Marist High School Marikina City

e Dame of Lagao (1952), Notre Dame of Dadiangas (1953), Notre Dame of Kidapawan (1954) and Notre Dame of Jolo (1959). Formation houses were also established as a result of the growing number of vocations joining the Brothers. Fourteen years later, in 1962, the Brothers thought of establishing a scholasticate in Manila area in order for the young Brothers to avail of the resources of the neighboring schools and universities. It was providential that Br. Damian Joseph Teston, FMS, who was then District Superior for Philippines at that time, received an offer from the Tuazon family to buy a piece of property at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain bordering Marikina, San Mateo and Antipolo, Rizal. The 13 hectare-property where Marist School is presently located was acquired at a give-away price on condition that a school be established to serve the growing community. On August 3, 1964, Marist School, with a five-classroom building and ready for occupancy, opened its doors to 150 elementary pupils enrolled in Prep, Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4. Curtin, FMS was assigned the first school director and master of scholastics. The scholastics were professed Brothers who were undergoing post novitiate training in preparation for the teaching apostolate. The school provided the opportunity for the young Brothers to teach Religion and supervise pupils' activities. The first elementary graduation took place on April 21, 1968 wherein 35 Grade 7 and 41 Grade 6 boys received their diplomas. Horacio de la Costa, SJ , the former Jesuit Superior in the Philippines, was the guest speaker. It was on the same occasion that 5 Marist Brothers completed their Liberal Arts courses that entitled them to join the active ranks of working Brothers in the schools. Consolacion Mallonga was the first lay principal of the Grade School who took over from Br. Alfred George, FMS in 1970. The elementary graduates continued to the high school level. However, it was only in 1971 that the high school building was constructed to accommodate the growing number of students. The gymnasium was built in the same year to enhance their integral formation. In April 1972, the first batch of high school students graduated under the principalship of Br. Eugene Pius Tajo, FMS. The early years of the 70's was known as the "First Quarter Storm" characterized by student unrest and activism. In September 1972, Martial Law was declared. Crispin Betita, FMS took the helm of Marist School in 1974 as its first president. With the help of the parents and personnel, he put up the oval, swimming pool and the concrete parking lot. The school competed in different sports leagues and joined cultural presentations. He, too, started the preparation for PAASCU accreditation of the High School and Grade School Departments. The outreach programs were also started. After 9 years as principal and president, Br. Crispin was succeeded by Br. Paul Meuten, FMS, who continued the PAASCU work for the High School and earned accreditation in 1982. He was responsible in introducing computers in the curriculum and in the offices. It was during his incumbency that the Grade School science laboratory and the field house were built. Miss Christine T. Stokes was appointed the first lay person to be the High School Principal. Paul stayed for three and a half years and was succeeded by Br. Jesus T. Agbuya, FMS in 1986. His contribution to Marist was the re-accreditation of the High School and the formal accreditation of the Grade School in 1987. It was during his term that the high school science laboratory was constructed. Manuel V. de Leon, FMS, took over in 1988. He initiated the walling of the campus through the help of the PTA; put up the stage of the high school gym; facilitated the construction of the high school and faculty canteen, the completion of the computer and electronics laboratories, drafting room, renovation of the guidance center, construction of the tennis court, renovation of the high school Technology and Home Economics Room, construction of the high school annex and FAWEM building. It was also during his term that the grade school and high school were given re-accreditation by PAASCU. It was in 1991 that Marist School was given national recognition when its President was made a recipient of a prestigious award, The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines, for his contribution in the field of education. Manuel, besides being president of Marist School , is an active officer of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and a member of the Marist International Education Commission based in Rome, Italy. In response to the demand of the Mission Statement, Marist School opened a special program for the poor by allowing young boys and girls to study in high school by attending classes in the late afternoon shift. The education of these students is subsidized by the income of the school supplemented by the contributions of generous sponsors such as the alumni and other civic minded individuals and organizations. During summer vacation, the school offers an "Operation Headstart" wherein slow learners and public school pupils are given remedial instructions in basic learning skills.