St. Scholastica's Academy of Marikina
St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina (SSAM or, colloquially, St. Scho Marikina) is a private school for girls located at Marikina. It was founded in 1961 in response to the appeal of the alumnae of St. Scholastica's College Manila who resided in Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, San Mateo, and other neighbouring communities, for a Catholic school in the vicinity where their children could go.
Akademya ng Santa Eskolastika ng Marikina | |
 Called to be One in Excellence and in Service | |
| Motto | Ora et Labora (Latin) |
|---|---|
Motto in English | Prayer and Work |
| Type | Private Non-profit Roman Catholic All-girls Basic education institution |
| Established | 1961 |
| Founder | Benedictine Sisters |
Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic (Benedictine Sisters) |
Academic affiliations | PAASCU, ABS, CEAP, DACSA, PCPGE MARIPRISA |
| Director | Sr. Josephina Nepumoceno, OSB |
| Location | 2 West Drive Marikina Heights, , , Marikina City |
| Publication | The Little Blue Star (Grade School) Blue Heights (Junior High School) The Blue Blazon (Senior High School) The Link (SDC) |
| Patron Saints | St. Scholastica and St. Benedict |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Nickname | Scholastican |
| Website | ssam |
Then owner of Marikina Heights Subdivision Mr. Jose Tuason, Sr. offered the lot to the Benedictine sisters of Tutzing at a very low price. The people who were given a direct hand in overseeing the construction were Sister Silvana, OSB, Mother Sub-Prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in the Philippines, Architect Imelda Borromeo Cancio and Project and Structural Engineer Ben Abastillas. Construction of the first phase of the physical plant followed immediately. The current Tuason Center inside the campus is named after Mr. Jose Tuason, Sr.
Sister Eleonora Engelbrecht, OSB, Superior, together with Sister Irmengardis Kuhn, OSB, Sister Joaquina Santos, OSB and Sister Andrea Yllana, OSB opened classes on June 5, 1961 with only 62 pupils including young boys. Cardinal Rufino J. Santos and Cardinal Bishop Antiporda blessed the campus on August 15, 1961. Guests were Ambassador Von Fuerstenberg of Germany, Dr. Winternitz, representative of the Austrian embassy and the priests and religious, alumnae, students and friends.
Until 1985, the school offered kindergarten which also admitted boys.
Benedictine motto
The Benedictine motto is Ora et Labora, meaning prayer and work, which was originally from St. Benedict.
Academics
SSAM is PAASCU-accredited and is also one of the best academic institutions in the city of Marikina.
Affiliations
It is a member of the Association of Benedictine Schools (ABS), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), the Diocese of Antipolo Catholic Schools Association (DACSA), the Philippine Council for Peace and Global Education (PCPGE) and the Marikina Private Schools Association (MARIPRISA).
Famous/notable alumnae
- Amy Perez (actress)
- Rhea Santos (GMA reporter)
- Lala Roque (GMA reporter)
- Princess Punzalan (actress)
- Agot Isidro-Sandejas (actress, singer)
- Erika Padilla (ABS-CBN Star Magic Batch 16)
- Sarah Gaugler (Tattoo artist; vocalist of band Turbo Goth)
- Marina Benipayo (actress, model, 1992 Bb. Pilipinas-Maja International)
- Alma Concepcion (actress, 1994 Bb. Pilipinas International)
- Caselyn Francisco (actress, singer)
- Bing Loyzaga (actress)
- Coney Reyes (actress)
- Joannie Feliciano (recording artist) Grand Winner of the 8th Metro Manila Music Festival, 2 Aliw Awards, dancer, and producer for television. Marine Environmental advocate through her ties with the ABS-CBN Foundation. Daughter of famed Philippine Olympian - Chito Feliciano.
- Merille Raagas (international model)
- Marian Buitre (Current Volleyball Player of UP Lady Maroons)
- Elaine Margaret "Ela" Lisondra (International Performer: Dancer, Singer and Actress), Principal dancer and aerialist at The Festival of the Lion King at Hong Kong Disneyland; actor, puppeteer and lead singer for High School Musical Live; swing performer in Miss Saigon.