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Shining Stars of DIS: Annual Teachers and Staff Awards

Honoring dedication, excellence, and the heart of DIS — our teachers and staff.

by: Mr. John Erick Moje
08 October 2025

The afternoon of October 8, 2025, wasn't just another hour on the calendar; it was a luminous moment when the atmosphere at Dominican International School (DIS) turned truly memorable. From 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, the annual Teacher and Staff Awarding Ceremony brought the entire community together for a spirited, joyous pause. In a moment filled with pride and gratitude, Principal Sr. Jacqueline C. Manuel, OP, Vice Principal Sr. Rosa Dabhi, CCV, and School Treasurer Sr. Lorna P. Alamares, OP personally handed the certificates and plaques to the awardees in recognition of their dedication and excellence.


This wasn't simply an awarding ceremony. It was a heartfelt, dynamic celebration of the incredible dedication, passionate heart, and quiet brilliance that are the very cornerstones of our vibrant Dominican family. It was an institutional commitment brought to life, championing the profound human element that drives everything we achieve in Catholic education. For that brief, brilliant hour, we honored the collective commitment that makes DIS more than just a school—it makes it a mission.


The ceremony served as a powerful testament to the institution’s commitment to acknowledging those who have not only met but consistently exceeded the call of service, leadership, and professional distinction. DIS proudly shone a spotlight on remarkable commitment through several key distinctions:


  • Service Loyalty Award: The Service Loyalty Award recognizes the invaluable contributions of teachers and staff at Dominican International School (DIS) based on their years of dedicated service. This initiative aims to acknowledge loyalty, celebrate commitment, and foster a strong sense of community and appreciation within the school.

    • Service Loyalty Awardees for 5 Years:
    • Mr. James Seb Langley
    • Ms. Zoe Lin
    • Mr. Charles Marks
    • Mr. Isaac Matere
    • Mr. Jake Springer
    • Mr. Noel Francisco
    • Ms. Ann Hsu
    • Ms. Fanny Wei

    Service Loyalty Awardee for 10 Years:
    • Mr. Leon Henrico

    Service Loyalty Awardee for 15 Years:
    • Mr. Takanobu Fukuda

    Service Loyalty Awardee for 20 Years:
    • Mr. Joe Schoeman

    Service Loyalty Awardee for 25 Years:
    • Ms. Lillian Chao

  • D'TORCH Awards: The DIS TORCH Awards were established to recognize teachers who embody the core values of Truthful, Organized, Reflective, Courageous, and Helpful. This award celebrates educators and staff who exemplify character, professionalism, and dedication within the DIS community.
    This award is composed of two essential categories---the first one is for the DIS teachers and staff, and the second one is for the Maintenance Staff, following the given guidelines and selection process.

    • Teachers & Staff
    • Truthful - Ms. Joanne Ward
    • Organized - Mr. Elliott Wakeling
    • Reflective - Ms. Mafalda Wu
    • Courageous - Ms. Emily Howe
    • Helpful - Mr. Tim Sampson
    • Overall D'Torch Award - Mr. David Lein

    Maintenance Staff
    • Truthful - Mr. Junior Chen
    • Organized - Ms. Fanny Wei
    • Reflective - Ms. Angel Liu
    • Courageous - Ms. Mei Man Huei
    • Helpful - Ms. Sunny Lin

  • Teacher of the Year Award: The Teacher of the Year Award honors three outstanding educators — one each from the Lower School, Middle School, and High School — who embody the true spirit of teaching and learning at DIS. These teachers go above and beyond in inspiring their students, fostering creativity, and nurturing a love for knowledge. Through their passion, dedication, and innovative practices, they bring learning to life and create meaningful connections in the classroom. Their commitment to excellence serves as a shining example for the entire school community, reminding everyone that great teaching begins with a heart that truly cares.

    • Lower School Category - Mr. Stephen Black

    Middle School Category - Mr. Arcel Joseph Amoguis

    High School Category - Ms. Jessy Cardenas

  • PLC Leadership Award: The PLC Leadership Award celebrates an educator who goes beyond leading meetings and setting goals — one who brings people together with purpose, creativity, and heart. Through innovative ideas and a spirit of collaboration, this educator guides their Professional Learning Community toward shared growth and lasting impact, inspiring others to reach new heights together.

    • Most Innovative PLC Leadership Awardee - Ms. Mafalda Wu

  • Research and Professional Excellence Award: The Research and Professional Excellence Award celebrates an educator or staff member whose love for learning shines through in everything they do. This individual is constantly exploring new ideas, growing in their craft, and sharing their knowledge with others. Through their dedication to research and professional development, they inspire those around them to keep learning, keep improving, and to see education as a lifelong journey.

    • Research & Professional Excellence Awardee - Ms. Carolyn Hsu


Award Selection Committee

The selection process might be arduous, but in the spirit of collective effort and vision, we made it. A profound appreciation also goes to the members of the selection committee. Accept this certificate of appreciation for your kind assistance.


  • Mr. Joe Schoeman
  • Mr. John Erick Moje
  • Mr. Samir Eddio
  • Dr. Jenny Pan
  • Ms. Wenny Moges
  • Ms. Archie Racadio
  • Dr. Ed Solis
  • Dr. Agosh Librea
  • Ms. Sophie Tsou