MAHO, Sint Maarten –– St, Maarten-Students of the secondary school, the St. Maarten P.S.V.E were treated to a full day of motivation on Wednesday at the Sonesta Maho resort ball room. “Excellence is not a skill” was the theme of The Student Care Department who organized the Motivational Day for approximately 100 exam candidates.
The focus of the motivational day was to encourage students to do well on their exams through conference and practicum internalization of achieving their goals and aspirations. The morning started off with a welcome address by principle Solange Duncan and teachers uplifting students through prayer and song.
Minister of Education Rita Bourne Gumbs was a no show as she was scheduled for 8:55am to officially open the motivational day, this did not stop the festivities as Duncan Van Heyningen supervisor of air traffic control tower at SXM airport spoke to the students about making that mental switch when preparing for exams.
After a 30 minute break, students went back in to get study tips from teachers and took part in test taking strategies. The student care department deemed the motivational day a success.
Story by Andrew Dick / SXM News Room

PRESS RELEASE
The day started out with a heartfelt welcome and encouraging words by Mrs. Duncan the schools principal who officially opened the Motivational day.
Mr. Duncan Van Heyningen who is the supervisor at the air traffic control department of SXM airport had a very motivational presentation with the students. He gave them practical information and advice on how to make the mental switch from transitioning from high school to furthering their education. He also gave the students guidelines on budgeting their money, taking responsibility and how to make the right decisions. They were also given tips on achieving whatever they want in life.
Mrs. Kerry Laurence explained the grading system and she also gave them study tips. Mrs. Marisha Olivacee- Carty gave them test taking tips and explained to them methods on how to reduce anxiety during test.
This would not have been possible if it was not for the Sonest Maho Beach Hotel Resort and Casino who sponsored the entire event, The Ministry of Education for the buses, the teachers and most of all the Students of The St. Maarten Academy PSVE School who is busy changing the world by changing themselves. At the end of this event students were inspired to do their utmost best.