CUL DE SAC–Despite the challenges St. Maarten Academy faces, the school recently continued its tradition of giving through its annual service initiative – Project Hope.
Students and staff donated grocery baskets with turkeys and ham to 24 families of less fortunate students and friends during a one-month drive for charity. The theme for this Project Hope was “Extending Hands, Extending Hearts.”
This was the 17th year of this “well-supported” venture. Students, staff, parents, management and the board of the school had been donating canned goods, non-perishable food items and cash to bring cheer and assistance to some families who faced difficult economic challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Principal Tallulah Baly-Vanterpool said “The St. Maarten Academy is not only in the business of academic excellence, but we are also about shaping character through the development of the whole child. It is how we are teaching this next generation that they have the power to make a difference and the responsibility of service.”
Students and staff volunteered to sort the items and pack baskets with “much love and care.” Staff gave their time in making personal deliveries to the homes of these families in several communities across the island – such as St. Peters, Cole Bay, Cay Bay, Philipsburg, Dutch Quarter, French Quarter and anywhere between.
Vice-Principal Kim Lucas-Felix said: “We inculcate values such as caring, compassion, kindness, generosity and service, which are demonstrated in our students’ donations and volunteerism during Project Hope. We were moved by the many smiles, warm hugs and many grateful faces throughout the day and give thanks to all who have contributed in one way or the other.”
The Board of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), under which the school falls, also extended its benevolence to school bus drivers who have been going beyond the call of duty to safely transport students to and from school under the shift schedule.
“Some drivers work all day on the regular route and although they may be tired, they still accommodate our evening schedule without complaints,” one official of the school stated. It is for this reason that FAVE felt it necessary to say thank you to the hardworking bus drivers by giving them turkeys and hams for the holiday. “It may not be much, but we want them to know that we really, really do appreciate what they have done and continue to do for our students,” it was stated in a press release.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84232-academy-donates-items-to-24-families-through-project-hope
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