President: Jerson Monteverde
Vice Pres.: James Layupan
Secretary: Marjorie Canania
Treasurer: Dave Roflo
Auditor : Marecris Tuballa
P.I.O. : Godofredo Macquinto
William Deypalubos
Charlon Bonggot
Josephine Mamac
Lovella Dalo
Ferdinand Iman
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The History Of MHSL
ST. PATRICK'S HIGH SCHOOL
By: Tecs G Vidal
The latter part of 1950's saw the massive construction of school
buildings in the Archdiocese of Davao ran by Maryknoll Fathers, with
then Monsignor Joseph Regan, M.M., D.D. as its titular head. Most of
these high school buildings were comparatively built in the provinces
of Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province
(formerly part of Davao del Norte Province).
These schools were then operationalized in the year 1960. Except for
the one beautifully built in Lupon, Davao Oriental, all the rest were
christened Maryknoll High School of so and so municipality. Some
observers took keen interest on this seemingly intriguing set-up.
There were those who claimed the founder and school's Director of
this Catholic high school in Lupon was Monsignor Reagan's favorite
disciple, while others judgingly said that the young Parish Priest
assigned in Lupon had a dealing with the kind-hearted Bishop to
conditionally accept the Directorship provided that the school shall
be named in honor of his favorite Patron Saint—St. Patrick, the
Patron Saint of Ireland. Since time immemorial, the missing piece of
that jigsaw puzzle was never found. And the guessing game just died a
natural death.
Our story begins in 1960. The peace-loving and God-fearing folks of
the coastal town of Lupon, Davao Oriental were a picture of
enthusiasm and excitement in seeing a modern Catholic-run high school.
Fresh graduates from the elementary grades of Lupon and its
neighboring towns trooped the school to enrol. And they were gleefully
welcomed by the cigar-puffing Director of St. Patrick's High School,
Rev. Father James M. Ferry, M.M., who was at that time the Parish
Priest of Lupon. He was ably backed by Rev. Father Richard Higgins,
M.M., a sturdy-built sportsman, so full of life, meaning and purpose.
His tasked was to form winnable basketball team for the school.
The first wave of enrolees had reached more than two hundred (200)
students. The school was headed by a great disciplinarian, Miss Eliza
L. Santos (God rest her soul). She was a spinster who hailed from
Zamboanga City and brought along with her a battery of charming, very
religious, dedicated and task-oriented teaching staff all the way from
the Zamboanga Peninsula. There were four (4) of them.
Built with three classrooms, a library, a school canteen, and a staff
house, St. Patrick's High School stood proudly on a spacious swampy
portion near the San Vicente Catholic Church amidst coconut trees
where crab holes were all over the muddy surroundings. At first
glance, the first batch of students who were properly distributed
into three (3) sections could feel that they were in for a great
challenge- transforming this infant school into one of the most
admired Maryknoll High Schools in the entire Archdiocese of Davao.
As earlier mentioned, discipline was the order of the day. While there
were deep and concealed sentiments from those who were not used to
work hard, most of the students meekly towed the line and armed
themselves with a resolve to become heralded students of this school
in the near future. Front-lining themselves with guts and the guidance
of the Holy Spirit, those young and promising students of St.
Patrick's High School brought with them daily working bolos,
grasshooks and whatever useful tools to create a beautiful landscape,
thus, making them proud in the eyes of their loved ones and neighbors.
Unmindful of the scorching tropical sun, they cut down coconut trees
which were made into into benches and flower stands, while coco
leaves were made into brooms. Coconuts husks and shells were made into
handicrafts which formed part of their "projects" during vocational
periods. Some trees were uprooted and replanted to conform with its
desired beautiful landscaping purpose along the surroundings of the
school. Almost everyday, students carrying bermuda grasses either
inside a sack or loaded in carts was a common sight.
While others were busily fencing the perimeters of the school, some
have their hands full in transporting soil for filling the low , and
swampy spaces for the construction of the school's basketball court.
Vocational period is where you find male students build their own
vocational building, while the female students dutifully clean and
beautify the surroundings.
As months went by, the greening and beautification of the school was
fantastic. The school now owns a spacious and well-maintained oval
where sports competition took place during physical education
activities, as well as special events. All its equipment were brand
new, while the library had an array of modern books mostly donated by
friends of the Maryknoll Fathers from the United States.
The school's rules and regulations prohibit drinking intoxicating
liquors and smoking within the premises and school buildings.
Loitering was also prohibited. During recess when all the students
would see what's there to eat or drink at the canteen, a demarcation
line can be found - separating male from female students. Everyone
must fall in line—neither pushing nor running, neither giggling nor
joking. Male students caught crossing the line would be punished. They
were required to wear girls' skirts , or stand in front of the
flagpole under the heat of the sun. Each section has its own male and
female spies, and the mischievous ones usually end-up being punished.
There was an instant during a study period where silent reading has to
be observed. Yet, in a classroom, there are those who are congenitally
naughty students. There was a noise disrupting some of those who were
silently studying. The teacher got irked and asked who was
responsible for the noise. When no one dared to pinpoint the culprit,
all the students were punished and made to read their books for 30
minutes while standing.
Wearing complete uniform was compulsory. The school's administration
meant "uniform" per se, that even the stripes of the khaki pants were
measured to conform with the prescribed measurement and length. All
materials were purchased in the school including the school patches or
logo, as well as uniforms for the PMT and CAT.
The strictness and discipline taking place in the school took its toll
the following year. It was coupled with the high cost of tuition fees
which increased almost every semester. Not only did the students
complain, but mostly the parents themselves. It was a case of survival
of the fittest, and a test for those who were determined to complete
and finish the four-year course in high school down to the last
home-run. There were so many drop-outs, if not expelled. Mostly
affected were undesirable students who were mischievous, naughty, as
well as those whose academic standings could not meet the high
standard of the school. Others left due to poverty, while the rest
were those who could not bear the pressures or discipline.
From the first batch of almost three hundred (300) students who
enrolled in 1960, there were only sixty eight (68) left from the
original who stood firm in the second year. On the third year, there
were more than fifty (50) from the original. This time though, the
school was improving in terms of quality education. So does the
facilities. More proficient and intelligent teachers from Zamboanga
and products of prominent schools in Davao City came to form a
highly-competent faculty members. An annex building was constructed
which housed the stage for the holding of cultural presentations,
debates, orations and other academic competitions. A Glee Club was
organized where only those talented students with good academic
standings were included. The same was true for the members of the
basketball varsity team and other organizations in school.
Highly qualified teachers by then took turns in molding the students
to become successful professionals in the near future. Teachers come-
and- go, so they say, yet, the quality of education was never
compromised. Still discipline was made as a way of life. The students
grew up as religious individuals. Most of the male students were altar
boys and were groomed to priesthood by Father Ferry.
St. Patrick's Day celebrations were observed yearly which falls every
March 17. The affairs were usually celebrated with a High Mass
officiated by Monsignor Regan and co-celebrated by various priests
from neighboring Maryknoll High Schools. Various events and
competitions and/or presentations would take place like singing, folk
dances, sports, quiz bees and theatrics. Other activities undertaken
by selected students include visiting and comforting the sick,
repairing dilapidated nipa houses of the poor and other civic-action
works. Regular activities undertaken by the school include sending the
Varsity Team for basketball competitions to other Maryknoll High
schools in the Archdiocese of Davao
Father James Ferry meant business when he ran the school to produce
good students. His aim was to see students study seriously and become
successful PATRICIANS. Like a phantom at night, he goes out incognito
and would make surprise visits at the students' houses at night to see
for himself and make sure that the students were at home studying, or
attending the Novena Sa Barangay. He officiated mass with solemnity
and seriousness. He imposed great discipline to his altar boys, yet,
reward them with his fatherly affection whenever he saw those boys
lived a good Christian life.
March 21, 1964 was the most memorable date for the pioneers of St.
Patrick' High School. From the original of almost three hundred (300)
in 1960, only thirty one (31) successful students proudly stood at the
stage to receive their diplomas as graduates. There were sixteen (16)
male and fifteen (15) female graduates at that time. The male
graduates were dressed in toga, colored silky- green with white
linings, while the girls wore toga in white. Everyone present,
especially the students' parents were jubilant and proud in seeing
the `survivors', or the `pioneers' knelt in front of Msgr.
Regan—kissed his ring and received their diplomas.
It was a day of triumph, a victory for St. Patrick. The memorable
affair started with a Baccalaureate Mass officiated by Msgr. Reagan,
followed by a sumptuous breakfast and cultural presentations. It was a
day that was filled with laughter, tears and joy. It was a day that
the statue of St. Patrick seemed to look smiling atop a panel in the
middle of the school building fronting the flagpole; a day of triumph
for only those who understood the true meaning of good-quality
education through discipline, perseverance, sacrifices and
determination. It was a day that was dedicated to the parents of the
graduates who have painstakingly answered the challenge to go on
despite the odds and financial obstacles; a cherished moment for the
hard-working teaches who burnt candles at night just to equip the
students with enough knowledge, thus, enabling them to excel in the
college level. It was meant to touch the lives of students who dreamt
of building a better future for them, their loved ones, and the
society for which they belong.
In a nutshell, it is not far-fetched to lay-claim to the indisputable
fact that the march, thrust and progress, and the tangible gains that
St. Patrick's High School has contributed to success and excellence,
the pioneering graduates have reached great heights beyond compare!
From the breadth and length of Mindanao, St. Patrick's High School
proudly proved itself as a world-class high school. St. Patrick's High
School's fame could be short-lived. Yet, it has become a by-word among
the Maryknoll High Schools of the Diocese. It has its own distinction
as an elite high school where discipline was the passport for a
student to succeed.
From the ranks of those who have been there and religiously fought the
odds to succeed, emerged new leaders from their own chosen fields of
profession. They can be found in the four corners of the globe. There
were those who became lawyers, accountants, a pilot, nurses, doctors,
journalists, teachers, government workers and many other noble
professions. Perhaps, they have gone through the most difficult trials
in their lives, and yet, they were victorious. They are the PATRICIANS!
St. Patrick's High School had lived only for four (4) years as such.
The year after, it was run by Maryknoll Sisters, and changed its name
to Maryknoll High School of Lupon. Fr. James Ferry was assigned to
other greater tasks, and a few years later became the head of the
Maryknoll Fathers in the region.
Whether it was a coincidence or a phenomenon to have been named St.
Patrick's High School from 1960-64, only Fr. James Ferry could tell.
After all, he was the Director who nurtured and inspired the
students, thus, send their roots deep into the soul of life's enduring
values which made them grew together towards the stars of their
greater destiny. Long live the PATRICIANS!
By: Tecs G Vidal
The latter part of 1950's saw the massive construction of school
buildings in the Archdiocese of Davao ran by Maryknoll Fathers, with
then Monsignor Joseph Regan, M.M., D.D. as its titular head. Most of
these high school buildings were comparatively built in the provinces
of Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province
(formerly part of Davao del Norte Province).
These schools were then operationalized in the year 1960. Except for
the one beautifully built in Lupon, Davao Oriental, all the rest were
christened Maryknoll High School of so and so municipality. Some
observers took keen interest on this seemingly intriguing set-up.
There were those who claimed the founder and school's Director of
this Catholic high school in Lupon was Monsignor Reagan's favorite
disciple, while others judgingly said that the young Parish Priest
assigned in Lupon had a dealing with the kind-hearted Bishop to
conditionally accept the Directorship provided that the school shall
be named in honor of his favorite Patron Saint—St. Patrick, the
Patron Saint of Ireland. Since time immemorial, the missing piece of
that jigsaw puzzle was never found. And the guessing game just died a
natural death.
Our story begins in 1960. The peace-loving and God-fearing folks of
the coastal town of Lupon, Davao Oriental were a picture of
enthusiasm and excitement in seeing a modern Catholic-run high school.
Fresh graduates from the elementary grades of Lupon and its
neighboring towns trooped the school to enrol. And they were gleefully
welcomed by the cigar-puffing Director of St. Patrick's High School,
Rev. Father James M. Ferry, M.M., who was at that time the Parish
Priest of Lupon. He was ably backed by Rev. Father Richard Higgins,
M.M., a sturdy-built sportsman, so full of life, meaning and purpose.
His tasked was to form winnable basketball team for the school.
The first wave of enrolees had reached more than two hundred (200)
students. The school was headed by a great disciplinarian, Miss Eliza
L. Santos (God rest her soul). She was a spinster who hailed from
Zamboanga City and brought along with her a battery of charming, very
religious, dedicated and task-oriented teaching staff all the way from
the Zamboanga Peninsula. There were four (4) of them.
Built with three classrooms, a library, a school canteen, and a staff
house, St. Patrick's High School stood proudly on a spacious swampy
portion near the San Vicente Catholic Church amidst coconut trees
where crab holes were all over the muddy surroundings. At first
glance, the first batch of students who were properly distributed
into three (3) sections could feel that they were in for a great
challenge- transforming this infant school into one of the most
admired Maryknoll High Schools in the entire Archdiocese of Davao.
As earlier mentioned, discipline was the order of the day. While there
were deep and concealed sentiments from those who were not used to
work hard, most of the students meekly towed the line and armed
themselves with a resolve to become heralded students of this school
in the near future. Front-lining themselves with guts and the guidance
of the Holy Spirit, those young and promising students of St.
Patrick's High School brought with them daily working bolos,
grasshooks and whatever useful tools to create a beautiful landscape,
thus, making them proud in the eyes of their loved ones and neighbors.
Unmindful of the scorching tropical sun, they cut down coconut trees
which were made into into benches and flower stands, while coco
leaves were made into brooms. Coconuts husks and shells were made into
handicrafts which formed part of their "projects" during vocational
periods. Some trees were uprooted and replanted to conform with its
desired beautiful landscaping purpose along the surroundings of the
school. Almost everyday, students carrying bermuda grasses either
inside a sack or loaded in carts was a common sight.
While others were busily fencing the perimeters of the school, some
have their hands full in transporting soil for filling the low , and
swampy spaces for the construction of the school's basketball court.
Vocational period is where you find male students build their own
vocational building, while the female students dutifully clean and
beautify the surroundings.
As months went by, the greening and beautification of the school was
fantastic. The school now owns a spacious and well-maintained oval
where sports competition took place during physical education
activities, as well as special events. All its equipment were brand
new, while the library had an array of modern books mostly donated by
friends of the Maryknoll Fathers from the United States.
The school's rules and regulations prohibit drinking intoxicating
liquors and smoking within the premises and school buildings.
Loitering was also prohibited. During recess when all the students
would see what's there to eat or drink at the canteen, a demarcation
line can be found - separating male from female students. Everyone
must fall in line—neither pushing nor running, neither giggling nor
joking. Male students caught crossing the line would be punished. They
were required to wear girls' skirts , or stand in front of the
flagpole under the heat of the sun. Each section has its own male and
female spies, and the mischievous ones usually end-up being punished.
There was an instant during a study period where silent reading has to
be observed. Yet, in a classroom, there are those who are congenitally
naughty students. There was a noise disrupting some of those who were
silently studying. The teacher got irked and asked who was
responsible for the noise. When no one dared to pinpoint the culprit,
all the students were punished and made to read their books for 30
minutes while standing.
Wearing complete uniform was compulsory. The school's administration
meant "uniform" per se, that even the stripes of the khaki pants were
measured to conform with the prescribed measurement and length. All
materials were purchased in the school including the school patches or
logo, as well as uniforms for the PMT and CAT.
The strictness and discipline taking place in the school took its toll
the following year. It was coupled with the high cost of tuition fees
which increased almost every semester. Not only did the students
complain, but mostly the parents themselves. It was a case of survival
of the fittest, and a test for those who were determined to complete
and finish the four-year course in high school down to the last
home-run. There were so many drop-outs, if not expelled. Mostly
affected were undesirable students who were mischievous, naughty, as
well as those whose academic standings could not meet the high
standard of the school. Others left due to poverty, while the rest
were those who could not bear the pressures or discipline.
From the first batch of almost three hundred (300) students who
enrolled in 1960, there were only sixty eight (68) left from the
original who stood firm in the second year. On the third year, there
were more than fifty (50) from the original. This time though, the
school was improving in terms of quality education. So does the
facilities. More proficient and intelligent teachers from Zamboanga
and products of prominent schools in Davao City came to form a
highly-competent faculty members. An annex building was constructed
which housed the stage for the holding of cultural presentations,
debates, orations and other academic competitions. A Glee Club was
organized where only those talented students with good academic
standings were included. The same was true for the members of the
basketball varsity team and other organizations in school.
Highly qualified teachers by then took turns in molding the students
to become successful professionals in the near future. Teachers come-
and- go, so they say, yet, the quality of education was never
compromised. Still discipline was made as a way of life. The students
grew up as religious individuals. Most of the male students were altar
boys and were groomed to priesthood by Father Ferry.
St. Patrick's Day celebrations were observed yearly which falls every
March 17. The affairs were usually celebrated with a High Mass
officiated by Monsignor Regan and co-celebrated by various priests
from neighboring Maryknoll High Schools. Various events and
competitions and/or presentations would take place like singing, folk
dances, sports, quiz bees and theatrics. Other activities undertaken
by selected students include visiting and comforting the sick,
repairing dilapidated nipa houses of the poor and other civic-action
works. Regular activities undertaken by the school include sending the
Varsity Team for basketball competitions to other Maryknoll High
schools in the Archdiocese of Davao
Father James Ferry meant business when he ran the school to produce
good students. His aim was to see students study seriously and become
successful PATRICIANS. Like a phantom at night, he goes out incognito
and would make surprise visits at the students' houses at night to see
for himself and make sure that the students were at home studying, or
attending the Novena Sa Barangay. He officiated mass with solemnity
and seriousness. He imposed great discipline to his altar boys, yet,
reward them with his fatherly affection whenever he saw those boys
lived a good Christian life.
March 21, 1964 was the most memorable date for the pioneers of St.
Patrick' High School. From the original of almost three hundred (300)
in 1960, only thirty one (31) successful students proudly stood at the
stage to receive their diplomas as graduates. There were sixteen (16)
male and fifteen (15) female graduates at that time. The male
graduates were dressed in toga, colored silky- green with white
linings, while the girls wore toga in white. Everyone present,
especially the students' parents were jubilant and proud in seeing
the `survivors', or the `pioneers' knelt in front of Msgr.
Regan—kissed his ring and received their diplomas.
It was a day of triumph, a victory for St. Patrick. The memorable
affair started with a Baccalaureate Mass officiated by Msgr. Reagan,
followed by a sumptuous breakfast and cultural presentations. It was a
day that was filled with laughter, tears and joy. It was a day that
the statue of St. Patrick seemed to look smiling atop a panel in the
middle of the school building fronting the flagpole; a day of triumph
for only those who understood the true meaning of good-quality
education through discipline, perseverance, sacrifices and
determination. It was a day that was dedicated to the parents of the
graduates who have painstakingly answered the challenge to go on
despite the odds and financial obstacles; a cherished moment for the
hard-working teaches who burnt candles at night just to equip the
students with enough knowledge, thus, enabling them to excel in the
college level. It was meant to touch the lives of students who dreamt
of building a better future for them, their loved ones, and the
society for which they belong.
In a nutshell, it is not far-fetched to lay-claim to the indisputable
fact that the march, thrust and progress, and the tangible gains that
St. Patrick's High School has contributed to success and excellence,
the pioneering graduates have reached great heights beyond compare!
From the breadth and length of Mindanao, St. Patrick's High School
proudly proved itself as a world-class high school. St. Patrick's High
School's fame could be short-lived. Yet, it has become a by-word among
the Maryknoll High Schools of the Diocese. It has its own distinction
as an elite high school where discipline was the passport for a
student to succeed.
From the ranks of those who have been there and religiously fought the
odds to succeed, emerged new leaders from their own chosen fields of
profession. They can be found in the four corners of the globe. There
were those who became lawyers, accountants, a pilot, nurses, doctors,
journalists, teachers, government workers and many other noble
professions. Perhaps, they have gone through the most difficult trials
in their lives, and yet, they were victorious. They are the PATRICIANS!
St. Patrick's High School had lived only for four (4) years as such.
The year after, it was run by Maryknoll Sisters, and changed its name
to Maryknoll High School of Lupon. Fr. James Ferry was assigned to
other greater tasks, and a few years later became the head of the
Maryknoll Fathers in the region.
Whether it was a coincidence or a phenomenon to have been named St.
Patrick's High School from 1960-64, only Fr. James Ferry could tell.
After all, he was the Director who nurtured and inspired the
students, thus, send their roots deep into the soul of life's enduring
values which made them grew together towards the stars of their
greater destiny. Long live the PATRICIANS!
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