PHILIPSBURG:--- A student’s back-to-school supply list is not complete without an agenda. And when one is in high school having an agenda is even more important as it helps students to be organized.
The HYPE Agenda team wanted to create a local product one that our students can relate to “We own Thing”. Using local resources we don’t only aim to keep you organized but we also aim to inform and inspire you. The 2015-2016 HYPE Agenda is all of this and so much more.
This year’s Agenda is themed: “The journey travelled to achieve one’s goals.” By depicting different form of transportation as the metaphor to showcase the various paths that they can take to achieve their educational and future career goals. In keeping with this theme, we have included a number of educational and inspirational articles in the agenda have been included reflecting the theme. With the theme, we want to show students that irrespective of which path you decide to take, work hard and enjoy the journey. The stories of several persons who speaks about the paths they have taken as well as others who are still in the midst of their respective journeys are highlighted in this year’s agenda
This is the fifth edition of Hype Agenda. The first HYPE Agenda was produced in 2008. It was such a big hit amongst high school students that we produced the second one in 2010. This was
followed by Agendas in 2013, 2014 and now for the 2015-2016 school year.
Each year we have seen the agendas grow in popularity. Every single copy was sold out in the last three years and persons were still requesting more. Our goal is to eventually see this incorporated in our schools curriculum.
What is so special about Hype agenda is not just that it is produced completely in St. Maarten. The coordinating team also involves a group of energetic students from the various high schools in St. Maarten.
These students were actively involved in the production process and they determined the information they want to see reflected in the publication. They went out and conducted research and wrote most of the enlightening articles and profiles that appear in the Agenda under the supervision of local journalist Judy Fitzpatrick. The articles reflect the general theme of the Agenda and they relate to the youth.
Numerous young and adult role models from right here in St. Maarten as well as from Saba, St. Eustatius and internationally are featured throughout the Agenda, including our past and present national heroes. A number of articles are also featured including a rare and exclusive in-depth interview with the first Governor of St. Maarten His Excellency Eugene B. Holiday, who by the way was convinced to snap his first “selfie” with the excited students who interviewed him.
The intention of the stories in the Agenda is to inspire youngsters to pursue their personal best and to aim for the stars.
The Agendas are specifically tailored for the academic year and cover the months that coincide with the school year making them easy for students to use for school related reminders such as noting down their assignments, projects, homework and other school related things. Also included are useful information such as school vacation dates and study financing information.
Throughout the Agenda, you will also be delighted by pictures taken locally, featuring high school students, which reflect various aspects of the general theme.
The HYPE Agenda Team believes that every high school student should have a copy of this agenda. Thanks to our sponsors, we have managed to maintain the price low to make it affordable for all. Each agenda costs just NAf. 10 or US $6 and are available at Penny's Department Store, Office World, Blue Point and at Pete's Photo.
Voice of the Youth St. Maarten and HYPE Design, which produced the HYPE Agendas, are grateful to all of our sponsors for supporting this educational endeavour. Without your assistance this would not have been possible.
Thank you to all the students who participated in this project and everyone who worked with us to help pull this project off.
Yshmael Hermoso (Learning Unlimited); LeeAnn Wyatt (St. Dominic High); Genora Jankee (St. Maarten Academy Academic); Naomi Jankee (St. Maarten Academy Academic); Brandon Fitzpatrick (St. Dominic High); Aziza Baly-Vanterpool (Milton Peters College) and Celine Mayeko-Coklee (Learning Unlimited). Contributors, who are not in picture: Muskaan Dayalani (St. Dominic High); Jasmine Grannum and Rubecca Shadida Pierre (Caribbean International Academy); Jennifer Dinzey (St. Maarten Academy PSVE); Kimaeyu Mussington and Joanni Henano (MPC); Cecilia Richardson (St. Maarten Vocational Training School).
A big thank to Sharon Freiburg, Creative Consultant, Judy Fitzpatrick our editor, My better half Tyrone
Peterson our Graphic Artist. Ends