AlumKnight Christine Torres Igisomar Named Incoming President of Mount Carmel School

The Board of Directors of Mount Carmel School has named 2002 AlumKnight Christine Torres Igisomar as the incoming President of the school. Upon retiring after 24 years of active duty military service, she will take the helm of leadership at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year in August.

Igisomar is a Commander in the United States Coast Guard, and is the highest ranking Chamorro woman in the history of the service. She currently serves as the Maritime Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines. Prior to this assignment, she served in Guam as the Maritime Advisor for Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands, supporting mutual efforts between the U.S. Coast Guard and island partners to protect their sovereignty and ensure safety for commercial and recreational mariners. In addition to multiple operational and staff assignments, she served as the Military Aide for the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Karl Schultz, and facilitated his over 100 domestic and 20 international trips, promoting shared interests between the U.S. Coast Guard and like-minded maritime services worldwide.

Aside from her military duty, she served as an Admissions Partner at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, advising students from the CNMI, Guam, Palau, FSM and the Marshall Islands on their applications, resulting in over a dozen students from the Pacific alone gaining acceptance to the Academy. She also served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she managed donor relationships and a $30-million endowment. That work yielded $4-million in direct support to cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, as well as the construction of an $18-million Maritime Center of Excellence, a $3.6-million strength and conditioning center, and a $1-million student union building.

Igisomar, the daughter of Antonio Torrres and Connie DelaCruz Torres (a 1980 AlumKnight), was born and raised on Saipan. She graduated with Honors in 2002 after completing all 12 years at Mount Carmel School. She attended the Junior Statesmen of America summer program three times, in Northwestern University in 1999, Georgetown University in 2000 and Stanford University in 2001. She was active in the school and San Jose Parish Saipan’s music ministry, and earned the Bishop Tomas A. Camacho Service Award twice, during both 8th and 12th grade graduations. Igisomar holds a B.S. in Government from the United States Coast Guard Academy – becoming the first woman from the CNMI to graduate from any U.S. Service Academy. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from Grand Canyon University, and a MA in Human Resource Management from Marymount University. She is married to Mr. Sylvan Igisomar, and they have two sons, who currently attend Mount Carmel School.

Speaking of her transition from military to school administrator: “I always knew I would return to Saipan when my service in the military was complete. The Mount Carmel School community in particular holds a special place in my heart, and I felt the calling to support the school that set a foundation for what would be, by all accounts, a successful military officer career. The school gave me a sound moral compass, and helped me understand that serving others with joy is not a burden, but a privilege. Most crucially, it connected me to my Catholic faith, and I absolutely leaned on this throughout my career when I was far from home, challenged in my career, and my physical, mental and moral limits were tested. I am grateful to the MCS Board of Directors for entrusting me with this new mission, and the support of Mr. John Blanco, who’s given years of service to the school, as a guide. I am also thankful for the spiritual mentorship and friendship of Sister Angela Perez, RSM, who served as the school’s President from 1992-1996; her leadership of me, first as a student, and now as I transition in this new role, has been a blessing.”

“Christine’s appointment as incoming President means a great deal to Mount Carmel families,” said Parent Council President Mai Chong Mendiola, noting that the decision “reflects trust in a leader who understands the school’s values and traditions.” “As a fellow AlumKnight of the Class of 2002, Mendiola added, “she carries the spirit of the school with pride and responsibility,” giving families confidence that “her decisions will be guided by a deep respect for the Mount Carmel community.”

The Most Reverend Romeo Convocar, Bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, emphasized that Mount Carmel School’s leadership transition comes at a time of renewed focus on three core priorities: strengthening the school’s Catholic identity, sustaining academic excellence, and ensuring that campus facilities support both student learning and the broader community. He noted that the appointment of Christine Torres Igisomar reflects the Diocese’s and Board’s shared commitment to advancing these priorities. “My foremost concern is that the school's Catholic identity be strengthened and continually nurtured. This identity is the foundation of our mission and must remain at the heart of all that we do,” said Bishop Convocar. Speaking directly about the incoming President, he added, “Christine is a product of Mount Carmel School and a practicing Catholic. Her background, shaped by her military career, discipline, and leadership experience, will be a great asset to Catholic education in our diocese. I am confident that she will contribute significantly to Mount Carmel School's mission and growth.”

Joseph Taijeron, Chair of the Mount Carmel School Board of Directors, highlighted the significance of the appointment, stating: “Commander Igisomar’s appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to steady leadership, a strong Catholic identity, and meaningful preparation for life beyond the classroom. We remain focused on academic excellence rooted in character, faith, and service, while ensuring Mount Carmel School is responsive to the realities our students will face after graduation. Her selection underscores the importance of leadership that supports educators, challenges students, and responsibly guides the school forward.”

John Blanco, current Mount Carmel School President, reflected on Christine’s readiness for leadership: “She is well prepared to lead Mount Carmel into its next chapter through her experience in strategic planning, team leadership, and decision-making under pressure. Her ability to set clear goals, adapt to challenges, and lead with integrity positions her to guide MCS forward while remaining grounded in its mission, values, and commitment to student success.”

“Ms. Igisomar’s background as a U.S. Coast Guard Commander embodies values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty that closely align with Mount Carmel School’s vision,” said Principal Filmah Buenaflor. “These same values guide our work in forming students who are disciplined, compassionate, accountable, and ready to serve,” she added. “Her leadership experience strengthens our commitment to educating the whole person through faith, service, and excellence.”

From the student perspective, Student Council President Seunghee Jeon shared that “Ms. Igisomar’s life story tells us how faith, effort, and service can grow into true leadership.” Her journey, Jeon explained, “proves that being from Saipan and from Mount Carmel School is not a weakness or limitation, but a strength,” encouraging students “to believe in their potential and to live by their values.”

Looking ahead to her new role, Igisomar shared, “Mount Carmel School students never truly leave. It’s my hope that the CNMI community sees the value of Catholic education as I have, and are encouraged to send their children to this special place.