Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Mount Carmel School's grand anniversary celebration today

After months of meeting and planning, Mount Carmel School is ready to celebrate “Generations of a Legacy,” its 60th anniversary.

The festivities will start today with a 4pm Mass at Mount Carmel Cathedral and conclude with a “Night with the Knights” fundraising banquet at 6pm at Saipan World Resort.

Preparations for the event got a boost a few weeks ago when Bank of Guam stepped in as a major corporate sponsor. School president and 1991 AlumKnight Galvin Deleon Guerrero said that Bank of Guam has been a consistent supporter of the school.

The school's alumni-referred to as AlumKnights in connection with the school's mascot-formed the 60th Anniversary Planning Committee and started meeting as early as June this year to prepare for the event. Drawing from graduates throughout the school's history, the committee focused on preparing a celebration that would pay tribute to the school's 60-year legacy, hence the theme, “Generations of a Legacy.”

Deleon Guerrero said the celebration will include a diverse range of activities to reflect the many generations of students that have been educated at the school.

AlumKnights have been appearing on the morning radio show on KKMP in the last few weeks to share stories of their days at the school. Each week featured AlumKnights from different decades, starting with those from the 1960s and working all the way up to the new millennium.

As part of today's Mass, AlumKnights will donate 60 bottles of wine to the clergy, as well as candles for each graduating class, representing AlumKnights and former teachers who have passed on or are gravely ill.

At the fundraising banquet, members of the school's Theatre Club will model old student uniforms in a “Blast from the Past” fashion show. This will be followed by a video montage highlighting memorable moments in the school's history.

Throughout the night, the Aetna's Regime, composed of mostly AlumKnights, will take AlumKnights back in time to their school days with music from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and even the new millennium. There will also be a special presentation by John Bendt, nephew of the school's founding father, Fr. Arnold Bendowski, OPM.

In addition to the entertainment, the banquet will provide several fundraising opportunities for AlumKnights and supporters. The Class Pledge Drive will challenge each class to pledge a financial contribution to the school. A silent auction will allow AlumKnights to bid for classic school memorabilia, including old yearbooks and student artwork. The school's Student Council will also debut the school's first Student Store that night and sell school merchandise like tote bags, lanyards, and apparel. A raffle will also be held for numerous prizes donated by local businesses and AlumKnights.

While tickets for the banquet have been selling fast, space is still available. Tickets will be sold at the door for $60 a couple. For more information, call 234-6184 or email keikoyamagata74@yahoo.com.