dreams one at a time, and many more.
“Life is short. Appreciate it, live it, and love it.” she added.
Principal Lourdes T. Mendiola, for her part, said she was very proud of their students.
She encouraged them to take the challenges, do their best, and reach their full potential.
The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral and was witnessed by over a hundred spectators and guests.
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