GREAT BAY--- A number of Sint Maarten students studying at various educational institutions in Florida graduated from college over the past weekend.
Leader of Government Commissioner of Education William Marlin told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday that he is very proud of what Sint Maarten students have been able to accomplish on their journey of life long learning.
Commissioner Marlin added that the educated youth are the vanguard of the nation who will be leading country Sint Maarten.
Those graduating over the weekend were Tamara Groeneveldt (Masters of Social Work), Tashira Richardson (Bachelor of Science) and Sade Hodge (Associates of Arts). Rox-Anne Hughes, Jose Brown and Eljah Gipson all made the honors list with a grade point average of between 3.0 – 3.49, also graduated, but were not present for the ceremony.
Sint Maarten Student Coordinator for the State of Florida Arthur Lugisse, told the GIS that he is looking forward to many more Sint Maarten students getting the opportunity to get their higher education at one of Florida's colleges and universities under the City of Tallahassee – Sint Maarten Sister City agreement.
Tony Award winner and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Alumna, Anika Noni Rose was the keynote speaker. In 2006, Rose starred in "Dreamgirls," as Lorrell Robinson. Her career includes notable performances on television and in film. Her role in Disney's latest animated feature, "The Princess and the Frog," makes her the first black-animated princess, Tiana.
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences, FAMU-Florida State University (FSU) College of Engineering, College of Law, School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, Environmental Sciences, and Tallahassee Community College graduated over the weekend.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Florida A&M University at Alferd Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center Teaching Gymnasium FAMU and at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center.
