On Saturday, February 04, 2023, Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association brought back its annual fundraiser for Mount Carmel School, a “Night with the Knights.” The purpose of the event is to raise much needed funds for MCS and bring together the school’s AlumKnight community. The event is also an opportunity for the association to recognize AlumKnights who continue to embody the missions and vision of Mount Carmel School as active members of the local community and beyond.

After two years of suspending the annual event due to the pandemic, Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association helped celebrate the school’s seventieth anniversary and concluded the week-long celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The event was held at World Resort Taga Ballroom.

The highlight of each “Night with the Knights” is to announce the AlumKnight of the Year, Class of the Year, Millennial Falcon of the Year, Parents of the Year, and the Legacy Teacher of the Year.

This year’s AlumKnight of the Year was awarded to the honorable Governor Arnold Indelacio Palacios from the AlumKnight Class of 1974. Since graduating from Mount Carmel School, Governor Palacios has exemplified the qualities desired of an AlumKnight of the Year. In his professional capacity, Governor Palacios has served the CNMI community and government for more than twenty years cumulatively. He first dedicated much of his life to preserving and protecting the CNMI’s natural resources through the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife and the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources. As an elected official, Governor Palacios has also helped pass legislation that protects the environment, invest in the CNMI’s economy, and support education. Today, he is also the only elected official that has served as the Speaker of the House, Senate President, Lieutenant Governor, and now Governor of the CNMI.

"I would like to thank Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association for choosing me as AlumKnight of the year for 2022, and I am truly humbled that I was chosen out of many of my fellow distinguished AlumKnights,” said Governor Palacios. “Although it’s been many years since I graduated, I still live by the vision statement of my alma mater: to be guided by human and Christian values to help make the world a better place. To me, it is also a reminder for myself as Governor to continue to guide our Commonwealth to make it a better place."

The AlumKnight Class of the Year was awarded to the Class of 1990. Beyond their contributions as leaders and productive citizens, Mount Carmel School’s Class of 1990 continues to invest in the success of currents Knights. Since 2017, the Mount Carmel School Class of 1990 facilitated a scholarship program for a deserving Mount Carmel School senior who has successfully gained admission to a post-secondary institution. The Class of 1990 has also contributed scholarship donations to deserving student-athletes who would like to attend Mount Carmel School.

Class of 1990 AlumKnight Donna Flores said, “Mount Carmel School brought us together and our faith continues to keep us together. For that we are forever grateful.”

The 2022 Millennial Falcon of the Year award was presented to 2016 AlumKnight Thomas Manglona II. This year’s recipient exceeds the expectations of this award. Earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of California Berkeley and his master’s from Stanford University, Thomas Manglona has dedicated his time and service to journalism to tell the unique and complex stories of the people in the Pacific region. In his professional career, Thomas has already gained experience working with ABC7 News, co-founding Oceania Connects, and served as the Executive Director of CALTV at UCBerkeley. Presently, Thomas now serves as KUAM’s regional correspondent for the CNMI.

“Mount Carmel School gave me opportunities to thrive and learn as a student which laid a strong foundation for me to pursue my dreams and higher education. I’m just one of many AlumKnights giving back.”

The 2022 Parents of the Year award was presented to Mr. Richard P. Kautz II and Mrs. Regina Kautz. Beyond their support as long-time parents of Knights and AlumKnights of Mount Carmel School, the Kautz family has always supported Catholic education.

As devout Catholics, Mr. Kautz and Mrs. Kautz instilled Cathlolic values having each of their children serve as altar servers during their children’s youth, attend Sister Remedios Early Childhood Development Center and Mount Carmel School. In addition to their support of Catholic education, their family company, Kautz Glass has continued to support school fundraisers as old as the Royal Court.

As part of their community outreach, the Kautz family have supported non-profit organizations that help strengthen the CNMI’s workforce. Along with their dedication to the Church, Rick and Regina Kautz have remained strong supporters of the school and active members in the community.

The 2022 Legacy Teacher of the Year award was presented to long-time educator and 1991 AlumKnight Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, otherwise known as Dr.G. Beyond serving as the previous president of the school, Dr. G, is a graduate of MCS, a former teacher, club advisor, vice principal, principal, and president of Mount Carmel School and dedicated more than twenty of his professional career giving back to MCS. During his time at MCS, Dr. G introduced and led college-preparatory programs and initiatives that continue to help Mount Carmel School and its students today.

Dr. G said, “As an AlumKnight who learned so much from so many great teachers and mentors, I am humbled to join the ranks of other outstanding legacy teachers who have cultivated minds and hearts to see with Christ's eyes.”

Mount Carmel School President Mrs. Frances Taimanao shared her profound appreciation for all AlumKnights and their continued support of MCS saying, “AlumKnights play a crucial role in the success of our beloved institution. From our team at MCS, thank you for joining us in the celebration of Catholic Schools Week but more importantly in the celebration the school’s seventieth anniversary. Please continue to support our school by reaching out, giving back, and remaining Knight Strong.”

For more information, visit www.mountcarmelsaipan.com.

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Photo Captions



MCS-ParentsoftheYear: Mr. Richard P. Kautz II and Mrs. Regina Kautz were presented the Parents of the Year award during Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association’s “Night with the Knights” event on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom.



MCS-MillennialFalcon: Thomas Lee A. Manglona II was presented the Millennial Falcon of the Year award during Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association’s “Night with the Knights” event on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom.



MCS-LegacyTeacheroftheYear: Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero was presented the Legacy Teacher of the Year award during Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association’s “Night with the Knights” event on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom.



MCS-ClassoftheYear: The AlumKnight Class of 1990 was presented the Class of the Year award during Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association’s “Night with the Knights” event on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom.



MCS-AlumKnightoftheYear: The honorable Arnold I. Palacios was presented the AlumKnight of the Year award during Mount Carmel School’s AlumKnight Association’s “Night with the Knights” event on Saturday, February 04, 2023, at the World Resort Taga Ballroom.

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