The Blue Dragon is an official symbol and mascot of the school.
Unlike its Western counterparts, the Chinese Dragon stands for valor, heroism, and excellence. Dynamic, decisive, and determined, it embodies the virtues of discipline, integrity, and fortitude. With that understanding, the school hopes to form its students in the same mold, helping them grow to become men and women of Character.The Oriental Dragon not only has the power to soar to the heavens in wingless flight, it has also mastered the waters and is equally agile on land. Similarly, the Atenean graduate is a person of Competence, skilled in many fields and is open to learning more and developing even more fully.
Instead of sowing terror and fear, eastern dragons inspire wisdom and beauty. The dragons of Chinese lore are admirers of music, lovers of literature, and devotees of the arts. In the same way, Ateneo students are persons of Culture, rooted in their Chinese, Filipino, and Ilonggo heritage.
The four great rivers of China (Heilongjang, Huang he, Yangtze and Pear Rivers) are believed to be descended from Four Dragons who sacrificed themselves to send rain on the parched land and provide rivers and lakes for the earth. In the same light, Ateneans aspire to be persons of Compassion, guided by a well-rounded Conscience as they give their gifts, and themselves to their Community.
The Dragon, tinctured in blue, is in honor of the School’s Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of China. For the Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS, the shining pearl possessed by the Blue Dragon symbolizes the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus Christ. With God’s grace, Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS graduates will hopefully be able to “sell everything they have” to gain this most valuable treasure–without counting costs or rewards.
Hence, the Blue Dragon is a most fitting image for what the Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School stands for: Character, Competence, Culture, Compassion, Conscience, Community, and Christ-centeredness.