Education Minister Congratulates Oranje School Graduates

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honorable Wycliffe Smith celebrated the success of the Oranje School’s Graduating Class of 2018 at their school leaving exercise held at the Dutch Quarter Community Centre on Thursday, June 28, 2018.

The theme set was “My Passion Leads Me to My Purpose… Today My Life Begins!” Minister Smith addressed the gathering of students, parents and teachers, commending them for demonstrating the Sint. Maarten spirit of resilience after hurricanes Irma and Maria. He applauded the teachers for being able to push forward with the education of the children, “despite their own family struggles and the damaged conditions of the classrooms.”

Minister Smith spoke to the graduates on finding their passion and fulfilling their God-given purpose. By sharing the story of singer Justin Bieber’s rise to fame and finding purpose, Smith encouraged the graduates to identify their passion, though it may be different from the norm, and pursue it.

The Honorable Minister said, “Your passion may not be everyone else’s idea of what you should be doing, but it is the only thing will bring you that satisfaction of a job well done. Study hard, practice often, and follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose, and therein lies the best days of your life!”

Minister Smith advised parents and teachers to recognize the talent in each child, and to support them in developing these into careers. With the diversity of the Sint Maarten economy, all professions are needed. Smith declared his commitment and the plans from the Governing Program to repair and rebuild schools to be disaster-ready and to improve the curriculum and technological infrastructure that will better serve the community of Sint Maarten.