The Early Years: The History of San Antonio National High School (2001-2006)


The picture showcases the first classrooms of San Antonio National High School, with one of them originally used as a storage room. These classrooms were instrumental in the school's early years, providing dedicated spaces for learning during its early years.


Establishment

San Antonio National High School, formerly known as Labo National High School – Annex B, was established in 2001 after a signature campaign to support its establishment. It was founded to address the educational needs of Barangay San Antonio and surrounding barangays, ensuring convenient access to comprehensive educational facilities and programs.


In 2001, San Antonio, Ozamiz City, was selected as the site for the planned new high school, following a signature campaign initiated by the community to demonstrate their support for the establishment of the school in the area. The campaign in San Antonio was completed earlier than in nearby barangays, leading to the early approval and acceptance of San Antonio as the chosen location for the school.


The school's first year of operation (2002-2003) began with only the first year level. In the second school year (2003-2004), two levels were introduced, the first year and second year levels. The third school year (2004-2005) saw the addition of the third year level, and finally, in the fourth school year (2005-2006), the fourth year level was added, completing the four-year high school program.


Classroom Allocation

To accommodate the influx of new first-year high school students in 2002, separate classrooms or buildings belonging to San Antonio Elementary School, located outside the campus, were allocated for use by San Antonio National High School (formerly Labo National High School – Annex B).

The pioneering students' initial class sessions took place under a canopy inside the campus of San Antonio Elementary School. This temporary arrangement lasted for approximately less than three months. During this period, the pioneering students also participated in the flag ceremonies of San Antonio Elementary School, fostering a sense of unity and community between the elementary and high school levels.

After approximately less than three months, the batch transitioned to occupy one of the separated classrooms belonging to San Antonio Elementary School, located outside the campus. Initially used as a storage room, the pioneering students cleaned and transformed this classroom into their first classroom. The other side of the classroom continued to be used by grade school students. The pioneering students still participated in the flag ceremonies of San Antonio Elementary School.

In the second school year, approximately 50% of the separated buildings and classrooms belonging to San Antonio Elementary School outside the campus were allocated and used by San Antonio National High School. This allowed the high school to have dedicated space for their activities and accommodate the growing number of students. As a result, the high school students no longer attended the flag ceremonies of San Antonio Elementary School, as they now had their own separate facilities and activities.

However, despite the allocation of these additional classrooms, the growing number of students still exceeded the capacity of the available space. As a result, there were instances where class sessions had to be held outside the classrooms. This temporary arrangement was implemented to ensure that all students could continue their education, even in the face of space limitations. These class sessions held outside the classrooms demonstrated the school's commitment to providing education to all students, despite the challenges posed by the lack of sufficient classroom space.

In the third school year of San Antonio National High School, all the three classrooms and one large building that belonged to San Antonio Elementary School outside the campus were successfully utilized by the high school. This 100% allocation of the classrooms and building allowed for the expansion of facilities and provided dedicated spaces for various activities within San Antonio National High School. The large building, originally used by San Antonio Elementary School as H.E. (Home Economics) building, was transformed into an office for the Teacher In Charge (T.I.C.), who was introduced starting from the third school year. The TIC, along with the principal of Labo National High School, who also served as the principal of San Antonio National High School (Labo National High School - Annex B at that time) during this time, played a crucial role in overseeing the administrative functions, ensuring smooth operations, effective management, and the overall development of both schools. The TIC focused on day-to-day administrative tasks, while the principal had a broader responsibility for setting the school's vision, developing policies, managing staff, and overseeing curriculum development. Together, they worked collaboratively to ensure efficient management and an enhanced educational experience for the students.

Additionally, during the third school year, the school embarked on a lot expansion project and the construction of a new two-classroom building. These initiatives were undertaken to accommodate the anticipated large number of students for the next school year, which was the fourth school year of San Antonio National High School. The expansion of the school lot and the construction of the new building aimed to provide sufficient space and resources to meet the growing needs of the student population.

These developments highlight the commitment of San Antonio National High School to provide a conducive learning environment and ensure that every student has access to quality education. The expansion project and the construction of the new building demonstrate the school's dedication to meeting the educational needs of the community and preparing for future growth.

In the fourth year of San Antonio National High School, the newly constructed two-classroom building was dedicated to accommodating the fourth-year high school students. These two classrooms were designed in such a way that they could be converted into one large classroom, providing flexibility in teaching and learning. This spacious classroom served as a hub for the graduating students, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness among them.

The fourth year of San Antonio National High School was particularly significant as it marked the last school year of the pioneering batch. This batch of students, who had been with the school since its establishment, witnessed the growth and development of the institution. Their final year symbolized the culmination of their journey and the achievements they had made throughout their high school years.

With a large number of high school students in this school year, San Antonio National High School successfully catered to the educational needs of the area. The school's commitment to providing quality education and nurturing the holistic development of its students continued to shine through, ensuring that each student received the support and resources necessary for their academic success.

The fourth year of San Antonio National High School was a memorable and significant time for both the graduating students and the school itself. It represented the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, as well as the beginning of new opportunities for the students as they prepared to embark on their future endeavors.

Competitions and Achievements

During the early years of San Antonio National High School (2002-2006), specifically starting in the second school year, the students actively participated in various academic and non-academic inter-school competitions, showcasing their talents. These competitions provided an avenue for the students to excel and gain recognition both within the school and in external events.

In the academic realm, the students represented the school in mathematics competition, declamation, oratorical speeches, balagtasan (poetry duels), essay writing competitions in both english and tagalog, drawing competitions and quiz bees. Their dedication and hard work paid off as they achieved commendable results, often winning in oratorical speech, balagtasan and drawing competition. While the students did not secure victories in mathematics competitions, declamation, essay writing and quiz bees, their participation in these competitions demonstrates their commitment to academic excellence.

Outside of academics, the students achieved remarkable success in cheer dance competitions. Their talent, teamwork, and dedication led them to victory in various cheer dance competitions, where they showcased their skills in choreography, synchronization, and showmanship. The school's cheer dance groups brought home trophies and accolades, earning recognition for their outstanding performances.

In this picture a group of San Antonio National High School (Labo National High School - Annex B) cheer dancers composed of different high school levels, won as champion in Interschool Cheer Dance Competition in Ozamiz City. 


In addition to these inter-school competitions, San Antonio National High School (formerly Labo National High School - Annex B) also actively participated in intra-school competitions during Labo National High School Intramurals. These intra-school competitions provided an opportunity for students within San Antonio National High School (Labo National High School - Annex B) to compete against each other in various events and showcase their talents within the larger school community of Labo National High School.

During the first school year (2002-2003), San Antonio National High School excelled in the Running Competition, with the women's division winning the championship. They also participated in the Volleyball Competition and Dance Competition, demonstrating their skills and teamwork.


In the second school year (2003-2004), the students continued their success by participating in the Volleyball Competition (both men's and women's divisions), Running Competition, Sepak Takraw, Baseball, and Dance Competition. They showcased their versatility and dedication in these events.

In the third school year (2004-2005), San Antonio National High School conducted its own intramurals, featuring competitions such as Word Scrabble, Chess, Mr and Miss Intramurals (with winners sent to Labo National High School as candidates), Badminton, Dance Competition, Volleyball, and Running. These intra-school competitions fostered friendly competition and togetherness among the students.

In the fourth school year (2005-2006), the students continued to participate in various games and competitions, including quiz bees. While there were no candidates sent to Labo National High School Intramurals during this year, the school maintained its tradition of conducting intramurals, providing an avenue for students to compete within the school and showcase their talents. These intramurals further strengthened the sense of community and school spirit at San Antonio National High School

The participation of San Antonio National High School students in these inter-school and intra-school competitions not only highlighted their individual talents but also contributed to the school's overall reputation. It solidified the school's commitment to holistic development and provided opportunities for students to grow, learn, and excel in different areas.

The early years of San Antonio National High School were marked by the students' dedication, passion, and achievements in both academic and non-academic pursuits. Their participation in competitions showcased their diverse talents and contributed to the vibrant and dynamic school community.


Independence and Significance

While Republic Act Number 9558, enacted in April 2009, granted formal recognition and support to the school, San Antonio National High School traces its origins back to the community's push for a new high school in 2001. Initially established as Labo National High School – Annex B, the school operated under the administrative umbrella of Labo National High School of Labo, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. This administrative arrangement likely stemmed from the absence of legislation allowing for the establishment of an independent high school in the area at the time. The school was initially called Labo National High School - Annex B because it was one of two annexes established under the main Labo National High School. The other annex, Annex A, was located in Calabayan, Ozamiz City. The school was founded in 2001 and was annexed to Labo National High School.

In June 2002, San Antonio National High School opened its doors for the first time, ushering in a new era of educational excellence and community development. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the school's steadfast commitment to providing quality education and fostering the holistic development of its students. Since its founding, with the commencement of the inaugural school year in 2002-2003, the institution has steadfastly upheld its commitment to providing quality education and advancing the overall development of the community. It has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, not only for Barangay San Antonio but also for neighboring barangays, underscoring the collaborative efforts of educators, residents, and local authorities.

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