SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - A simple message of appreciation can make a lasting difference in the life of a teacher. That message came to life through the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset’s inaugural “Inspired by My Teacher” Essay/Poem Video Competition, which celebrated the dedication, influence, and inspiration of teachers through the creativity and voices of young people.
The competition invited students between the ages of 4 and 18 to create short videos expressing how a teacher had inspired them. Students were encouraged to share their entries with the public, with voting taking place through likes on the club’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms.
The initiative attracted 29 students representing eight schools, demonstrating the meaningful connections students share with the educators who guide, encourage, and support them.
Taking first place was Abhiram Lulla of St. Dominic High School, whose entry received an impressive 1,213 total likes. Abhiram’s teacher, Tr. Thompson, was also recognized for her contribution to his educational journey.
Abhiram received a Samsung tablet sponsored by Digital Gumbs, while Tr. Thompson was awarded a two-night stay at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, sponsored by the resort. Securing second place was Manoe Morelli of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, with 821 total likes.
Manoe’s teacher, Mrs. Anjali, was recognized alongside her student. Manoe received JBL headphones sponsored by Brilliant Minds Learning Center, while Mrs. Anjali received a facial treatment sponsored by The Wax Room and a pedicure sponsored by Angelic Touch Day Spa.
The winners received their prizes during the club’s General Meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the presence of Rotarians, students, parents, supporters, and representatives of the sponsoring businesses. Jade Maccow of Brilliant Minds Learning Center and Magdiona Gumbs of Digital Gumbs were present to hand over the JBL headphones and Samsung tablet, respectively.
Onicka Williams represented Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, which sponsored the two-night hotel stay awarded to Tr. Thompson. June Peters represented Shawn York of Framing Culture and presented beautifully framed depictions of St. Martin to each winning student and teacher.
Although Tr. Thompson was unable to attend, her daughter, Davian Thompson, was present to receive the recognition on her behalf. Beyond the winners, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset ensured that every participant was celebrated.
All 29 students and the teachers they highlighted received Certificates of Participation and special Superstar Medallions. Rotarians personally visited the participating schools to present these tokens of appreciation, recognizing the effort, creativity, and heartfelt messages shared by the students.
Youth Service Chair for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, Elisia Lake, expressed her appreciation to the students, teachers, parents, schools, sponsors, and everyone who supported the initiative.
“Sometimes, teachers do not get to hear just how much of a difference they make in the lives of their students. We wanted to give children an opportunity to say thank you through their creativity, words, and talents. Every video told a story, and all 29 participants deserve to be celebrated. We hope that next year even more students will step forward and share their stories. You do not have to win a prize to make your teacher feel like a superstar,” Elisia shared.
The club extended its sincere appreciation to all the sponsors whose generosity made the competition and prizes possible, as well as to the schools, teachers, parents, and members of the public who supported the students by watching and voting.
Their involvement helped transform a simple video competition into a meaningful celebration of education and the people who make a difference in the lives of young learners.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset hopes to make the competition an annual initiative, encouraging even more students to participate in the coming year. The club invites schools, parents, and students to look out for the next edition and take part in celebrating the teachers who inspire them.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Carl & Son’s in Cole Bay. For more information about the club and its community initiatives, follow @rotarysxmsunset on Facebook and Instagram or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
