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CLASS
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C O L L E G E
A C C E P T A N C E S
STAY CONNECTED cpscomets
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JUNE 2013
PA G E T W O
COMETS ATHLETICS
PARKVILLE CAMPUS
by Jimmy López, Athletic Director
On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, The Athletic Department honored students for their hard work during this school year
.This was an excellent year for our Comets. Our Soccer Boys, Track and Field finished as sub-champions in the
league. The Tennis Boys and Girls qualified for the playoffs. Bowling Boys Team won the championship. To all the
students athletes: keep up the good work and we are very proud of you. Remember, “Once a Comet always a
Comet.” See you next Fall.
PKS Tennis Team
EDITOR
F. Richard Marracino
Headmaster
PKS Boys Soccer Team
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Carrie Newdall
English Department
COPY EDITOR
Marta C. Alvarez
Secretary to the Headmaster
EDITORIAL BOARD
Elsie Calimano
Director Lower Elementary
Judith Rivera
Director Upper Elementary
Frances Rivera
Director Middle & High School
Sonia Colón
Director Horizons Program
Published quarterly
PO Box 70177
San Juan, PR 00936-8177
Phone: (787) 765-4411
FAX: (787) 764-3809
PKS Track & Field Team
PKS Girls Soccer
Team
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JUNE 2013
PA G E T H R E E
COMETS ATHLETICS
COMMONWEALTH CAMPUS
by Edmundo Báez, CHS Athletic Director and Dean of Students
Sports Award Ceremony
This past Friday May 24th, the Athletic Department of CPS - Commonwealth Campus
held its Sports Award Ceremony. The activity honors the teams and the athlete’s efforts at
the Middle/High School level. The ceremony was dedicated to our beloved faculty
member Ingrid Otero because of all many contributions to the school and the Athletic
Department.
It was an emotion-filled activity. Athletes were recognized for their accomplishments with
numerous awards including: Most Improved Player, Sportsmanship, Coaches Award, and
the Most Valuable Player in the different sports categories.
The top honors at the awards ceremony went to a quartet of athletes, with Paula Lugo
and Raúl Vázquez sharing the Abbott Kaufer Award, and Kamila Piñero and
Alejandro Gónzalez the Athlete of the Year Award.
The Athletic Department thanks the school’s Administration for all the support given
throughout the school year and the CPS family for sponsoring all the sports activities.
Mundi Báez
Athlete of the Year
Alejandro González
and
Kamila Piñero
Abbott Kaufer Award
Paula Lugo
and Raúl Vázquez
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WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!
Teacher and Student of the Year Awards
Year after year, the completion of a second semester always
brings mixed emotions. Students celebrate the beginning of
summer vacation while the smiles and cheers of the Senior
Class are met with tears of joy and sadness caused by the
thought of leaving CPS. Nevertheless, the end of the academic
year is also a time to celebrate and deliver special recognition
in a very special way to students who excel academically.
Aside from academic excellence, these students have
contributed tremendously to their class, the clubs they
participate in and to everyday life at CPS. This year, the
following students were elected STUDENT OF THE YEAR:
STUDENT OF THE YEAR UPPER ELEMENTARY
Marilucy del Toro became a member of the
CPS family when she entered the Kindergarten
in August 2006. She is an outstanding student
academically as well as being a true example of
Comet sportsmanship. Marilucy follows all the
Pillars of Character and is a member of the
Jr. Student Council. We congratulate her on her
accomplishments and wish her the best for the
next school year at the Commonwealth campus.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AT CHS
Congratulations to Alexandra Méndez
for being chosen as the CPS High School’s
2013 Student of the Year. Alexandra is an
outstanding student who has excelled not
only academically but has also been an active
member of many of our extra-curricular
activities. As President of the Interact Club,
Alexandra was an important part in this
year’s Heart for Haiti campaign and she also lead the weekly
ESL tutoring program for the club. Her interest in serving
others has also been exemplified in her work with the Eleanor
Roosevelt Library where along with Ms. Magali Sánchez
she has helped collect books for their collection. She is also a
member of the National Honor Society and Forensics. The CPS
High School faculty has the highest regards for Alex and we
wish her well as she continues her studies at Williams College.
Marysol Fernández
Marysol was selected as 2013’s CPS-Middle
School Student of the Year. Marysol is an
outstanding student academically as well as
being an excellent leader in many of our
school’s extra-curricular activities. She was
elected President of the NJHS for the 2013-14
school year and teachers describe Marysol as
a warm and caring individual who truly
exemplifies qualities of a dedicated student and leader. Through
her efforts in and out of the classroom, Marysol has proven that
she will succeed in anything that she sets out to do. We look
forward to watching Marysol grow as a Comet during the next
four years.
This year’s Teacher of the Year for CPSCommonwealth is Ms. Ingrid Otero. Ingrid is
a member of our English Department. Ms. Otero
was chosen by her peers in recognition of her
work, dedication and commitment to our school.
For over thirty years Ms. Otero has mentored not
only students in her British Literature and AP
Literature classes but colleagues as a member of our staff since
1983. Her academic achievements include a BA from the UPR-Río
Piedras. Ms. Otero has also contributed to our school as SubjectArea Coordinator and senior class advisor. Congratulations to Ms.
Otero for a well-deserved recognition.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AT PKS
Ginny Owens, CPS alumnus, has been
teaching at PKS since 1994. Her work as a teacher
has been outstanding over a period of 19 years.
Ginny has maintained a high level of
professionalism when dealing with multiple tasks.
She demonstrates an excellent disposition going
the extra mile, looking for ways in which to
accommodate the demands and needs of parents and students. This
year, she participated in various professional development
opportunities, including being selected as a member of the Middle
States Association, serving in the process of accrediting other
schools in the metropolitan area. Ginny’s active participation and
leadership during the Holiday Spectacular and Dr. Seuss Field Day
greatly contributed to the success of both activities. She is a true
COMET who supports and recommends our educational program
from her heart. Ginny’s contributions as a teacher, parent and
member of the community have been and continue to be an essential
part of our school success. Congratulations Ginny, we are very
fortunate to have you!!!
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HONOR ROLL 2012-2013
5th grade
Laura Charria Ruiz
Diego Colón Pacheco
Sebastián Correa Cautiño
Sofía Villamil Durán
GOLD
6th grade
The Gold Honor Roll Medal is awarded to
those students who have made the Honor Roll
during all four quarters and have maintained
an overall average of 95% in all subjects, with
no grade lower than a 90% in the four marking
periods.
Gabriel Acosta García
Pablo Baerga Cardona
Marilucy del Toro Quiñones
Jonathan Fernández White
Laura Lausell Cabán
Sophia Morales Rodríguez
Roberto Oliveras Meléndez
Diego Redondo Rivera
Sebastián Redondo Rivera
André Rivera Pérez
Stephanie Ruiz Torres
6th grade
5th grade
Claudia Acevedo Zayas
Carolina Barros Sampson
Sergio Andrés Blanco Mattei
Marcel Bonet Conde
Diego Cabrea Castro
Gianna Colón Castro
Giannella Flores Pazqualli
Andrea González Sánchez
Javier Guerrero Segarra
Andrea Hernández Hernández
Miguel Jiménez Berríos
Andrea Marrero Bras
Beatriz Morales Rodríguez
Francisco Ramírez González
Esteban Santiago Reyes
Francisco Vázquez Amadeo
Sofía Alvarez Forteza
José J. Anca Franquiz
Roberto Cabrera Castro
Mariola Contreras Casasnovas
Leonardo de la Rosa Ricken
Sebastián Donato Díaz
Crystal Escoda Díaz
Raúl Estopinal Bras
Adrián Faccio Dorna
Eduardo Galíndez Serra
Armando Maymí Méndez
Alvaro Medina Molina
Arturo Ortíz San Miguel
Víctor Pagán Olivera
María Quintana Goicoechea
Félix Rullán Mckenzie
7th grade
María Ferrer
Camila Flores
Leandro Goicoechea
Daniel Hernández
Diego Medina
Adriana Miranda
Eduardo Miranda
Stephanie Pagán
Carlos Riestra
10th grade
7th grade
Maricarla Bagos
Coralle Escoda
Ricardo Martínez
Estela Moreno
Sofía Torres
Leysha Trinidad
8th grade
11th grade
Natalia Bermúdez
Marysol Fernández
Ana Melero
Alvaro Ramos
Frances Solero
Laura Tavera
Adriana Vilá
Alvaro Ramos
Elisa Benítez
Vanita Flanagan
Daniel Rodríguez
Estefanía Trinidad
12th grade
Marcela Pertusi
9th grade
Paola Jiménez
David San Miguel
Ella Scholz
11th grade
8th grade
Carolina Betancourt
Pablo Cabán
Giovanni Oliveras
Diego Peña
Emilio Rodríguez
Mario Saladrigas
Sarah Sanson
Etienne Scaccino
Abdelnasser Zadieyh
9th grade
Paola Casal
Regina Marrero
Julián Quiñones
Daniella Yu
Franciso Delgado
María Gordon
Paula Hernández
Fabiola Pagán
Lydwan Pérez
Cristina Ranslem
12th grade
Daniela Canals
Miguel Hernández
Michelle Hornedo
Alexandra Méndez
Ignacio Pérez
Sara Gabriela Rodríguez
Claudia Vélez
10th grade
Raúl Contreras
Carla Mirabal
Francisco Navarro
Martin Nazario
Mónica Reyes
SILVER
The Silver Honor Roll Medal is awarded to
those students who have made the honor roll
during all four quarters and have maintained a
numerical average of 90% in all subjects, with
no grade lower than 85% in the four marking
periods or a combination of Silver and Gold for
the four marking periods..
JUNE 2013
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PA G E
SIX
Headmaster’s Message
by F. Richard Marracino
You Can’t Take Bricks and Mortar to University!
I am always amazed when some families choose schools by the size of a campus, and the
number of buildings that it encompasses. I say this because judging the quality of an
educational institution by its size or number of buildings is fallacious and lacks a logical
imperative. It would be like saying that the quality of a church is dependent upon its
appearance and the quality of a family is dependent upon the size of home or lot on which
it stands.
Students can’t take bricks and mortar to university! The learning experiences,
involvements, leadership opportunities, quality of the faculty and staff, support and
encouragement received, subject and course relevancy all contribute to the value added by
attending a particular school prior to college or university. These qualities students
definitely take with them, and represent a more fundamental and realistic assessment of
the many years spent at a college preparatory school.
Similarly, as President Barack Obama said recently to the graduates of all-male Morehouse College, where the Rev.
Martin Luther King and many other prominent African-Americans spent their formative years, "Whatever success I have
achieved, whatever positions of leadership I've held, have depended less on Ivy League degrees or SAT scores or GPAs,
and have instead been due to that sense of connection and empathy.”
The CPS community knows without a doubt that a diploma from Commonwealth-Parkville School carries with it a
sense of connection and empathy. Graduates return often to reconnect with students, faculty and administrators. Their
love of learning, of making important contributions to the world, of formulating plans to develop new inventions and
processes, of seeking cures for diseases, of solving the ecological issues facing Puerto Rico and the world, all have the
creative element of inspiration that hopefully they garnered and were encouraged to seek while attending CPS. With
high level, sustained cooperation between our CPS administration, faculty, families and students, these elements will
continue to produce successful and secure world citizens.
As we all know, success is not merely measured by the amount of money one earns, but by the amount of contributions
one has made to family and community. Success is also developing a healthy and realistic sense of self, and being able
to appreciate and recognize laudable qualities in others, of being aware of social, scientific, historical, spiritual and
economic forces that surround them, and to do “right” by socially acceptable and ethical standards.
Adhering to our CPS motto which emphatically states: “Embracing life-long learning beyond academics”, our students
receive “value added” special opportunities that hopefully produce rich and rewarding lives. These are commendable
and notable qualities that make our CPS community so successful and the reasons why in recent years, more and more
families are seeking our school in which to enroll their children.
The bottom line: you can’t take bricks and mortar with you to university, but you certainly take your attitude,
inspiration, awareness, flexibility with a high level of self-respect and respect for those around you recognizing and
appreciating differences. That is the essence of a real and truly educated individual. The legacy of a CPS education
lives on!
June 2013
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* TOP-RANK STUDENTS *
of our Graduating Class of 2013
by Tere Durán, College & Guidance Counselor
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Third Highest Average
Sara Gabriela Rodríguez Cerezo
Alexandra Teresa Méndez
Natalia Ramírez
As our President of the Comets Chapter
National Honor Society and member of
the Student Council, Sara Gabriela
Rodríguez is our 2013 Valedictorian.
Our 2013 Salutatorian, Alexandra is the
President of the Comets Interact Club and
member of the Student Council. She is a
member of our school’s forensics team.
Her enthusiasm for our school was
reflected in everything she got involved
in. She has the leadership, academic
curiosity and maturity to be successful in
anything that she sets her mind to do.
Her smile and sophisticated demeanor
will truly be missed.
Our graduation Fran Cervoni Brenes
recipient for her excellence in the arts,
Natalia is the third highest average of
the senior class. She is a recipient of the
Silver Honor Roll Medal for her
academic excellence in her senior year.
She has been on stage as one of the
stars of our spring musical and has
spoken at our school open house; a
natural actress that she is and singer,
Sara shines in all of her performances.
At graduation, Sara Gabriela was
awarded the Scholastic Award for
having the highest grade point average
in the senior year. She was also
recognized by College Board with a
National Hispanic Scholar Award and
AP Scholar Award. Sara is the type of
student that combines in such an
extraordinary way intellectual gifts,
diligence, hard-working commitment
and vivacious friendliness.
After receiving multiple offers from
colleges and universities, Sara has
decided to attend the University of
Pennsylvania.
Alexandra was awarded at graduation the
Citizenship Award. She was awarded for
her selflessness in our school community
and in the community outside of school.
At the Academic Awards, Alexandra was
recognized with the Student of the Year
Award signaling her as one of the most
well rounded students that our school has
ever had.
Alexandra was accepted at Williams
College where she will be attending this
fall. Alexandra will be missed because of
her smile, and most of all, her love for
our school.
Natalia’s enthusiasm for academics was
mostly reflected in her passion for art
among other subjects. As a member of
the National Honor Society, Natalia was
involved in many community service
projects in which CPS participated.
Through the years, Natalia’s work could
be seen in all of the art exhibitions and
all of the school drama productions
scenery.
Natalia is considered to be a very
talented young woman with extreme
intellectual curiosity. She has all of the
components and factors to succeed in
anything she sets her mind to do. She
will be attending University of Puerto
Rico- Mayaguez Campus.
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JUNE 2013
PA G E E I G H T
COMMONWEALTH-PARKVILLE SCHOOL
Culminates the Celebration of its
60TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE GALA
“Diamonds are Forever”
by Michelle Yegros, Director of Institutional Advancement
Since Frances Gerety in 1947 developed
the most iconic slogan of the twentieth
century “Diamonds are Forever”,
diamonds have been an integral part of
modern-day rituals to celebrate the
commitments and lasting relationships.
Mrs. Olga Amiguet, Mr. Jorge
Hernández, Mr. Jorge López, José
Martínez, Esq., Mrs. Damaris
Medina, Dr. David Rivera, Dr.
Andreina Santini, and Wanda
Rodríguez, Esq.
The 60th Anniversary Gala of
Commonwealth-Parkville School (CPS)
on April 20th honored the commitment
made and the lasting relationship of this
prestigious educational institution. The
formal activity was held at the Royal
Ballroom of the Conrad Condado Plaza
Hotel in a diamond-studded ambience
invoking the song in the James Bond film
of the same name and where invited guests
were dazzled with its elegance.
The renowned actress Cordelia
González, mother of two CPS students,
served as mistress of ceremony. Her
welcome message set the theme that
would be repeated several times during
the Gala---the heights to which CPS has
risen are the result of the enthusiasm and
commitment of a person who did not
know that he was going to be honored or
recognized that evening. In addition to
commemorating its 60th anniversary, CPS
paid tribute to the legacy of 21 years left
by its retiring headmaster, Mr. Richard
Marracino.
The celebration commemorated the
prestige and solidarity of CPS with guests
including members of the current board of
directors, faculty, staff, parents, alumni
and others involved and who continue to
participate in the growth of this school.
Among those present were Mr. Sherman
Wildman, owner of WOSO Radio,
former members of the board of directors,
Additionally, both Alexandre
Cerqueira (History teacher and Interact
Club Advisor) and Mr. William
(“Bucky”) Tervo (past president of the
Rotary Club of San Juan), spoke of the
CPS philanthropic vision introduced by
Mr. Marracino and their collective roles
in raising funds to benefit the Matenwa
Community Learning Center in La
Gonave, Haiti with the annual “Heart
for Haiti” school-wide event.
At an earlier point of the evening, Dra.
María Recurt, current member of the
CPS Board of Directors and past chair,
presented a “tribute of commitment”
highlighting the many accomplishments
by Mr. Marracino. One such
accomplishment sited was establishing
the Permanent Scholarship Endowment
in 2002. Finally, Mrs. Michelle
White, current chair of the board of
directors, presented a plaque to Mr.
Marracino dedicating the “Richard
Marracino CPS Endowment Fund”. A
video completed by CPS staff depicted
the many accomplishments during the
past 21 years.
The evening continued with dinner,
music and dancing by Angel Rosario
and Grupo Manía.
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Mr. Richard Marracino, Mrs. Cordelia González and
Dra. María Recurt
Mr .Richard Marracino and Mrs. Michelle White
G
a
l
a
Mr. Richard Marracino, Mr. Bucky Tervo, and
Mrs. Cordelia González
Mr. Carlos Amiguet, Mrs. Amiguet, Mrs. Diana de Jesús,
and Mr. Jaime Vicéns
Mrs. Lillian Lewis-Marracino, Mr. Marracino, Mrs. Wildman
and Mr. Sherman Wildman
Dancers....
Administration, faculty and staff
Mr. and Mrs. Marracino
Ms. Michelle Yegros, Mrs. Diana Morales, Ms. Nilda González,
Ms. María Vidal, Mrs. María E. González & Mrs. Aleida Mora
Mr. Richard Marracino, Mr. Jorge Hernández, and
Mr. Scott Humbert
JUNE 2013
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PA G E T E N
Up, Up And Away!
By Verónica Urbina
Class 2014 Advisor
On May 10, 2013, the Junior Class hosted the Senior Farewell for
the Class of 2013. “Comet Air” would fly our Seniors to their
next destination: college. Upon arrival flight attendants escorted
the Seniors to the security checkpoint. Later, they served them
refreshments while Seniors watched a reenactment about their life
in CPS, along with messages from their teachers and other
members of the staff. The pilot and co-pilots, Jan Jiménez,
Andrea Nazario and Ana Bermúdez performed as presenters.
Congratulations to the Class of 2014 for their hard work and great
creativity in the planning and implementation of this activity. As
their advisor, I feel proud of this class for its effort, collaboration,
innovation and sense of responsibility.
Congratulations to the Class of 2013 for the successful
completion of their journey through CPS. Best wishes on their
upcoming great adventure!
CLASS of 2013
GRADUATION GUEST SPEAKER
David Enrique Rivera
David Enrique Rivera Rivera graduated as salutatorian CHS Class of 2004
following a successful “Fidelity” student career having gone through the entire
Parkville- Commonwealth experience. While at Commonwealth, David was
class president, president of the Interact Club, and a member of the Model
United Nations and National Honor Society.
David then graduated Class of 2008 from Williams College in Massachusetts
with a BA in political science and history. He went on to attend various
summer law courses at Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain; Universidad
Ca Foscari in Venice, Italy; University of London, UK, and the Communications
University of China in Beijing while attending Interamerican University School
of Law here in San Juan where he graduated in 2012 with a Juris Doctor degree.
On May 17, just two weeks ago, David was informed that he passed the bar
exam with a very high score.
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BRIDGE CROSSING CEREMONY
by Judith Rivera, Upper Elementary School Director
The sixth grade students marked the completion of their elementary school years during the Bridge Crossing
Ceremony on the morning of May 30th.There was much excitement among the students and parents as they began to
arrive at the Asian inspired center court that was so beautifully decorated. Colorful parasols and crystal beads that
looked like raindrops cascaded from above. Cherry blossoms on hand painted cloth panels flanked either side of the
stage, framing the silhouette of a bridge with a background of a full moon. Colorful African daisies in crystal vases
decorated the tables that were covered in lime green table cloths.
Group photos were taken of the girls and boys, who were sporting their fashionable and occasion appropriate attire.
Each one received a certificate of Completion of Sixth Grade from Judith Arroyo, Upper Elementary Director and
Sonia Colon, Horizons Director. Beatrice Parga, Danitzia Delgado, Valerie Fleming, Suzanne Martinez and Ruben
Nieves were also on stage to congratulate the students.
Frances Rivera, Middle and High School Director, and Edmundo Báez, Dean of Students were on hand to welcome
the students as they began to write the next chapter in their educational journey. Mrs. Rivera invited them to come
and explore the wonders of the Commonwealth Campus!
A video of the students was presented in the cafetorium followed by refreshments in the center patio.
Parkville Campus Award Ceremony 2012-2013
On the morning of May 28th, the fifth and sixth grade students, parents, faculty and administrators gathered in the Scott
Humbert Cafetorium to recognize the accomplishments obtained by the students throughout the school year. The teachers
presented the awards to the students that met the criteria in a variety of categories. There was much excitement as the names of
the students were called for them to come to the stage and receive their well-earned certificate(s). Refreshments were served
following the ceremony.
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8th Grade Graduation – Class of 2017
Zayra Gotay, Class Advisor
different organizations, being one of them
the National Junior Honor Society. Mrs.
Carrie Newdall presented the honors
to those students who not only
demonstrated excellence in the areas of
scholarship, but also in leadership,
service, citizenship and character. Next,
the Leadership Award was presented to
the president of the class, Laura I.
Tavera Montañez, for being
resourceful in dealing with problems,
taking initiative in promoting school
ideas, and inspiring positive behavior in
others.
Middle School Scholastic Awards are
given to the eight graders with the highest
grade point average during the school
year. Mrs. Rivera proudly presented these
medals in the following order: third place
Scholastic Award to Natalia
Bermúdez, second place Scholastic
Award to Pablo Cabán and the first and
highest award to Marysol Fernández.
Baez.
After these awards, the Citizenship Award
Our Headmaster, Mr. F. Richard
was called, being this year’s recipient,
Maraccino gave his speech and read
the usual eighth grade survey which had Emilio Rodríguez Rivera for his
generosity, talent and time given to the
the audience and students entertained
with its results. Mrs. Frances Rivera, school and community.
our Middle and High School Director,
Later on the eighth grade class officers
followed with a short but thoughtful
were recognized for their patience in
message directed to this unique
graduating class. Our Class of 2017 has working hand in hand with their class
advisors and their peers and keeping
great parents who cooperate
unconditionally and walk the extra mile. communication with the parents for a
This is why they received a well-earned successful year. This year class officers
recognition. Recognized parents were:
“We give thanks for all our
accomplishments, and know we’ll have
even more to accomplish.”
These were the final words of the
invocation read by Natalia Bermúdez
during the Commonwealth-Parkville
School eighth grade class
commencement exercises at Centro de
Bellas Artes of Guaynabo held Friday,
May 31st. Before the invocation, the
pianist played the processional march,
and our graduating class walked in
proudly and remained standing while
Alejandro González, sang
magnificently the National Anthems. As
everyone seated after the invocation,
María Teresa Durán, our Mistress of
Ceremony, called in the students, Maité
Pou and Ana Rosa Marazzi to read
the dedication to two great people who
helped them thru this year, Mrs. Ana
Lara and Mr. Edmundo “Mundi”
Mrs. María Castiel and Mr.
Joseph McQueeny, Mr. Nelson
Tavera and Mrs. María Montañez,
Dr. Gustavo Melero and Mrs. Ana
Pardo, Mrs. Jeannette Mendoza,
Mrs. Karen Larson, Mrs. Kenia
Colón, Mr. Eduardo Gayoso and
Mr. Abdelnasser Zadieyh. Their
teachers and advisors were also called to
be given a special recognition for sharing
a memorable year with their students.
As the ceremony went on, students
were recognized by their merits in
were: President: Laura I. Tavera, VicePresident: Ana Rosa Marazzi,
Secretary: Natalia Bermúdez,
Treasurer: Maité Pou, and
Representative: Emilio Rodríguez.
Suddenly, the audience and class of 2017
were surprised by their classmate,
Mariette Gervitz, as she performed
Bach’s Suite #2. Finally our Headmaster,
Mr. F. Richard Maraccino, and our
Director, Mrs. Frances Rivera,
presented the diplomas to the graduating
class. To conclude the ceremony, Laura
Tavera gave her farewell president
speech to their classmates and the
audience. She emphasized how her class
is with great spirit and dynamic. She also
recognized the hard work of their
teachers, specially their advisors, Ms.
Gotay and Mr. Feliciano for their
patience, time, dedication and
unconditional support. Laura took the
opportunity for recognizing an important
person in her life, calling her, her
grandmother in Parkville, Mrs. Monse
Rivera. Of course, Laura ended her
speech with our motto, “Once a
Comet, always a Comet…so…be a
Comet, light up the sky.” Our
commencement exercises ended with the
processional accompanied by beautiful
piano music.
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JUNE 2013
PA G E
THIRTEEN
SENIOR CLASS OF 2013
Christina Rodríguez and Miriam Soto, Class Advisors
The Commencement Exercises for CPS Class
of 2013 were held at the Alejandro “Junior”
Cruz Fine Arts Center in Guaynabo, Puerto
Rico, May 31st. After the processional
Claudia Velez sang the national anthems and
Ricardo Rivera read the invocation. Ms.
Frances Rivera gave her welcome remarks
to the senior class. The welcome speech was
by Salutatorian Alexandra Méndez. She
emphasized: “I believe that this graduation will
mark the point from which we graduates will
be able to start to develop ourselves as people.
And part of the reason we get to do this is
because we have been provided with good
homes and emotional support along the way.
As we are leaving for college some of the
comforts we have been accustomed too will be
left behind, they will have to be sacrificed in
terms of a much larger pursuit”.
Ms. Tere Durán, Mistress of Ceremony
introduced senior and class president, Edna
Ramírez who dedicated the graduation to Ms.
Ingrid Otero, Ms. Miriam Soto and Senior
Class Advisor, Ms.Christy Rodríguez that
has been their advisor since the Seventh Grade.
Mr. Richard Marracino, Headmaster of
Commonwealth-Parkville School delivered his
message. David Rivera, CPS class of 2004,
guest speaker who gave an inspiring speech
about the benefits of getting to know people
from diverse backgrounds as a way to enrich
their college experience. The seniors then
recognized parents and faculty who have
helped them accomplish their goals as a class
and as students.
Our Students’ achievements were recognized
next.
COMET PILLAR AWARD
Gabriel Casal
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Carlos Luis Alfaro Cifuente
Claudia Alejandra Aliff Román
Daniela Maria Canals Reyes
Gabriel Casal Nazario
Nabila Crane Bared
Rene A. Díaz Vázquez
Michelle Fucile Rojas
Eugenio González-Álvarez
Miguel Hernández Ríos
Michelle Hornedo Tosado
Eusebio Iglesias Rivera
Alexandra Méndez García
Ignacio Pérez Esquilin
Marcela Pertusi Hernández
Natalia Ramirez González
Edna Ramírez Serrano
José Carlos Ríos Cabrera
Sara Gabriela Rodriguez
Maité Rolón del Valle
Claudia Vélez Canabal
Carlos Vergne Ruiz
DON SEBASTIAN FUCILE
NATIONALHONOR SOCIETY AWARD
Natalia Ramírez González
THE IVAN SEVILLANO CITIZENSHIP
AWARD
Alexandra Méndez García
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Edna M. Ramírez Serrano
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Claudia Vélez Canabal
Javier Padilla García
MARIE CURIE AWARD FOR
EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE
Michelle Hornedo Tosado
FRAN CERVONI BRENES ART AWARD
Natalia Ramírez González
FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Maite Rolon Del Valle
MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
Alejandro González-Charles
PREMIO DE CREACIÓN LITERARIA
EDWIN REYES
Rene Díaz Vazquez
FIDELITY PINS
Claudia Alejandra Aliff Román
Gabriel Casal Nazario
Daniel Castiel Marrero
Nabila Cocco Crane Bared
Rene A. Díaz Vázquez
Gabriel Orlando De La Torre López
Michelle Lauren Fucile Rojas
Ricardo Luis García Cordero
Eduardo A. Gayoso Sifre
Brian Josef Healy García
Miguel Angel Hernández Rios
Sebastian Irizarry Roldan
Alfredo Melero Casanova
Alexandra Teresa Méndez Garcia
Ignacio José Andres Pérez Esquilin
Maité Angelí Rolón Del Valle
Kevin A. Rosario
Brian Torres Zamot
COMET SPIRIT AWARD
Raúl Vázquez Pedrogo
SILVER BOWL AWARD
Edna Ramírez Serrano
Professor Ingrid Otero delivered her
inspirational message to the class of 2013,
and sang part of the song “Hey Jude” Take a
sad song and make it better… Remember to
take into your heart… After the diplomas,
the Class Officers were recognized for their
excellent job: President: Edna Ramírez;
Vice-President: Daniel Castiel; Secretary:
Eugenio González; Treasurer: Jose
Ríos; Representative: Miguel Hernández
The Class President’s speech began with the
morning announcements and emphasized the
class’s experiences at CPS. Valedictorian
Sara Gabriela Rodríguez concluded the
spoken part of the ceremony addressing that
their achievements in life are not a product
only of their innate skills, so much as an
effect of the choices they make.
The ceremony ended with the senior class
video.
cps
JUNE 2013
PA G E F O U RT E E N
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“The Scholarship Program Fundraising Event”
CPS 18th Golf Tournament
Aleida Mora, Golf Tournament Director
On Friday, March 15, 2013 Bahia Beach
Resort and Golf Club in Río Grande was
the setting for the CPS 18th Scholarship
Fundraising Golf Tournament. It was a
beautiful day with blue skies and a
refreshing breeze received our 94 players.
They were treated to our always faithful
SUBWAY morning sandwiches, Gustos
coffee, Suiza Dairy juices and danishes.
Out on the course next to the “Beach Club
Hut” a juicy and tasty “Lechón a la Varita”
donated by Angel Pérez, father of Valeria
in Kinder, greeted our players accompanied
by Absolut Vodka, Budweiser, Pepsi
and Black Label.
We had as a guest PR famous boxer, Tito
Trinidad, parent of Leisha, 7th grade,
Alayah, 3rd grade, and Larysha, 1st grade.
He signed two pairs of boxing gloves for a
raffle and stayed at Hole 9 to greet our
players who were able to take pictures
with him. The banquet and awards
ceremony was held at Bahia’s Golf Club
Molasses Restaurant. Volunteers from the
Parent Association, student body,
scholarship program and CPS staff gave a
warm welcome to all. Our participants
enjoyed a savory late lunch and a fun-filled
raffle with prizes for everyone.
Francisco Ramirez
father of Francisco 5th, Sebastián 3rd
Miguel Colón
father of Laura & Sebastián, Alumni
María Cabrera
mother of José Carlos Rios 12th
Ricky Rosario
We take this opportunity to commend our
“Father and Son” teams: José León &
father of Andrés K
José A. La Lane
José León, Jr., Jorge Rivera & Jorge
Rivera, Jr., Marco Mazza & Carlo
Mazza as well as our alumnus Javier
Colón partnering up with student José
Díaz.
father of Julianna 11th, Alana 8th
Angel Pérez
father of Valeria K
Amilcar Ferrer
father of María 7th, Rodrigo 1st
Marco Mazza
Alumni, parents of alumni, sponsors,
students, and parents keep joining us year
after year. Their commitment to helping us
offer an education of excellence is
appreciated.
This year the Golf Tournament Committee
was composed by a most dynamic group.
Without them we could not have
accomplished such a successful event. They
are:
José León
father of José 11th, Gabriel 8th
father of Carlo 5th
Brenda López
mother of Jorge 9th
and
Adriano Valle
friend of the COMETS!
Marco Mazza sponsored the golf T-shirts
with the logo of Super Asphalt. Our
sponsors are our most valuable contributors
and we salute them for their commitment
and support.
Final Results
CALLAWAY
First Place
- William Padilla
Pepe Fernández
Second Place - Eric González
Angel Rodríguez
Third Place - Chris Rocafort
Rigo Mediavilla
NET
- Javier Solís
Gaby Berríos
Second Place - Elena Camilo
Ramón Colón
Third Place -Orlando Batista
Emilio Colón
First Place
Longest Drive: José León Jr.
FATHER & SON
First Place - Javier Colón
José Díaz Donato
Second Place - José León
José León, Jr.
Third Place - Marco Mazza
Carlo Mazza
GROSS
-Angel Wong
Fernando Batista
Second Place - Jorge Fusaro
Ricardo Porcio
Third Place - Víctor Aguilar
Fernando Valledor
First Place
Closest to Pin: Javier Solís
Mark your calendars for next year’s Golf Tournament: Friday, March 28, 2014
cps
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JUNE 2013
PA G E F I F T E E N
Tito Trinidad & Amilcar Ferrer
Tito Trinidad, José León & Aleida Mora
J. Rosario, E. Martnez, A. Cabrer & R. Reyes
Aeronert Foursome
C. Lavergne, G. Hernández & Sononuclear
C. Segarra, J. León, Sr., J. León, Jr. and P. Rodríguez
Marco Mazza’s Family
M. Leizan, F. Ramírez, Allied Waste partners
Natalia Ramírez & Mr. Marracino
E.González, A. Rodríguez, R. Aponte, and F. Hernández
Total and To Go Foursome
Mr. Marracino & Adriano Valle
Guest, José Díaz, Jorge Rivera Father & Son
Danny Quijano & Mr. Marracino
Mr. Marracino & Tony Molina
Evolution Press Foursome
Dr. Miguel Colón Foursome
Gustavo Hernández & Reinaldo Aponte
Ricky Rosario & Mr. Marracino
Carlos Lavergne & Mr. Marracino
Mr. Marracino & the Mazza Family
cps
JUNE 2013
PA G E S I X T E E N
s cene
COMMONWEALTH-PARKVILLE SCHOOL
Operated by Caribbean Consolidated Schools, Inc.
PO BOX 70177
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00936-8177
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
SAN JUAN PR
PERMIT NO. 747
Commonwealth-Parkville School Gratefully Acknowledge Our Corporate Sponsors:
SUMMER:
CPS continues to go green!
In our efforts to go green and reduce costs, we are continuing our communications through e-mail and the website. All the
summer mailing information for the beginning of the year and forms that you need to hand in must be downloaded from our
website: www.cpspr.org. Go to the Our Comets tab, click on Parents and you will have access to the CPS Forms. Refer to
the Beginning of the Year forms per campus. Should you have any questions, please call Diana Morales
at 787 765-4411 ext 242.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Orientation 7th grade and new CHS students @ CHS
and
PKS Parents @ PKS
Thursday, August 8, 2013
First Day of Classes
Commonwealth-Parkville School is an equal opportunity employer. It is operated on a non-sectarian basis, without discrimination based on race, color,
religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, or political belief.