Story By Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Photos By Ma. Nita V. Bolo
Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos opens the Second Year Level of its College Department today, August 7.
With at least 370 Thomasians, CST-R’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship are now in full Level II swing. With enrollees coming from the different private and public high schools in Northern Negros area, a higher level of diversity is expected this academic year than the previous.
A first year BS Criminology student from neighboring Escalante City said that coming to CST-R and studying her current course is a dream come true. For the others, the dream to one day become part of the national police force is their reason for coming to CST-R.
CST-R’s BS Entrepreneurship program also marks a high enrollment increase rate this academic year with at least 30 per cent increase (as of August 3 data) vs prior year.
The Basic Education Department
Meanwhile, the Junior and Senior High School Departments staged a warm Recollect welcome to new Thomasians during the first Flag Raising Ceremony and the School Opening Rites. Gathered in straight lines and lead by the class banners, high school Thomasians celebrated the new academic year with a showcase of talents both by the students and teachers.
Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, school president and basic education department director, declared the Academic Year 2023-2024 open. Rev. Fr. Joel Dequilla, OAR, vice-president for finance and administration; Rev. Fr. Monday Benjamine Edobor, OAR, vice-president for identity, formation and mission; and Rev. Fr. Excel Saycon, OAR, director of the Community Extension & Development Office, were also present to welcome the Thomasians.
After Fr. Edobor raised the school banner with Ms. Ma. Ena M. Alipes, senior high school coordinator, Thomasians paraded to their classrooms with their respective class advisers.
83rd Year
CST-R also launched its 83rd Founding Anniversary Logo that visualizes the theme: We grow as one community. Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem, OAR, member of CST-R Batch 1990, designed the logo that featured the school’s iconic red and gold hues with a touch of blue that represents how Thomasians are also Marian devotees.
