PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heartwarming display of gratitude, St. Maarten Academy's Class of 2004 donated generously to their alma mater and honored faculty and staff who helped to shape their character and careers. The jovial group of alumni relished the fact that some of their outstanding teachers are still shaping lives at the Academy.
During a brief ceremony on the school’s premises on Friday, July 5, 2024, the alumni presented a monetary donation to replace the school's signage, which was destroyed during Hurricane Irma in 2017. They also revealed that they are spearheading a GoFundMe fundraiser where all St. Maarten Academy alumni can contribute to the acquisition of air conditioning units for the school at https://gofund.me/890b73cf.
Speaking on behalf of the school's management team, Acting Principal Ms. Joanna Trim responded to the kind gesture, "We were hoping that somebody would come along to assist us as we make preparations for the return of students in August, and it is so good to see that this alumni class has. I know that our students will be grateful for it." During her remarks on behalf of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) board, drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, Interim Executive Director of the board, said, "It always warms our hearts when alumni reach back and pay it forward. You are setting the example for every other student to come''. The class of 2004’s alumnus, Mr. Darren Wilson, shared that the donations were the result of the class's fundraising efforts as a token of appreciation for their alma mater.
The Class of 2004 acknowledged the names of their former principals, all teachers, and auxiliary staff. Among the honourees present were former principal Mrs. Patricia Lourens, former teachers Dr. Velda James, Mrs. Barbara Nicholls, Mr. Wellington Archibald, Ms. Yvonne Johns, Mr. Armand Teunis, Drs. Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool, who then served as the head of the Department of Student Care, current head Mrs. Amanda President-Joé, and Mr. David James, the Documentation Center Attendant and Courier.
The alumni who currently serve locally and internationally in various professional fields, including education, hospitality, medicine, law, finance, accounting and engineering, acknowledged not only the role that the St. Maarten Academy played in their educational foundation but also the timeless values and principles that the faculty and staff instilled in them. The ceremony culminated with a rousing, impromptu rendition of the school song by attendees.
The FAVE Board, Management, and staff of the St. Maarten Academy are grateful to the Class of 2004 for their generous contribution and look forward to their continued collaboration as the Class of 2004 truly embodies the school's motto of "Caring, Learning, Achieving and Excelling."
