Mount Carmel School recently announced that her 2022 AlumKnight Vidal Sablan recently gained admission to the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

Around the world, merchant marines are responsible for the successful and secure transport of cargo (and sometimes passengers). They are part of the commercial shipping industry trained to operate ships and vessels with domestic and international waters.

Vidal Sablan is a 2022 AlumKnight with a diverse academic portfolio at Mount Carmel School. During his time at MCS, Sablan worked hard as a student-athlete and challenged himself to take part in other student activities such as the school’s Theatre Club, Chamorro Club, and Mock Trial.

"Making the decision to become a merchant marine stems from the commitment and support of my parents and partner. In 2021, I lost my dad to cancer, and one of the last life lessons he told me before his passing was to 'go for broke.' To give everything I have in what I want to do in life and to take it all a step at a time.”

Since graduating from Mount Carmel School in 2022, Sablan shared that his plans after high school changed as his personal and professional goals changed too.

“At first, I wanted to follow the typical route. Go to college, have a flexible schedule, and earn my degree. Since graduating from MCS, my mom advised me to look into the Merchant Marines so I can gain an education and have a job secured by the end of my training. Becoming a merchant marine is part of my long-term plan and I am looking forward to embarking on this next chapter of my life."

Mount Carmel School’s Acting Principal Mrs. Filmah Buenaflor shared, “Vidal’s personal growth as a person and student is an example of one of the greatest rewards as an educator. Despite all challenges thrown Vidal’s way, he preserved and worked hard to be able to create opportunities for himself. We are excited to see all he will accomplish.”

Sablan shared thanks to everyone who supported him saying, “I am thankful for my parents, my family, my partner Sajj Pandey, and all my teachers at Mount Carmel School. Since graduating, I came to really see that I had a family at MCS and I know I would not have gotten here if it weren’t for the support system that never gave up on me.”

For more information about Mount Carmel School, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com.