by Marky Magsino
Nova Schola Tanauan (NST) celebrates a historic milestone with 14 students qualifying for the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) this school year. This year’s roster marks the highest number of qualifiers in recent history, far exceeding the usual five to eight qualifiers and surpassing last year’s count of six.
Freddie Nufable, NST’s School Publication Adviser, shared his excitement, highlighting that this achievement is the first time NST has had 14 RSPC qualifiers. He attributed the success to the dedicated coaches and emphasized the significance of the Collaborative Team’s qualification at the Regional level for the first time. “This is just the beginning—we will work hard to excel at the RSPC,” he remarked.
In individual categories, the students who excelled include Ysabelle Villarino (News Writing, English), Rank 1; Kian Sumague (Copy Reading and Headline Writing, Filipino), Rank 1; and Neil Edrick Salazar (Editorial Writing, Filipino), Rank 1. Other notable achievements include Sophia Lis Ysabella Saet (Editorial Writing, English), Rank 2; Shania Nicole Aranas (Science Writing, English), Rank 2; Gab Tuiza Prado (Editorial Cartooning, Filipino), Rank 2; Kyle Margarette Flor (Column Writing, Filipino), Rank 2; and Rheann Shane Barrion (Photojournalism, Filipino), Rank 3.
Rheann Shane Barrion, a repeat RSPC qualifier, shared her thoughts on the experience. She reflected on balancing her academic and extracurricular commitments, noting, “Being a journalist is rewarding, but it comes with challenges like managing deadlines and responsibilities. Despite these, I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete again and grow as a journalist.”
This year also marks NST’s first-ever group qualification in the Collaborative Desktop Publishing category, an impressive feat since joining the Division Schools Press Conference. The team includes Lea Mae Guerrero, Elijah Marie Ocampo, Jhelaine Arroyo, Jean Veniz Matalubos, Naomi Isabel Cadiz, and Benedict Bejar.
Roi Vincent Montenegro, Collaborative Desktop Publishing coach, expressed his pride in the team’s success despite limited chances. He shared, “We pushed through even without initial screening, and it paid off. Although not the full team will compete, we’re thrilled to represent NST at the RSPC.”
First-time qualifier Benedict T. Bejar, Collaborative Desktop Publishing – Feature Writer, said, “Being chosen for RSPC was both shocking and thrilling. My team and I are ready to take on more intensive training sessions and embrace the pressure that comes with it.”
Each qualifier underwent rigorous training, with five students per category competing for weeks. Only the top three advanced, highlighting NST’s growing strength in campus journalism.
The qualifiers are now undergoing weekly training to prepare for the RSPC, which will take place in February 2025 in Tanauan City. This year’s theme, “From Campus to Career: Empowering Resilient Journalists to Uphold Truth and Excellence in CALABARZON,” sets the tone for aspiring journalists to continue raising the bar in regional journalism.