Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — 36-Students of the St. Maarten Vocational Training school graduated during a ceremony on Thursday evening. Minister of Education Rita Bourne-Gumbs was among the speakers wishing the now ex-students well in their future endeavors. The students graduated from the automotive, carpentry, food service, general service, networking and PC repair and labor oriented education sector in the school.
The education minister in her address also stated, “There is no doubt in my mind that this day symbolizes the happy returns of hard work. No matter where you are from, you now have a responsibility to live as an example for others in your community. It does not matter where you begin; it matters where you end up. I do not see tonight as the end of your road. I see it as the beginning as you continue to strive for success”.
The theme of the graduation was “to achieve all that is possible, we must attempt the impossible”. Valedictorian Ricardo Hyman encouraged his fellow classmates to continue striving for success. Leonel Alexandre did a creative rap song called “letter to our graduates” inspiring them to never stop believing in themselves. Special presentations went to several of the students who worked hard throughout the school year to achieve these certificates. School management wished the students well while they received their diplomas on stage at the Philipsburg Culture Community Center on Backstreet.