Paolo U. Hipolito of STI College – Bacoor and Marvin Dale R. Guerrero of STI Vigan bagged the most coveted awards in the SOY 2012 Baccalaureate and Pre-Baccalaureate categories, respectively, after going through a rigorous series of qualifying rounds and besting other promising nominees from different STI campuses nationwide.

“I would like to be a good role model for other students, and I hope that through the Student of the Year recognition, I can inspire more people,” shared Paolo, who recently graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) degree. While in school, Paolo has won various regional and national programming competitions, was elected BSCS Representative for two consecutive years, and has led the development of different digital systems in STI College – Bacoor.

On the other hand, also an elected student leader for two consecutive years, Marvin Dale confessed that he was initially hesitant to accept any position in the Student Body Organization of STI Vigan. “I didn’t want to be a student leader anymore because of the difficulties I have encountered in the past, but I realized later on that I have to take on the challenge and do something worthwhile as a leader for my fellow students,” shared Marvin Dale, who conquered his fear of responsibilities and decided to be involved in the preparation and organization of various school activities as STI Vigan’s IT Representative. A recent graduate of the Information Technology program with honors, Marvin Dale also participated and won in different competitions in programming, extemporaneous speaking, and group dancing.

Other notable STIers who qualified for the National Level Screening are Romualdo M. Bautista, Jr. of STI College – Meycauayan (Area Level Awardee, Baccalaureate – Northern Luzon), Ace Anthony C. Austria of STI College – Las Piñas, and Blessie S. Triviño of STI College – Southwoods.

The SOY Awards, held annually since 2000, is STI's nationwide search for outstanding students who have excelled in their program of study, exemplified effective leadership qualities, and have gained exceptional achievements in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities within and outside the STI academic community.

Congratulations to our new batch of STI Student of the Year finalists and awardees!