The 2006 graduation class from Verbum Dei High School holds a special place in the hearts of the men who once attended another all-boys high school in South Los Angeles.
In 1976 Mt. Carmel High School closed its doors after 42 years. The school on 70th Street between Hoover and Vermont had been sponsored by the Carmelite priests and brothers, who presently staff Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino.
But the alumni of Mt. Carmel want the tradition of Catholic education of young men to be continue, nor do they want to forget the many gifts they received during their years at Mt. Carmel. Which makes them determined to help the young men of Jesuit-run Verbum Dei in Watts, the only all-boys Catholic high school serving South Los Angeles
Recently, the Mt. Carmel Alumni Association honored four young men, Joshua Miles, James Freeman, Eduardo Ybarra and Michael Zambrano, who have received scholarships to attend Marist College in 2006-2007. The president of Marist College, Dr. Dennis J. Murray, PhD, is an alumnus of Mt. Carmel's class of 1964.
Representing Dr. Murray, Mt. Carmel alumnus John Martin (class of 1965) commended the four recipients for their hard work and dedication, noting that their scholarships were given in "memory of the Carmelite priests, brothers and lay teachers who taught at MCHS from 1934 to 1976."
Martin told the graduates that they would face many challenges, but that they would have "their own personal mentors, all accomplished African- and Mexican-American Mt. Carmel alumni who would provide support" as part of a program that pairs a mentor with a Verbum Dei graduate according to interests, language and field of study. Verbum Dei graduates who will attend UC Berkeley, CSU Fresno, San Bernardino Valley College and Lane College received mentors.
Martin also presented to Verbum Dei High School President, Jesuit Father John Weling, a check for $25,000 in support of a Future Doc Project, which will help promising Verbum Dei students through the school's work-study program in health services "encouraging, inspiring and motivating future doctors."
"I am very proud of our young men going on to Marist College with the help of a lot Mt. Carmel alums," said Father Weling. "It just reflects the great partnership that we enjoy in the community. It is a great opportunity for us to carry on the spirit of Mt. Carmel." |