This past week, Mount Carmel School celebrated the achievements of her graduating students across three levels – 21 kindergarteners, 42 eighth-graders, and 41 high school seniors – during commencement ceremonies held at Mount Carmel Cathedral. As the only Catholic school in the CNMI, Mount Carmel School continues her time-honored tradition of placing faith at the heart of her celebrations. The ceremonies reflected both academic achievement and spiritual formation, highlighting the school’s mission to educate the whole person to see with Christ’s eyes.
A cherished part of each graduation was the speeches delivered by the valedictorians and salutatorians. This year’s valedictorians were Maria Yamaguchi Guerrero (Grade 8) and Tricia Antonnette Juni Palacios (Grade 12), while the salutatorians were O-Ren Fumiyo Deleon Guerrero Sasamoto (Grade 8) and Chealzka Mores Navarro (Grade 12). Each student shared heartfelt reflections and advice for their fellow graduates.
“Have the resilience and discipline to keep trying, even when experiencing a setback,” said middle school valedictorian Maria Yamaguchi Guerrero.
“The courage to take the shot is what defines us,” declared high school valedictorian Tricia Antonnette Juni Palacios.
“Live and love to the fullest extent,” encouraged middle school salutatorian O-Ren Fumiyo Deleon Guerrero Sasamoto.
“Everyone deserves a chance to fly, so don’t be afraid to take that leap,” said high school salutatorian Chealzka Mores Navarro.
The highlight of the high school commencement was the keynote address delivered by The Most Reverend Ryan P. Jimenez, D.D., Archbishop of Agaña, who was invited by the Class of 2025. His message was both simple and profound: “Pray well. Dream high. Be kind.” Archbishop Jimenez also addressed the influence of artificial intelligence and cautioned students about the potential loss of human creativity in an increasingly digital age. He encouraged them to remain rooted in their faith and to recognize God’s presence in modern life. Archbishop Jimenez drew inspiration from Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Catholic teen who used technology to evangelize by documenting Eucharistic miracles online and who is expected to become canonized as the “first millennial” saint sometime this year.
Mount Carmel School congratulates her Class of 2025 and looks forward to witnessing the continued growth of her alumni – known proudly as AlumKnights – as faith-guided leaders and lifelong learners.
