Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

New stamp commemorate school's anniversary

KOLONIA, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 6, 2002 - A new stamp has been issued by the Federated States of Micronesia Philatelic Bureau in commemoration of Xavier High School's 50th Anniversary on September 8.

Issued on July 31 in a ceremony at the Xavier High School, the 37-cents stamp portrays the school campus from a cartoon style perspective, based on a drawing by 2002 Xavier graduate - Robert Bel Gorongfich of Yap. Gorongfich's drawing was sketched in pencils, colored pencils and pens.

The stamp titled "Once Upon a Time," according to the artist, reflects the unique experience Xavier High School has offered its 1200 plus alumini, "Xavier is celebrating its 50th anniversary [..] some alumini cannot make it there for the celebration. Hopefully this stamp can bring back some images to them wherever they are and they could probably feel the spirit of the school."

Located in Chuuk (formerly Truk), Xavier High School was established by members of the New York Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as a boys only school. The school admitted students from all the Micronesian islands - Chuuk, Kiribati (formerly Gilbert), Kosrae, Marshalls, Palau, Pohnpei, Saipan, and Yap.

Today, the school accepts approximately 45 boys and girls from among its 750 annual applicants.