PHILIPSBURG:--- Jacinth Hunkins, a 12 year old student of the St. Maarten Academy School has placed second in the Junior Division of the annual FCCA Essay contest organized and coordinated by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
The competition is designed to create a greater awareness amongst our school going population on the importance of the tourism industry and more specifically, the Cruise Industry.
This year's essay competition attracted entries from 19 nations, with the theme being:
"What makes my destination different from others."
As the winner in her age group, Jacinth Hunkins will be awarded a cash scholarship of $1500,- with the St. Maarten Academy School receiving a monetary award of $1500,-
"This is indeed a proud moment for St. Maarten, to have a second place winner in this important competition, says Edward Dest, Interim Head of the Tourist Office. He further states, that the competition is deemed very important and that it helps our students to get a better understanding of our tourism based economy and by understanding it, they become more positive contributors to the further development of the industry."
Once more we would like to congratulate Jacinth, her teacher and the St. Maarten Academy School on this great accomplishment.