Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake on Wednesday went back to basics when he visited his former elementary school once known as the St. Peters Hillside School.
Tatiana Arrindell, Parents/Teachers Association President of the Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School, has introduced a new program called, "Products of Hillside Christian School."
This program is designed to motivate students to greatness. Each month the students will be introduced to different professionals in the community, which all attended and/or graduated from the St. Peters Hillside School now known as the Hillside Christian School.
For the month of September the invitation was extended to Minister Maurice Lake to kick off the program. Minister Lake gave the students of group seven and eight, seven steps to success. The kids listened energetically and in amazement to know that one of their own was now holding the position of Minister.
"I too am a product of Hillside and am glad that I can give back to my school in this position as President of the PTA Board," Tatiana Arrindell said on Wednesday.
Arrindell is also urging other "Products of the Hillside Christian School" interested in coming in and giving the students a motivational talk to please contact the office of the Asha Stevens Hillside School.
Minister Lake stated that it was an honor giving back to his school as alumni and sharing with grade seven and eight his seven success factors as a former student. The students wrote down Lake’s seven success factors and will apply it to their life long journey in education.
The seven success factors are: 1) have a positive attitude at all time. Your attitude determines how you act in life; 2) Be a team player, to be supportive of your teacher, classmates and friends; 3) Perseverance, never quit; 4) Respect yourself and others; 5) Do your homework, keep up to date with your lessons; 6) Be a leader and not a follower; 7) Be an overachiever, strive for the best and more, and to always give it your best.
In closing the students sang the school song and Minister Lake wished them all the best with their studies and reminded them they are Sint Maarten’s future and to make the country proud of them.
Minister Lake also disclosed to the students his favorite bible verse, "When the enemy put doubts in your head," Philipians Chapter 4, verse 13.1, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Minister Lake reminded the pupils that Jesus says all things and not just one thing and for them to keep their head up and follow their dreams and goals and be the best they can be.
Also present for the motivational speech were: Principal Clara Curiel and Managing Director and Co-founder Asha Stevens.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister Maurice Lake standing in front of the classroom full of students. DCOMM Photo