Recently, the National College Board recognized Mount Carmel School senior Richard Jesus Mafnas Villagomez as an awardee for the College Board National Recognition Program. The College Board shared that Richard received the Indigenous Recognition Award and the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award based on his exemplary examination scores for the PSAT and Advanced Placement courses.

The College Board National Recognition Program is designed to aid underrepresented students who have demonstrated high academic achievement in PSAT/NMSQT, the PSAT 10, or AP Exams. The program is also meant to create pathways for students by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the United States.

Richard Jesus Mafnas Villagomez is a Mount Carmel School senior and the current National Honor Society President for the Mount Carmel School’s Sacred Heart Chapter. As an exemplary student leader, Richard is the school’s Art Club treasurer, ECO Club secretary, Math Club secretary, and has held previous leadership positions as a class officer. Throughout his high school career, Richard has been an active member of his school and local community by participating in various extracurricular activities such as Art Club, ECO Club, the National Honor Society, Mock Trial, and TED-Ed Club. In addition to his extensive involvement as a student leader, Richard is also an honors student having completed Advanced Placement, or AP, courses which include AP Calculus, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature, and AP U.S. History. Richard is currently set to graduate on June 04, 2022, and join the “AlumKnight” community.

Presently, Richard applied and was accepted into Arizona State University, California Polytechnic Institute of Pomona, Cornell University, Duquesne University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Seattle Pacific University, University of California Berkeley, University of California Davis, University of California Irvine, University of Portland, University of San Francisco, and Washington University in St. Louis.

At this time, Richard intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science and specialize in software development or web development. Recognizing the demand and need for more local information technology experts, it is Richard’s current intention to return to the CNMI after earning his degree and gaining experience in this field.

“There is no doubt that the potential of students here in the CNMI is great, but I believe it could be made greater through the improvement of our digital resources. I am blessed to have had access to digital resources at my fingertips throughout high school. My passion for technology and my faith in its ability to spark change here in the CNMI push me to pursue computer science and improve the lives of others.”

As Richard reflects on his experience at Mount Carmel School, he shared, “Not a lot of people know this, but I almost didn’t move to MCS after I finished middle school. I spent a lot of time weighing my options with my parents, but I found that no school matched the academics of MCS—especially our AP courses. But MCS has contributed to my growth beyond academics. I’ve learned a lot of lessons in and out of the classroom, made incredible friends, and studied under devoted teachers—all of which have made me who I am today. Without the undying support of my family and our school, I would have never earned this award.”

Mount Carmel School’s Acting President Ms. Frances Taimanao commends Richard on this achievement and shares her own confidence in Richard’s continued success. “Richard is truly deserving of his recognition and like his peers, it comes as no surprise to our family at Mount Carmel School. Richard is a true model of scholarship, service, and character and I am excited to see all the great things he will certainly accomplish as he pursues an undergraduate degree.”

For more information about Mount Carmel School and her college preparatory programs, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com.

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