PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin hosted the USM Preparatory Program (PRE-USM) class of 2016 Graduation Ceremony.
The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs, Ms. Silveria Jacobs attended the ceremony and gave encouraging words to the graduates. The Minister stressed the importance of programs such as the PRE-USM program, which guides our young people in taking steps to obtain their tertiary education degree by enrolling in a college/university.
President of the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet applauded the graduates on taking the necessary steps in accomplishing their ultimate goal which is becoming a college-educated citizen. Mrs. Giterson-Pantophlet also acknowledged those students who made extra sacrifices to participate in the program. Some students had enormous responsibilities such as leaving their children at home or working a full-time but still managed to attend classes every day and passed successfully.
Ms. Katiusca Rodriguez received an award for having the highest average score. Ms. Rodriguez was presented the award by English instructor, Ms. Dorothy Richardson. Ms. Richardson stated that she is so proud to present the award to Ms. Rodriguez because she could recall the first time meeting Katiusca in elementary school. When Katiusca started school she could not speak English but within four months she managed to speak the language fluently. When she graduated from sixth grade she told me that she is not going to remain on that level, but she had dreams to go higher and higher. The day I got the list of the PRE-USM students and I saw her name; I said YES she made it!
The Pre-USM program is a 10-month college preparatory program that allows students who previously graduated with a TKL, PKL/PSVE diploma, to acquire the necessary skills, concepts, and experiences in order to be admitted into a degree program at USM or to be prepared for a college placement test elsewhere. The program entails GED tutor classes, preparatory courses in Math, English, Life Sciences and Languages, in addition, students participate in a job placement program. Once students successfully complete the program, they will earn their GED diploma and exemptions from Skills Courses if enrolled in a USM academic degree program.
The PRE-USM coordinator would like to acknowledge persons and institutions in the community who offered their assistance in making the skills courses successful: The St. Maarten Museum, The Daily Herald, Ms. Clara Reyes, Mr. Fernando Clarke, Mr. Jay Haviser, Mr. Tdazio Berevoerts, Ras Mosera, Mr. Russel Bell and Mr. De Wit.
Persons interested in applying to the program should consult with the Admissions office at the University of St. Martin or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
