SMU Department of Physical Education

Another Flag Bearer Rises: STEH Continues to Build Queens Beyond the Crown

The stage lights of Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2026 once again became witness to the rise of another promising queen from the School of Teacher Education and Humanities.

Representing the Municipality of Dupax Del Sur, Rhaiza Shayne A. Tenenan, a first year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student, emerged as First Runner Up in one of the province’s most celebrated pageants. What made the achievement even more remarkable was the fact that it was her first pageant experience.

For many candidates, pageantry takes years of exposure, training, and repeated attempts before finally earning recognition on the stage. But for Rhaiza, one opportunity was enough to prove that confidence, sincerity, and heart can stand alongside experience.

Throughout the competition, she carried herself with calm elegance and quiet strength. Her presence on stage reflected not only beauty, but also composure and authenticity that naturally connected with the audience. Behind every graceful walk and poised smile was a young woman willing to take a risk and represent her municipality with pride.

Her achievement became another proud moment for STEH, a school that continues to produce women who excel not only in academics and leadership, but also in platforms where confidence, intelligence, and character are tested. Over the years, STEH has built a reputation as a home of queens, raising students who carry themselves with purpose beyond titles and crowns.

Rhaiza’s journey in Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2026 is proof that greatness can begin with a first step. From a first timer to one of the strongest contenders of the competition, she has now become another flag bearer of STEH excellence.

Indeed, another queen has risen, and her story is only beginning👑💚💛

Some crowns are delayed not because they are denied, but because they are being prepared for a bigger stage.

From once carrying the banner of STEH as Miss STEH 2023, to silently watching a door close when she was unable to represent the School of Teacher Education and Humanities for Miss SMU Campus Personality 2024, Leanne Jaye Cabras Derije of Aritao turned disappointment into direction.

And now, destiny finally speaks louder. Crowned as Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2026, Leanne proved that redirection is never rejection. The journey may not have unfolded the way she once planned it, but every setback led her exactly where she was meant to stand.

A queen refined by patience, grounded by humility, and strengthened by every unanswered “what if.”

Tonight, Nueva Vizcaya did not just crown a beauty queen. It crowned a story of perseverance, quiet resilience, and perfect timing.

The former Miss STEH 2023 is now your Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2026.

And perhaps, this was always the crown meant for her. 💛💚👑

Photos by: Bayan ng Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya

𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦🎨🎭

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya — In a significant step toward strengthening arts and cultural education in the region, Saint Mary's University officially announced the opening of its newest academic offering, the 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐁𝐂𝐀𝐄𝐝) program under the School of Teacher Education and Humanities

The new degree program is designed to nurture future educators, artists, performers, cultural workers, and creative leaders who are passionate about preserving and promoting Filipino culture and the arts through education. It aims to provide students with a strong foundation in artistic expression, cultural heritage, creative pedagogy, and community engagement.

Through the program, students will be exposed to various disciplines including music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, and cultural studies while developing the skills necessary to teach, perform, lead, and inspire.

The launch of the Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education program also highlights the university’s continued commitment to holistic education and nation-building through the preservation of identity, heritage, and artistic excellence.

Aspiring artists and educators are encouraged to become part of the pioneer batch as enrollment officially opens for the upcoming academic year.

With this newest offering, Saint Mary’s University continues to expand opportunities for learners who wish to pursue careers anchored on creativity, culture, service, and education.

𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗢𝗟𝗟 𝗡𝗢𝗪!💙

For more inquiries, contact us or visit our campus.

You may also visit the following links:

📌 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CmYe9J14Q/

📌 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GjPNsgzev/

A wave of pride fills the DPED family as we celebrate one of our own, Lorly Gwen T. Garcia, a BPED 2 student who represented the School of Teacher Education and Humanities in the recently concluded Mr. and Ms. SMU Campus Personality 2026 last night, April 29, 2026 at Rev. Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium.

On that stage, Lorly wasn’t just competing—she was telling her story. With every step, every answer, and every performance, she showed confidence, sincerity, and the kind of strength that comes from hard work and self-belief. Her journey led her to a well-earned title as Ms. SMU Campus Personality 2026 – Second Runner-Up, a moment that reflects all the effort she poured into this experience.

What made her run even more special was how she connected with people. She was recognized as Miss Careline Beauty, Darling of the Press, Best in Talent, and Miss Wit—awards that speak not just of her beauty and talent, but of her personality, her mind, and the way she carries herself with authenticity.

Lorly, your DPED family is truly proud of you. You showed us what it means to take a chance, to grow, and to stand tall no matter the outcome. Your journey is a reminder that success is not just about winning, but about becoming the best version of yourself along the way. 💙

𝗔 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡👑

Grace shaped by discipline. Strength refined through preparation. A presence that commands not just attention—but respect.

Tonight, we rally behind more than just a candidate—we stand with a woman who embodies the heart of the School of Teacher Education and Humanities. Our very own 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗧. 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮 steps onto the stage of Ms. SMU Campus Personality 2026 not merely to compete, but to conquer.

She has trained, sacrificed, and risen through every challenge with quiet determination and undeniable fire. Every step she takes on that stage carries the pride of her program, the spirit of her mentors, and the unwavering belief of those who have witnessed her journey.

Make no mistake—she did not come this far just to participate.
She came prepared. She came ready. And she came to claim what she has long been destined for.

From your DPED Family, we stand beside you with pride in our hearts and confidence in your power. Go forth, own that stage, and let the crown find its rightful place.

𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘, 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗡. 👑✨