Bridge to bold hosts Master Class 2025, inspiring St. Maarten youth to dream big and shine bright

CUPECOY--The Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation successfully hosted Master Class 2025 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy. Students from St. Dominic High School, Milton Peters College, and Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts gathered for a transformative afternoon centered on creativity, motivation, discipline, and personal development under the theme “Dream Big, Shine Bright.”

This year’s Master Class included a special recorded message from legendary icon Dionne Warwick, who offered encouragement and insight for students pursuing excellence in the arts. The program continued with a distinguished live panel led by Sandi M. Logan, Principal of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Isaac Daniel, Assistant Principal for the Performing Arts at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Dr. Lynne Long, Director of Field Experiences for Teaching, Learning and Professional Development at Bowie State University, Dr. Tasheka L. Green, President, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of To Everything There Is a Season Learning Academy and Consultants LLC, and Executive Producer, producer and writer Guy Draper. The discussion was hosted and moderated by Anna E. Richardson, Board Member of the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation.

The afternoon began with a musical performance by the AUC Choir, setting a warm and uplifting tone for what became an impactful educational experience. Students were then presented with an impressive informational video about the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. The promotional feature highlighted several well-known actors and singers who graduated from the school and have gone on to achieve notable international success. The video immediately captured the students’ attention, sparking genuine curiosity and fueling a flood of thoughtful and insightful questions directed to the panelists.

During the interactive question and answer session, students explored topics related to artistic discipline, academic excellence, creative expression, resilience, leadership, performance preparation, and the importance of cultivating a strong personal mindset. The engagement demonstrated their hunger for knowledge and their desire to better understand the pathways available in the arts and beyond.

The Master Class concluded with closing reflections and a group photo that captured the unity and shared purpose of the day. Students, panelists and distinguished guests also participated in a brief networking moment, which provided the opportunity for personal encouragement, connection and further guidance.

Appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Bridge to Bold extends its heartfelt appreciation to the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine for hosting and supporting Master Class 2025. The University’s commitment to community engagement and youth development played a meaningful role in creating a memorable, inspiring, and seamless event for all attendees.

Special acknowledgment is extended to Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, Shirley Serbony, Director of the Standardized Patient Program and Manager of the Clinical Skills Simulation Center, and Gerard Lake, Administrator of Campus Operations for STM Medical Administration. Their coordination, hospitality, and leadership ensured a smooth and welcoming experience from start to finish.

Dr. Natalie Humphrey shared, “The Bridge to Bold Master Class not only empowered students with essential skills and knowledge, it also fostered a culture of innovation and community engagement. The program inspired youth through its focus on academic excellence, talent development, and the belief in endless possibilities. The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine is proud to have been part of an initiative that helps shape a brighter future for St. Maarten in the arts.”

Dr. Lynne Long of Bowie State University added, “It was an absolute honor to participate in the Dionne Warwick platform, alongside the Bridge to Bold Foundation, and to engage with such extraordinary young people from the three high schools in St. Maarten. The students’ questions were nothing short of amazing, thought provoking, insightful, and filled with possibility. Their curiosity shows that with hard work and dedication, they can go anywhere their dreams lead them, whether in the arts or beyond. Being part of their journey was truly inspiring.”

A Shared Vision for Youth Advancement

Bridge to Bold expresses deep gratitude to the participating schools, families, community partners, distinguished guests and most importantly the students whose energy, passion and engagement made Master Class 2025 a significant and inspiring milestone for the island’s youth.

Looking ahead, the Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation intends to expand and elevate the Master Class annually, welcoming additional schools and offering even greater access to artistic, academic and leadership development opportunities. The Foundation continues to strengthen its relationships with institutions such as the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Bowie State University, both of which offer important pathways for students interested in careers and advanced study in the arts. Bridge to Bold also aims to develop scholarship opportunities for Sint Maarten students seeking to pursue higher education at Bowie State University.

About Bridge to Bold

The Bridge to Bold Sint Maarten Foundation is devoted to creating pathways to higher education, creative and leadership development, and international exposure for young people throughout Dutch Sint Maarten. The Foundation is committed to cultivating confident, capable, and community minded future leaders who will positively impact the island and the world.

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