St. Stephen’s High School Alumni Association history
The St. Stephen’s High School Alumni Association (SSHSAA) was established right before the Pacific War broke out. It resumed its activities after the war in 1950 with the help of Principal Bolderston and a fellow alumnus, ???. Under the leadership of her past presidents and vice presidents, the SSHSAA aims to strengthen the bond among fellow alumni, supporting the Alma Mater in its development and focusing on the welfare of its alumni members. Over the years, the association has made considerable progress through the selfless generosity and fervent support of each member.
Growing closely together with St Stephen’s High School, SSHSAA went through gradual expansion in the 70 years since its establishment. To pass on the legacy to future generations, SSHSAA has been organizing a gathering every school year for graduating senior high school students in order to formally welcome them as members of the association. To keep up with the fast-paced technology in this 21st century’s era of the internet, SSHSAA saw it fit to have an office of its own. Thus, in 2012, during the term of Mr. George Go as president, the second floor of the elementary school building near Masangkay Street was allocated for this purpose. Mr. Go contributed generously to the reno- vation of the second floor as a way of giving back to his beloved Alma Mater. Since then, this Alumni Center has been the home of the alumni for meetings and many other activities.
2017 marks the Centennial Year of St. Stephen’s High School. This also signifies 100 years of producing thousands of alumni here and abroad who have served the community in their various fields, and who have made notable contributions to the society, to its people, and to God.
SSHSAA has organized annual alumni homecomings and during its Alma Mater’s 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, and 90th anniversary either at the Manila Hotel, Sofitel Hotel or St. Stephen’s High School. The numbers have been growing in its celebrations every year. Apart from the worship service, the program also included the awarding of alumni with good academic performance on the tertiary level, and giving recognition to outstanding alumni who have made great contributions to the country and society. Now on SSHS’ 100th year, alumni from across the country and from overseas will come together in celebration of this milestone, with a grand alumni homecoming held last July 16 at the Philippine International Convention Center (Manila).
Its overseas alumni have al- so organized themselves to form Chapters of SSHSAA in various places. As early as 1980, a chapter was organized in Vancouver, Canada. In 1987, an alumnus based in New York also organized SSHSAA Chapter in Eastern United States, holding annual thanksgiving parties as a way of maintaining close ties with their fellow alumni.
It was noted in the past that more memberswere from higher or older batches. The younger ones were seldom present due to preoccupation with work and career. Thus, in 2012, President George Go and Vice President Gerald Chan headed the alumni delegation team to Eastern United States, Western United States, Vancouver and Toronto. Their visit lifted up the spirits of fellow alumni through the holding of various activities such as the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration and the election of new batch of officers. After this, President Mario Sy, during his term, also headed a delegation to the USA to promote expansion of the association. This September, the incumbent President Tita Rose Tan is set to conduct three visits. Just last February 24-27, 2017, Past President George Go, President Tita Rose Tan, Executive Vice President Gerald Chan, Vice President Anita Kaw Sy, and Principal Dr. Judy Go Tan went to Taiwan and founded the SSHSAA Taiwan Chapter.