Salutes to Graduates and Mothers

By: Veronica Leighton

 

The Spring month of May has always been the family’s favorite month for many wonderful family celebrations from graduations to Mother’s Day, birthdays, weddings, and many more commemorations. For graduations and new graduates, we’ve selected to spotlight on the following young individuals: Please see pictures on this page, Rene Joseph Turija graduated Magna Cum Laude at University of Illinois in Chicago on May 5, 2024. He earned Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Studies Minor in Nutrition. He will continue on pursuing Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Midwestern University in June 2024.

Brothers Joshua and Caleb Cortez, as National Honor Society Inductees at the ceremony at Warren Township High School, Almond Campus. They are the sons of Cathy and Pastor Ed Cortez, VT columnist.

Multi-awarded Loyola University student, Brigitte Carino Cueter (CPRTV Newscaster). She graduated with a BS in Healthcare Administration from Parkinson School of Health Science and Public Health, Magna Cum Laude and BS Marketing from Quinlan School of Business. Magna Cum Laude; and, the Spirit of Loyola award 2024 and Dean’s Key award 2024, Quinlan Business School.

For the best accolades attributed to a mother, please read Rhia Luz’s touching statement in honor of her mother (read Rhia’s heart-rending statement about her mom with the recent group family photo). Rhia is the owner and broadcaster of radio show “Buhay-Buhay Sa Amerika” from Arizona.

Formerly a noted Filipino bakeshop owner in the Chicagoland, Millette Raz is shown with her accomplished seven children in the picture, titled “Being a Mother of 7 is the greatest blessing in the world.” For the celebration of our upcoming annual Philippine Independence Week, we are happy to share with you the official Proclamation of our traditional celebration here in Chicago by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Standing L-R: Fredrich Anthony (37years old), Registered Nurse, UI Health; Fredrich Francis (eldest 40); Nurse Anesthetist/CRNA, Northshore Hospital; Fredrich Angelo (32)- Massage Therapist; Fredrich Gabriel (21)Junior College U of Illinois. Sitting L-R: Ina (youngest 17)- Junior High School; Camille Raz-Peschke (34)- Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, Ascension Alexian Brothers; and Claudia, Senior High School going to University of Illinois.

From what my mom went through in life she deserves a PhD in Life! She only had 3rd grade education, she married at an early age of 15, became a widow at 34 years old with 7children to feed. Her life is a living testimony of God’s Love and protection to those who seek and rely for God’s mercy. We’re so glad to honor her at 89 years old, as another of her grandchildren graduated college by sharing with her the regalia and be with her this Mother’s Day” (mom and family pictured above),. Front: Rina San Miguel, Marina Acevedo, Ramona Clemente (Mother), Julia Clemente, Rhia Luz From Back (Left to right) Matthew San Miguel, Hanna Nkulu, Nestor Clemente