On Friday, July 31, 2020, Mount Carmel School held graduation ceremonies for its kindergarten and eighth-grade graduates. To ensure proper safety measures were followed prior to the event, Mount Carmel administrators worked closely with the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC), and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa to keep all participants safe.

The ceremonies were originally scheduled for May earlier this year however, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Mount Carmel School postponed the ceremonies until further safety guidelines were in place. Through the collaboration of the Mount Carmel School Leadership Team, this effort was intended to provide its students and families with a traditional celebration.

“We are happy to finally celebrate our kindergarten and eighth-grade graduates' promotion ceremonies,” shared the outgoing school principal, Ms. Barabara Merfalen. “We are especially grateful for the parents of our graduates for their continued patience and understanding during these uncertain times.”

Among the graduating eighth-grade students, Mr. Ruben Antonio C. Guerrero earned the valedictorian award for earning the highest Grade Point Average. The Salutatorian award for the second-highest GPA was earned by Mr. Eunkyu (Joey) Hong. Both students academically surpassed 23 other 8th-grade graduates who earned a GPA of 3.6 and higher.

During his valedictorian address, Mr. Ruben Guerrero shared, “I thank my parents for all the sacrifices they’ve made to keep me enrolled at Mount Carmel School. I would like to thank the faculty and staff of MCS for everything they do to create a healthy learning environment for students. That also includes the teachers that have also helped me perform amazingly in academics and guided me with the knowledge I have today.” Mr. Guerrero continued in his speech, “During these hard times with the pandemic, there are many uncontrollable obstacles in the way therefore, we must persevere and be patient. We must be patient. Especially with the faculty, staff, and leaders of Mount Carmel School.

To conclude in his valedictorian address, Mr. Guerrero shared, “I want you (graduates) all to remember, that the grades on your report card do not define who you are. They really don’t. It is your character that defines who you are. Being hardworking and respectful, or always trying to improve your weaknesses is what matters most. In ten years, more people are likely to remember you as the kid that was kind and hardworking rather than that person that got straight A’s in middle school. I hope you all enter high school aiming to succeed in your class, but most especially to build your character. Set your own goals so you can be determined to keep pushing forward. I always like to think to myself, be someone your younger self can look up to.”

Due to social distancing measures and guidelines, both the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony were limited to 50% capacity. Additionally, both events were limited to the graduates, immediate family members, and essential staff. To include as many family and community members, Mount Carmel School streamed the event live on its Facebook page.



MCS_1: Mount Carmel School President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero gave his keynote address during the MCS Eighth-Grade Promotion Ceremony held on July 31, 2020. The ceremony followed the guidelines set by the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.



MCS_2: Mr. Ruben C. Guerrero gave his valedictory address during the Mount Carmel School Eighth-Grade Promotion Ceremony held on July 31, 2020. The ceremony followed the guidelines set by the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.



MCS_3: Mount Carmel School’s K5 graduates processed down the aisle during the MCS Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony held on July 31, 2020. The ceremony followed the guidelines set by the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.