The FDMCC held its first meeting of the 2025–2026 school year with twenty-five members in attendance. The meeting focused on setting goals for the new academic year and selecting the officers who would lead the club. Members discussed upcoming cultural events and continued the club’s mission to promote Micronesian unity, brotherhood, and leadership within the FDMS community.
Twenty-nine members of the FDMCC met with Guam Preservation Trust representative Joe Quinata (father of Mr. Lazaro Quinata) to learn about cultural practices of Chuuk and Palau. One fascinating highlight: the Chuukese tradition where a young man places a “love-stick” at a woman’s hut or in her hair to indicate his interest. The session allowed club members to deepen their understanding of Micronesian heritage and reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating these cultural customs within our community.
Twenty-six members of the FDMCC met with Foreign Service Officer Mark Jones and Acting Consul General Johnny M. Silbanuz from the Federated States of Micronesia Consulate. The discussion focused on the unique cultures of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, highlighting their traditions, landscapes, and celebrations. Members learned about customs such as serving and sharing a whole pig during weddings, symbolizing unity and generosity. This meeting deepened the club’s understanding of Micronesian life and strengthened its connection with the FSM Consulate.
The Father Duenas Micronesia Cultural Club promotes Micronesian culture through service, leadership, and community involvement. One of the club’s recent initiatives was a Giving Tuesday donation drive in partnership with Operation Christmas Drop. The project began with a school assembly where the Operation Christmas Drop team shared their mission with the FD student body, building awareness about humanitarian aid to Micronesian islands.
Donation boxes were placed in key locations on campus, and students were encouraged to participate through schoolwide messages and student leader outreach. With support from students, staff, and families, the drive collected canned goods, hygiene products, school supplies, toys without batteries, and slippers. These items will be delivered to families in remote Micronesian communities with limited access to everyday resources.
Through projects like this, the Micronesia Cultural Club turns cultural pride into action, strengthening connections between Father Duenas and Micronesia while encouraging students to serve with purpose and responsibility.
The Operation Christmas Drop team visited Father Duenas to speak with FD students about their mission and introduce the Giving Tuesday donation drive in support of Micronesian communities.
The Operation Christmas Drop team returned to Father Duenas to pick up the donations collected from FD students, marking the successful completion of the Giving Tuesday drive in support of
Micronesian communities.
On March 28, 2026, the FDMCC once again presented a commercial during Songfest, building upon the foundation set the previous year. The updated video highlighted the club’s growth, increased membership, and expanded involvement in cultural and leadership activities. This second appearance reflected the club’s continued presence on campus and its commitment to promoting Micronesian identity through creativity and school-wide engagement.
Members of the FDMCC hosted Congressman James Moylan for an educational briefing on his work in Washington, D.C., and the relationship between the United States and the Compact of Free Association nations, including Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He explained how federal support and policy decisions impact the region and its future. Members gained a better understanding of leadership at the national level and its connection to Micronesia. This event strengthened awareness of regional partnerships and inspired students to stay informed and engaged in their community.