In September 24-26, 2008, Bacolod Tay Tung High School  celebrated the Great minds were proven, intelligence was put to the ultimate test and history was made during the elimination and semi-final rounds of the 34th Annual Academic Excellence Contest last January 31, 2009 at University of St La Salle Coliseum and the final round last February 3, 2009 at Robinson’s Place.

The coliseum was totally jam-packed with teachers and parents who witnessed the extraordinary event and about 900 elementary and secondary students from all over Negros Occidental who took part in the intellectual battle of the best and the brightest. The competition greatly tested the students’ brainpower in the fields of communication arts, social studies, science and mathematics. The contestants were divided into three groups, which were based on their year levels, namely: the primary level (composed of all grade 4 participants) the intermediated level ( composed of all grade 6 participants), and the secondary level (composed of all high school contestants). Of all the hundreds of students who participated, only the top 75 scorers from each level qualified for the semi-final round. Finally, the top 10 scorers from the top 75 eventually qualified for the final round.

Bacolod Tay Tung High School had joined and, indeed, had excelled and brought home the bacon in the said competition. All five 4th Year contenders who were Ryan Jayson Chua, Jill Therese Au, Ellani Louise Huilar, Terri Alphon Yee and Shelly Kate Lao, providentially qualified and competed for the semi-final round. The semi-final round was such a fierce battle since the questions became more difficult and more complicated. Tension and excitement filled the coliseum until the moment of truth finally came. When the top 10 qualifiers for each level were determined, Tay Tung’s name was never disregarded. From the secondary level, Ryan Jayson Chua succeeded and competed for the final round. It was, undeniably, an intensely difficult intellectual combat of the brightest. Of the top 10 best students who competed, Ryan Jason Chua won 1st Runner-up. Of all the hundreds of public and private schools all over Negros Occidental that joined, Bacolod Tay Tung High School was awarded the “Over-all School Champion” and the “Winner of the Year” since it garnered the highest points and had the most number of qualifiers.

The victorious phenomenon was, without a single doubt, a momentous attainment of crowning glory, great honor and ultimate pride for Tay Tung and for the principal, Mrs. Nilda Monge, whose presence during the contest made the win all the more special. Sure enough, the official coaches, Mrs. Lalaine Ematong, Mrs. Maria Lyn Gulmatico, Mr. Philip Carpina, and Mrs. Anna Riza Batiancilla, had exceptionally accomplished their tasks very well in training the contestants. A special thanks to Mrs. Peñaroyo and other administrative staff who had been supporting this endeavor. All teachers had also done splendid jobs in conducting reviews for the contestants. A simple review had greatly helped and made a difference. To all teachers who trained and supported the contestants, a million thanks to you!

The Academic Excellence Contest, the quest for the best, had definitely brought out the remarkable sheen and brilliant minds that give the Tay Tungians an extraordinary distinction from others. As certainly proven in such a prestigious competition, the Tay Tungians certainly stood out and emerged victorious. They are really one of the brightest, the greatest and the best! Let the glory be with Bacolod Tay Tung High School!!