GREAT BAY--Abhiram Lulla of St. Dominic High School has won first place in the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset's inaugural “Inspired by My Teacher” Essay/Poem Video Competition, receiving 1,213 likes across the club's social media platforms. His teacher, Tr. Thompson, was also recognized for her influence on his educational journey.
The competition invited students between the ages of four and 18 to produce short videos explaining how a teacher had inspired them. A total of 29 students from eight schools participated, with winners determined through public engagement on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Lulla 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.
Second place went to Manoe Morelli of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, whose entry attracted 821 likes. Morelli received JBL headphones sponsored by Brilliant Minds Learning Center. His teacher, Mrs. Anjali, received a facial treatment sponsored by The Wax Room and a pedicure sponsored by Angelic Touch Day Spa.
The awards were presented during the Rotary Club's general meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, attended by Rotarians, students, parents, supporters and representatives of sponsoring businesses.
Representatives Jade Maccow of Brilliant Minds Learning Center and Magdiona Gumbs of Digital Gumbs presented the student prizes, while Onicka Williams represented Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. June Peters, representing Shawn York of Framing Culture, presented framed depictions of St. Martin to the winning students and teachers.
Tr. Thompson was unable to attend the ceremony, but her daughter, Davian Thompson, accepted the recognition on her behalf.
Beyond the top two winners, the club recognized all 29 participating students and the teachers they nominated. Each received a Certificate of Participation and a special Superstar Medallion, with Rotarians visiting participating schools to distribute the awards.
Youth Service Chair for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, Elisia Lake, said the initiative was designed to provide students with an opportunity to express appreciation for teachers whose contributions often go unrecognized.
“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,” Lake said.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset thanked the participating schools, students, parents, teachers, sponsors and members of the public who supported the competition.
The organization hopes to make the initiative an annual event, encouraging additional students to recognize educators who have positively influenced their lives.
