Community News

News - Isaac Torres

Chieftain Wins Congressional Art Competition

Isaac Torres-Diaz ’25 was selected as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. His work was chosen because it “distinguished itself through its striking portrayal of our coastal environment, capturing both the atmosphere and character of the setting with remarkable depth,” wrote Rep. Zoe Lofgren, US Congresswoman, in a letter to Isaac. With the win, Isaac received two airline tickets and lunch in the Capitol Building in Washington DC. His grandmother will accompany him to the lunch and to see his artwork hanging in the Capitol Building.

News - MC World Academic Quest-1

Palma Places Second at the MC World Academic Quest

Palma High School students demonstrated their academic prowess at the Monterey County World Academic Quest held at the Office of Education on Saturday, February 22nd. The team, comprised of seniors Jeremy Regalado, James Hinkle, and Gianna Gastello, along with junior Paige Settrini, earned second-place with a total of 55 points, just two points behind the winner. To come so close to first place, especially as a first-time participant, is a testament to their talent. The competition showcased the students’ knowledge across a wide range of current events and global politics earning them priority consideration for scholarships offered by the World Affairs Council.

News - Carnazzo DAR

Jeff Carnazzo ’85 Awarded

Jeff Carnazzo ’85 was awarded “Outstanding Teacher of American History” at a ceremony held by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Santa Lucia Chapter, on Friday, January 24. Mr. Carnazzo was recognized for his dedication to presenting thought-provoking challenges surrounding historical events that enable discussions and independent critical thinking. “He exacts success in all his endeavors and embodies the DAR mission of education, historic preservation, and patriotism,” wrote Ginny Brown, Regent of the Santa Lucia Chapter of NSDAR. Mr. Carnazzo has been teaching American History for more than 30 years and teaching AP United States History for 24.

The Edward M. Dowd Gym is Dedicated

The Edward M. Dowd Gymnasium was dedicated on May 1^st. A crowd that included local dignitaries, Palma board members, friends, alumni, faculty, and students, gathered to hear speeches and witness the blessing of the refurbished building by Fr. Ron Shirley, then the ribbon cutting by Jim Dowd ’68 to open the newly renovated facility. The vestibule is now home to Palma memorabilia and trophies earned over the years, including four NorCal and two State championships. The gym was retrofitted and the new entrance was built with a generous grant from the Edward M. Dowd Foundation. Ed Dowd was a 1963 graduate of Palma.

Mindful of our primary mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, Palma School admits students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. Palma School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, nor age in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. While Palma School does not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not be available. Likewise, Palma School does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin. Palma School reserves the right to be a sole judge of merit, competence and qualifications, and can favor Catholic applicants and co-workers in all employment decisions, especially in those positions that have direct bearing upon the pastoral activity of the Church.