The school was named after the late Leonard Young Sr. the owner of the school site that the school is presently using. From a humble Margus Barangay Experimental High School in June 1966, and Glan Padidu National High School Annex-B. It blossomed into Leonard Young Sr. National High School in 1994.
In 1966, with the continuing increase in enrollment, Mr. Charles C. Josue and Atty. Mariano Alegarbes worked for the opening of a secondary school through the help of Mrs. Guia R. Guido, the Glan District Principal. This paved the way of opening a school in Big Margus known as Glan Padidu National High School Annex-B (GPNHS ANNEX-B). The first teachers were Mrs. Teresita D. Sentasas, Mrs. Rebecca A. Sardido, and Mr. Ariston V. Sentasas was the teacher In-Charge.
In 1985, Mr. Ariston V. Sentasas and Mrs. Teresita D Sentasas filed leave, so the late Mr. Maximo A. Ranque, became the teacher In-charge with Mrs. Meriam C. Pagay, Mrs. Rebecca A. Sardido and Mr. Albino Talingting as members of the faculty.
Another significant move happened in 1989, when Mrs. Pagay, the Teacher In-Charge worked out on the working papers for the separation of GPNHS Annex-B from its mother school, which the Congressman James L. Chiongbian sponsored a house bill. However, the said bill was barred by an addendum for no creation of no Secondary Schools.
Evidently, the requirements for separation of the school have already been completed. But, the problem was the school site; thus, Mrs. Meriam C. Pagay approached the heirs of the late Leonard Young Sr. The family showed their support to the school by donating 2-hectares land for the school site.
Congressman James L. Chiongbian sponsored HB 6509, requesting for separation of Glan Padidu NHS Annex-B to be known as Leonard Young NHS as requested by Councilor Eugene Alzate and Councilor Desiderio Dagoy, both members of Sangguniang Bayan of Glan under the leadership of Mayor Enrique D. Yap Sr. The said bill had its final reading in February 1994.
President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act 7790, an act converting the Glan Padidu NHS Annex-B to Leonard Young Sr.NHS in August 8, 1994.
In 2006, Mrs. Meriam C. Pagay was assigned at the Division Office of Sarangani, wherein she was designated as a Division Testing Coordinator. This time, the Division Office appointed Mr. Jonathan G. Mendoza as Officer-In-Charge.
In 2013, Our school made history in the filled of Campus Journalism when our student, Melca Ace Lahama, was awarded as Outstanding Campus Journalist during the National School Press Conference at Ormoc City. She was recognized because she won in Editorial Writing (Filipino) Her coach was Mrs. Ireen Q. Laguda .
In 2014, the school spread its wings by humbly embarking on a new curriculum. It implemented the Strengthened Technical Vocational Education Program (STVEP) curriculum with specializations in Cookery, Agriculture, Food Processing, Beauty Care, Electricity, Building Construction and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
On April 15, 2014, Mr. Marvin D, Lim was assigned here in our school while Mr. Jonathan G. Mendoza was assigned at Valeria Lopez IS. This is done because it is mandated by the Department of Education to reshuffle the school principals after three years of leading a school. Here, Mr. Marvin Lim requested buildings to cater the increasing population of the school. His succeeded in his goal because the school is now using the 4-storey building with more than 70 classrooms amounting to more than 100 million pesos. Likewise, we also received an additional item for teachers.
Another significant move was implemented in our school in 2016 when it expanded its Academic and Technical Vocational Education Program by offering the following Senior High School Program; the Humanities and Social Sciences, Cookery, Food Processing, Food and Beverage Services, Bread and Pastry, Automotive, SMAW, Electricity, Motorcycle/Small Engine, Driving, Beauty Care and Hairdressing. With these offerings, the school is giving chance for the students to work competently to the different industries in our society.
On October 9, 2019, Mr Jonathan G. Mendoza returned to our school, here, he wants to focus on programs and projects that will provide meaningful improvements on our learners’ performance.
School-based Management (SBM) continue its journey even though its pandemic, it gave way to LYSNHS and validated in the district level as SBM Level 3 (April 5, 2021) and validated last April 27, 2021, categorized as Advanced SBM Level 3 (Division Level). Finally, last November 18, 2021 the school validated and was categorized as advanced SBM Level 3 in the Regional Level.
For this school year 2022-2023, the school offered another academic program, the STE (Science, Technology, and Engineering) for the incoming Grade 7. For the Senior High School Department, ABM (Accountancy, Business and Management) has been offered and for TVE, Organic Agriculture/Pest Management, and Wellness Massage specializations were offered.
It is then, the continuous dream of the school to become efficient and productive in the implementation of its different programs, projects and activities involving all stakeholders in the community for the development of life-long learners.
In March 2023, Leonard Young Sr. National High School welcomed a new chapter in its rich and evolving history with the appointment of Ma’am Margie B. Morales as the school’s principal. Her arrival signaled a wave of innovation, renewed school pride, and a stronger commitment to excellence—both in academics and in community engagement.
Regional Recognition: Brigada Eskwela 2023 Kick-Off
One of the early milestones during Ma’am Morales’s administration was the school’s prestigious selection as the host of the Regional Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off for 2023. This event placed Leonard Young Sr. National High School in the spotlight, recognizing its active role in promoting volunteerism, community partnership, and school readiness. Hosting such a high-profile regional event demonstrated the school’s growing influence and organizational capability.
Programs that Enrich Mind and Spirit
With a deep understanding of holistic education, Ma’am Morales implemented meaningful and impactful school-based initiatives. Two notable programs introduced during her leadership were:
Project Chooseday – A program that promotes positive decision-making among students, guiding them to choose values-based actions and develop a sense of responsibility, discipline, and self-worth through sports, arts and music. This project reflects the school’s goal of shaping not just academically proficient students, but also morally upright individuals.
Spiritual Enhancement Activities – Recognizing the importance of faith and inner strength in student development, regular spiritual enhancement activities were integrated into the school’s calendar. These sessions provided opportunities for reflection, character building, and the nurturing of emotional resilience among learners.
Academic and Sporting Achievements
Under Ma’am Morales’s leadership, Leonard Young Sr. National High School achieved remarkable victories in both academics and sports, proving its excellence across multiple disciplines. The school consistently earned recognitions in various division, regional, and inter-school competitions, bringing pride to the institution and the community it serves.
A highlight of this era was the school’s historic victory in the Lubi-Lubi Festival Street Dancing Competition last October 2023. This milestone not only showcased the talent and cultural pride of the students but also became a gateway to greater achievements on a larger stage. Riding on the momentum of their success, the school:
Became the Champion of the Munato Festival, a prestigious event that celebrates the cultural identity and unity of the region;
Won First Runner-Up in the Hinugyaw Festival, affirming the school’s strong presence in the performing arts and cultural representation.
These accomplishments brought widespread recognition to the school and solidified its reputation as a hub of excellence in culture, arts, and performance.
A Legacy Continued: Alumni Returning as Educators
A touching and inspiring trend emerged during this time—former students began returning to Leonard Young Sr. National High School, not as learners, but as educators. This phenomenon reflects the deep affection and loyalty that alumni hold for their alma mater. Their return symbolizes a full-circle journey of giving back, preserving the school’s values, and inspiring the next generation.
The administration of Ma’am Margie B. Morales stands as a dynamic and transformative period in the history of Leonard Young Sr. National High School. Her vision, combined with the dedication of the faculty, students, and the broader school community, has led the school into a time of vibrant growth, cultural recognition, academic achievement, and spiritual grounding.
As the school continues to evolve and face the challenges of modern education, it does so with a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and pride—anchored by its past, empowered by its present, and hopeful for its future.
