Philipsburg:--- On Friday October 1st, scores of high school students gathered at the Sundial School for the re-launching of the Readers are Leaders reading campaign.Readers are Leaders is a program developed by the Philipsburg Jubilee Library and the Rotary Sunrise Club which aims at turning St Maartens teenagers into avid readers.For many students it was the first time that they participated in a Readers are Leaders event and there was a buzz of excitement in the air as students were eager to be part of the new book club for teens. Snatra Bauld opened the evening's event with an astonishing version of The St Maarten Song and later on entertainment was given in the form of great music by DJ Ramesh.
The teenagers were encouraged by prominent leaders in society like the president-elect of the Rotary Sunrise Club Mr Hendrik-Jan van Iperen and English teacher, Mrs Chantal Schaminee, of the St Dominic High School.
This book club promises to be exciting, as it is an approach to reading which will be enjoyable to young readers. The teens will be awarded gifts at the end of the program which culminates in March 2011 to mark the Rotary's literacy month. The goal is to get these students to read 1 book per month till March.
Students can connect with Readers are Leaders on Facebook by becoming friends of Readers are Leaders, where they will receive updates and detailed information on the reading campaign.Though there were only 3 schools represented on Friday, we encourage and invite all high school students on the island to take part in this program. Parents and Teachers are asked to motivate their children and students to take part as we endeavor to produce effective leaders for country St. Maarten.