'We need to continue to "big up" our young people when they excel, achieve or even when they give their best efforts. Equally important is to give them a chance to do all the above, at the same time teaching them that success does not come easy; that life's path can be a treacherous one, and many more of the lessons that we were taught as youngsters ourselves."
"As former commissioner of education, it is satisfying to see our students excel and given the recognition for such."
"In this light, I congratulate the St. Maarten Academy PSVE students who have excelled during the first half of the 2009-2010 academic years. I encourage them to set an even higher standard towards the end of the school year. To challenge themselves even more. Positive peer pressure works."
To the students directly: "It is my hope that the pressure to excel will rub off on many of those around you".
