Last Thursday, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) honored two of the most important professions in our community - teachers and nurses. The festive occasion was held at the Lions' Den with over seventy-five teachers and four nurses in attendance. The special night "kicked off" with all those gathered singing the National Anthem, after which Councilor Severo Guerrero, Sr., lead in prayer.
Mayor Elsa Paz then gave the welcome address, thanking the hard work, dedication and patience, the teachers and nurses display every day at work. "You do a great job and we thank you!" she exclaimed.
Area Representative Manuel Heredia Jr. joined Mayor Paz on stage to honor the nurses presented. Nurses Felipa Apolonio, Shawmela Kelly, Veronica Casarez and Esmeralda Moguel all received Certificates of Appreciation for their services rendered to "La Isla Bonita."
After Honorable Heredia's vote of thanks, those gathered delighted in a delicious meal. Mushroom rice, scalloped potatoes and a choice of chicken or beef was greatly enjoyed by all. The wonderful music of the delightful group the Lions' Rompe Raja entertained the crowd throughout the evening.
Raffles were presented and those in attendance had an opportunity to win one of twelve prizes, including a round trip to Belize City on Tropic Air, round trip to Belize City on the Caye Caulker Water Taxi, both courtesy of SPTC, a lunch for two at Caliente Restaurant, $100 savings account at Atlantic Bank, bottle of wine from Wine de Vine, and golf cart rentals from all the golf cart rentals around the island.
After a delicious dessert was devoured, the lights were turned down and the dance floor "came alive." Teachers and nurses got up and "boogied down," until the late hours.
Through this medium, SPTC would like to thank all those who made this special dinner a great success!
The following is a letter of appreciation from one of the teachers who attended the dinner:
Dear Editor:
On Thursday, May 18th, 2005 Mayoress Paz presided over a night of appreciation for both nursing and teaching professionals in San Pedro at the Lions Den. This evening was enthusiastically enjoyed by professionals alike. We were treated with a full course meal, libations and dancing and fabulous raffle prizes donated by many in the community. A number of heartfelt speeches spoke of the devotion educators and nurses give the community and to Belizeans at large. Mr. Manuel Heredia was also in attendance seeing to the needs of the celebrants. After a wonderful meal the band played on while everyone enjoyed dancing the night away.
On behalf of all educators and nurses we gratefully thank you for your show of appreciation,
/s/ Teacher Ernie
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