As St. Scholastica’s Academy Pampanga (SSA) celebrates its centennial year, we are reminded of the many milestones that have shaped our beloved institution. Among these, one of the most significant is the graduation of our very first batch of students in March 1930—an event that marked the beginning of a legacy of excellence, service, and faith that continues to this day.
A Historic Beginning
Founded in 1925 as Assumption Academy of Pampanga, SSA was established by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters at the request of Monsignor Prudencio David, the parish priest of San Fernando. The school initially opened its doors to elementary students, with the high school department following soon after. The first high school graduates of SSA, then still known as Assumption Academy, completed their studies in 1930 under the guidance of Sister Crescentia Veser, O.S.B., who was the Directress at the time. This pioneering batch was comprised of young women who embodied the spirit and values that the Benedictine Sisters sought to instill in their students.
This pioneering batch of graduates laid the foundation for what would become a rich tradition of Benedictine education in Pampanga. Their graduation was not just a personal achievement but a collective victory that demonstrated the school’s commitment to providing quality education grounded in the Benedictine values of “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work).
The Legacy of the First Graduates
The members of SSA’s first graduating batch were more than just students; they were trailblazers who set the standard for future generations of Scholasticans. They were the first to experience the unique educational environment that SSA Pampanga offered—a blend of academic rigor, spiritual formation, and a strong emphasis on community service. These graduates carried with them the values instilled in them during their time at SSA, and they went on to make significant contributions in various fields, from education and healthcare to business and public service.
Their lives exemplified the Benedictine ideals of humility, discipline, and service. Many of them became leaders in their communities, embodying the values of SSA Pampanga in their professional and personal lives. They were not just successful in their careers; they were also known for their integrity, compassion, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
A Source of Inspiration
As we celebrate 100 years of SSA Pampanga, the legacy of our first graduates continues to inspire us. Their courage, determination, and faith serve as a reminder of the power of an education rooted in Benedictine principles. They remind us that being a Scholastican is not just about academic excellence; it is about living a life of service, faith, and compassion.
Their stories continue to resonate with current students and alumni alike, inspiring them to uphold the values that have been passed down through generations. These pioneers set a high standard, and their legacy is one that we strive to live up to every day.
Looking Forward
The legacy of SSA Pampanga’s first graduating batch lives on in the thousands of Scholasticans who have followed in their footsteps. As we celebrate this centennial milestone, we honor the trailblazers who helped to shape our school’s history and laid the groundwork for the institution we know today.
To the first graduates of SSA Pampanga, we say thank you. Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your unwavering commitment to the values that define our beloved institution. Your legacy is one that we cherish and strive to uphold, now and always.
As we look to the future, we do so with the same spirit of hope and determination that you carried with you as you stepped out into the world as the first graduates of SSA Pampanga. May your legacy continue to inspire and guide us for the next 100 years and beyond.
