History of the School

As a result of an urgent honest desire of the people of Sta. Maria for a Catholic High School within the community, the HOLY CROSS OF STA.MARIA was authorized to open in July 1968. The founder and first Director Father Denise Cossette, PME had the school constructed at the heart of the town which is surrounded by two mountain ranges. The enrolment for the school year numbered 81 students in the First year and 75 students in the Second year. Unfortunately, two months after its opening, the school was temporarily closed because of the protest made by the owners of the old existing non-sectarian high schools who commented that there was no need to establish another school in the town. While waiting for this problem to be solved, the students were adopted by the Holy Cross of Malalag. After exhaustive efforts made by Father Denise Cossette, PME with the support of the municipal officials, representatives were sent to the Department of Education to inspect the school site and study the situation. By the middle of October 1968, the school was allowed to reopen. With much enthusiasm, the parents were encouraged to enroll their children at Holy Cross of Sta. Maria and the rate of enrolment increased during the following years so that there was an urgent need to construct two additional classrooms. In April 1971, the Holy Cross of Sta. Maria held its First (1st) Commencement Exercises. Since it was very difficult for the parish priest who was alone in the parish to attend to the pastoral needs of his people, the Bishop of Digos, Bp. Generoso Camiña, PME, DD decided to relieve him from his responsibilities of directing the school. He requested the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary to administer the school. A formal request was made to the Superior General for authorization to take over the financial and full direction of the school. The Bishop’s request was granted on February 23, 1983. In June 1983, the Sisters of the Philippine Region were authorized to accept the direction of Holy Cross of Sta. Maria. In spite of its difficult and humble beginnings, the Holy Cross of Sta. Maria proudly stands as a welcoming edifice with its three buildings. Through the untiring efforts of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and the Faculty, the students have been guided and trained to be worthy and trusted Christian Leaders in the parish and in the society. With the existence of this institution of learning, there has been tremendous spiritual, cultural and social growth and aspirations among the progressive people of Sta. Maria.