To commemorate Teacher’s and Nurses Week, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC), along with Area Representative and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. hosted the 13th annual ‘Teachers and Nurses Banquet’ on Thursday, May 11th. Island educators, doctors, nurses, and medical assistants were treated to an evening full of entertainment, drinks, food, and fun at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium.
Before protocol was established, attendees mingled and socialized, enjoying the musical entertainment provided by San Pedro’s Rompe Raja Band. Around 8PM, master of ceremonies, Councilor Severo Guerrero Jr., welcomed the gathering to the event. After the singing of the National Anthem, Ariani Gongora, Principal at Brighter Tomorrow Preschool, gave an invocation.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero then took the stage, highlighting his appreciation for the invaluable services that these key figures provide to the residents of Ambergris Caye. “I never in my life thought I was going to be a mayor, but thanks to my primary school teachers, and my alma mater San Pedro High School, I learned to chase after my dreams. I must say that teachers are the foundation of the community – without them, we would not be where we are today. And our doctors and nurses play a significant role in ensure that we are all healthy and cared for. I tip my hat off to you for your great work,” said Guerrero.
San Pedro High School (SPHS) Principal Emil Vasquez closed the official ceremonies by sharing great news to the audience. He recognized the exceptional work of SPHS teacher Paul Kelly. Kelly won the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award in the secondary school level at the National Awards Ceremony in Belize. Vasquez said that he was proud that the Ministry of Education saw Kelly’s outstanding work, and noted that Kelly is a pleasure to work with, as he dedicates his time mentoring, counseling, and coaching students.
After the evening’s official ceremonies, the real fun began as Rompe Raja began blasting out well-known hits from Super Llamas and Selena. The crowd hit the floor to show off their dancing skills. Throughout the night, MC Guerrero called out raffle ticket numbers periodically for some happy winners, and even organized a few games.
Each game was baited with fabulous prizes, from dinners for two at La Palmilla Restaurant at the luxurious Victoria House, to 24–hour golf cart rentals, gym memberships, cash, and more.
Teachers and nurses competed in musical chairs, whistling after eating dry crackers, sliding an Oreo Cookie from the forehead to the mouth, and more fun, seemingly impossible tasks.
While an evening of fun and games cannot compare to the lifetime of hard work from our teachers, nurses, and doctors, the gathering surely enjoyed their special night. The SPTC is commended for hosting a great evening for all those hard working service men and women of the island. The San Pedro Sun joins the community in thanking all teachers, nurses, and doctors of La Isla Bonita!
