Cul de Sac:---  St. Maarten Academy is once again leading the charge with exceptional academic performance, this time at the CAPE Division with ninety-eight per cent (98%) overall pass rate in the 2025 May/June sitting of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). This is the second consecutive year with such excellent results.

This result continues the school’s legacy of academic excellence and highlights the dedication and hard work of both students and staff, stated CAPE Coordinator, Mrs. Doreen Edwards Mac Intosh.

A total of 58 lower and upper Sixth Form students sat for the exams, with 330 subject sittings across 23 subjects. An impressive 21 of these subjects returned a 100% pass rate.

It came as no surprise when the results, which were released on August 15, showed Kisherno Webster, Fara Colas, Kesar Vasnani, and Sari Willemberg among the top performers. These students have successfully gained admission at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands, as well as the University of Maastricht, the University of Groningen, and the Hague University of Applied Science, also in the Netherlands. Other students have gained admission to universities in Canada and the United States of America, as the CAPE Associate Degrees have gained significant recognition outside the Caribbean region. In Europe it carries the equivalence of the Dutch pre-university diploma (VWO).

Of the total subject entries, 99% of both male and female candidates who sat the exams successfully passed. The breakdown of grades achieved reflects a high quality of performance, with students earning Grades I through V.

The school's CAPE Division prepares students for tertiary-level education, offering a rigorous curriculum and fostering academic excellence. This two-year Associate Degree programme was first introduced in 2014 and has been successfully preparing students who have completed Form 5 for a seamless transition into universities worldwide or the workforce. Through articulation agreements, which are officially approved agreements that align coursework between schools/institutions, Academy graduates have easily transferred their CXC CAPE qualifications to numerous universities in Europe, America, Asia, Canada, and the Caribbean.

To be eligible for admission to the CAPE Associates Degree programme, applicants must have six (6) subjects at CSEC, including English Language and Mathematics with Grades 1 and 2 or equivalent grades from accredited examination boards. Additionally, students must have Grades of 1 and 2 in the subjects they plan to specialize in, a desire for higher education, academic recommendations, an official High School transcript, and the relevant fees.

The school administration extends its heartfelt congratulations to the students and wishes them the very best in their future endeavours.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The local RISE Foundation and the US-based The Nick Singh Foundation joined to bring project-based learning and arts-based sessions, including dance and movement, to more than 225 children across Sint Maarten. The collaboration, which began earlier this year, focused on pooling resources and skills to serve the island’s youth better.

To start the school year on a positive note, the sessions were offered free of charge to four institutions: ACE Foundation, Oranje School, Leonald Connor School, and 721 Kids Foundation. Together, over 225 children benefited from a fun and engaging start to the academic year.

Students participated in a range of activities designed to inspire both critical thinking and creative expression. Brandon Street and Lilly Barkes of Listen to Our Future led a dynamic project-based learning session where students identified issues affecting their communities,  from racism and bullying to sexual assault and community violence, and worked together to brainstorm and present solutions. Meanwhile, Tiffany Castillo of TM Talent NY facilitated a high-energy dance and movement program infused with positive affirmations and teamwork. The session left children filled with joy, laughter, while also strengthening their focus, coordination, and confidence.

Students were also treated to refreshments thanks to community support. Carl & Sons baked and donated more than 200 raisin buns, while Kam’s Trading provided juices, thoughtful touches that made the sessions feel extra celebratory. In addition, The Nick Singh Foundation brought supplies from the United States, which were used to create 10 teacher resource boxes. These were distributed across the four organizations to support Cycle 1 classrooms, providing extra materials to strengthen day-to-day teaching and learning.

The success of the initiative was also made possible through strong local partnerships. Paradise Inn generously provided accommodation for the visiting volunteers, while Motorworld supported transportation needs with a donated vehicle. Pollos Hermanos treated the volunteers and RISE team to a well-earned meal during one of the full activity days. And Dr. Soc and Island 92 not only amplified the back-to-school drive on their media platform, but also offered behind-the-scenes encouragement and intangible support that helped make the project a success.

“This collaboration showcases the boundless opportunities that exist when NGOs unite with the same heart for youth and community. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to expand our impact together,” said the RISE Foundation team.

Nick Singh, Founder of The Nick Singh Foundation, added:

“We are deeply grateful to the RISE Foundation for inviting us to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and to our generous sponsors—Pollos Hermanos, Paradise Inn, Motorworld, and all the donors—who made this possible. Seeing the children light up with joy as they received their school supplies, danced with passion, and engaged in activities that encouraged positivity and critical thinking was truly unforgettable. These supplies ensure that students can enter the classroom without the burden of lacking resources, empowered to learn and thrive throughout the year. None of this would have been possible without our incredible volunteers—Brandon, Emily, Lilly, Tiffany, and Anthony—whose dedication brought the vision to life. At The Nick Singh Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration, and this project was a beautiful reminder that when communities, organizations, and individuals unite, we can create lasting change and bring joy where it’s needed most.”

Chiaira Bowers, President of the RISE Foundation, added:

“This was an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and experience true camaraderie. Hearing the voices of our youth — their concerns, their ideas, their solutions — gives us fuel for future projects and opportunities to keep improving our island. And seeing the pure energy and excitement from the kids reminded us why this work matters so much.”

As we close this drive, we now head into our year-long Elevate Youth and Family Program, the Fostering Elevation Program, and other youth-led and holiday projects in the coming months.

For more information and upcoming projects, follow RISE Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/risesxm, call +1-721-584-7473, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG--- In a major step toward modernizing vocational and technical education, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), through the Division of Educational Innovation (DEI), partnered with UNESCO to organize an intensive STEAM training for educators at the Sint Maarten Vocational Training School (SMVTS). The three-day workshop held during August 20-22, 2025, introduced teachers to innovative, transdisciplinary teaching methods designed to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow.

Titled "Revitalizing Vocational & Technical Education through Transdisciplinary STEAM: Empowering St. Maarten’s Educators to Shape the Workforce of Tomorrow," the professional development program was facilitated by FullSTEAM and featured over 15 hours of hands-on learning. The workshop, co-led by keynote speaker Dr. Christian Boakye and co-speaker Jaine Lindo, blended powerful theory with practical application.

Educators engaged directly with cutting-edge tools, including Arduino microcontrollers, Sphero Indi robots, Nanobugs, and building blocks. For many, this was their first encounter with these technologies, sparking a wave of innovative ideas and fresh strategies for their classrooms.

The training followed a clear, progressive structure:

• Day 1: Foundations of STEAM for Vocational Education
• Day 2: Facilitation, Design, and Coding Integration
• Day 3: Implementation and Long-Term Impact

On the final day, participants developed customized 90-day classroom action plans using the S.M.A.R.T. framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). These plans ensure the workshop's momentum translates into tangible and sustainable classroom transformation.

"STEAM training for educators has been a focal point for me since I was first elected in 2020," Minister Gumbs stated. "STEAM education is more than expensive tablets and big smart boards; it's a way of teaching and learning that maximizes the potential of every material and resource available, showing that once we think differently, everything around us can indeed be a tool for development and growth. I'm pleased these trainings at SMVTS went well and I'm looking forward to the public experiencing the Ministry's continued rollout of STEAM training for our educators."

Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of UNESCO Sint Maarten, stated:
"It was exciting to see teachers engaging with new tools and ideas that will not only transform how their students learn, but also empower them to foster innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability skills essential for the 21st-century workforce. By integrating STEAM into vocational learning, we’re doing more than enhancing classroom teaching we’re preparing students for a future shaped by creativity and technology. UNESCO is proud to support efforts that align education with the evolving needs of Sint Maarten."

This workshop is the first of a hybrid program scheduled to run until December 2025. It will include virtual workshops, support groups, and one-on-one coaching to meet educators' evolving needs. Attendees described the training as one of the most impactful professional development experiences. They left with not just new tools but with the confidence to reimagine vocational and technical education in a way that directly aligns with Sint Maarten's future workforce needs. Together, MECYS and its partners are not only revitalizing education but also shaping a new generation of innovators who will build Sint Maarten's tomorrow.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As a precursor to one of our grand upcoming events, our Club will be highlighting outstanding members through monthly spotlights. This initiative serves both to celebrate our members’ achievements and to inspire others in our community by showcasing the impact of Toastmasters leadership and growth.

Toastmasters International is a global organization dedicated to empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. The SXM Achievers Toastmasters Club is known for being one of the most dynamic and trendsetting clubs in the Caribbean, often pioneering practices that have since become staples in successful clubs worldwide.

We have taken Toastmasters beyond traditional office settings and into open public spaces, making the program accessible to all. Along the way, we’ve infused fun and creativity into the educational journey—creating cherished memories through experiences such as our Catamaran Lagoon Cruise & Retreat. We also bring meeting themes to life in unique and inspiring ways. For example, “Let Your Petals Blossom” invited members and international participants to select a flower and creatively express themselves using language inspired by that flower. Similarly, our “Who Pushed Jill Down The Hill” international mock trial transformed a regular meeting into a courtroom drama, where participants stepped into legal roles to deliver both an entertaining and educational experience. Building on that success, we are now preparing for the Mock Retrial of Jack & Jill, an exciting upcoming event that promises to showcase creativity, collaboration, humor and the unique Achievers spirit on an even bigger stage.

The SXM Achievers Toastmasters Club remains open for membership and warmly welcomes new members. Interested individuals can connect with us easily via Facebook.

We would greatly appreciate your support in publishing this first spotlight, and we look forward to submitting future features on a monthly basis.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us share these inspiring stories.