Dr. Jennifer Geerling-Simons, the AlphaMax Academy 2010 Graduation Keynote Guest Speaker,
was today, named Chairman of the National Assembly of Suriname.
It was a historic event as the new leader and many supporters in the Assembly and on the streets acknowledged her election. Her assumption of the position marks the start of the transition of power from the former government. According to one observer, “This is another significant moment in the growth of Suriname as a democracy in the post-colonial era.”
At the graduation ceremony last Thursday, Dr. Simons told the 12 AlphaMax graduates and over 300 parents, friends and well-wishers who had gathered at the Torarica Banquet Hall. “What I see in your eyes is expectation. … It’s a new beginning we’re celebrating here.”
“What will matter most in your life, based on my life experience, is your relationships,” she stressed, referring to the three most important types of relationships they would encounter in their lives. First is the relationship with God - the universe. Then there is the important relationship with nature. And third, of equal significance, will be their relationships with others. Dr. Simons, a medical doctor by profession, told the graduates, “It is your relationship with other people that makes you a person.”
The Administration & Staff of the AlphaMax Academy wish our 2010 Keynote Guest Speaker, Dr. Jennifer Simons: 'Success & Joy' in her new onerous responsibility especially at this significant historic juncture.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
AlphaMax Graduation and Pictures 2010
At the graduation and prize-giving ceremony for 12 high school graduates, Paramaribo’s most popular female parliamentarian, Dr Jennifer Simons, received a standing ovation following her keynote address to the gathering of more than 300 students, parents, friends and well wishers who were assembled on Thursday evening at the Torarica Banquet Hall in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Dr. Simons told the graduating class, “What I see in your eyes is expectation. … It’s a new beginning we’re celebrating here.”
“What will matter most in your life, based on my life experience, is your relationships,” she stressed, referring to the three most important types of relationships they would encounter in their lives. First is the relationship with God - the universe. Then there is the important relationship with nature. And third, of equal significance, will be their relationships with others. Dr. Simons told the graduates, “It is your relationship with other people that makes you a person.”
The twelve students received their diplomas marking the successful completion of their secondary education at VWO and HAVO levels. After receiving their diplomas, Valedictorians, Marina Sew-Atjon and Zikomo Mhango, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Class of 2010.
Members of the diplomatic corps, including Ambassador K.J.S Sodhi of India, U.S Ambassador John Nay, were in attendance at the ceremony where about 35 students received prizes for their meritorious performance and successful work during the academic year.
Four of the academy’s graduating class of 2010 scored in the top 5% of students worldwide who took the American College Test (ACT) during the current academic year. The students were Vincent Hilversum with 31, Zikomo Mhango with 30, and Stephan Playfair and Marina Sew – Atjon with 29, respectively.
This was the tenth graduation award ceremony since the AlphaMax Academy started in September 1998.
AlphaMax School awards for 2010
Zikomo Mhango and Marina Sew-Atjon were the outstanding performers for 2010 at AlphaMax. They headed the list of students who won prizes and awards at the Graduation Ceremony held last Thurday at Torarica.
The full list of winners is as follows:
ACADEMY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Best Overall Academic Performance: Zikomo Mhango
Best GAC Scholar : Marina Sew-Atjon
GAC Merit Award : Daniel Lee, Sabrina Vaseur
Humanities Award: Stephan Playfair
Best ACT : Vincent Hilversum
Best TOEFL : Marina Sew-Atjon, Zikomo Mhango
PSAT Merit : Kristina Taylor
Gandhi-King Award : Stephan Playfair, Marina Sew-Atjon
Kristina Taylor, Sharen-Vess Schaap
Best GAC Scholar : Marina Sew-Atjon
GAC Merit Award : Daniel Lee, Sabrina Vaseur
Humanities Award: Stephan Playfair
Best ACT : Vincent Hilversum
Best TOEFL : Marina Sew-Atjon, Zikomo Mhango
PSAT Merit : Kristina Taylor
Gandhi-King Award : Stephan Playfair, Marina Sew-Atjon
Kristina Taylor, Sharen-Vess Schaap
HIGH SCHOOL
Math : Marina Sew-Atjon, Brienne Renfurm, Sharen-Vess Schaap,
Ruth Saman
Science: Jessica Bang A Foe, Claire Patandin, Ruth Saman
English Grammar : Marysa Brandflu
English Writing : Sharen-Vess Schaap, Ruth Saman, Kristina Taylor, Jason Hoppie
Art: Most Outstanding Sharen-Vess Schaap, Emily Jong Tjien Fa
Most Improved Marysa Brandflu, Jason Hoppie
Technical Drawing: Diego Frantzen, Yamil Kartoredjo, Jill Liauw Kie Fa
[Special Mention: Daniel Lee]
Sports : Brienne Renfurm, Renzo Tjon A Joe
Merit Awards : Jill Liauw Kie Fa, Kristina Taylor, Jason Hoppie,
Yamil Kartoredjo, Claire Patandin
Most Improved: Timothy Naarendorp, Shiromani Heilbron, Gabriel Grauwde
Math : Marina Sew-Atjon, Brienne Renfurm, Sharen-Vess Schaap,
Ruth Saman
Science: Jessica Bang A Foe, Claire Patandin, Ruth Saman
English Grammar : Marysa Brandflu
English Writing : Sharen-Vess Schaap, Ruth Saman, Kristina Taylor, Jason Hoppie
Art: Most Outstanding Sharen-Vess Schaap, Emily Jong Tjien Fa
Most Improved Marysa Brandflu, Jason Hoppie
Technical Drawing: Diego Frantzen, Yamil Kartoredjo, Jill Liauw Kie Fa
[Special Mention: Daniel Lee]
Sports : Brienne Renfurm, Renzo Tjon A Joe
Merit Awards : Jill Liauw Kie Fa, Kristina Taylor, Jason Hoppie,
Yamil Kartoredjo, Claire Patandin
Most Improved: Timothy Naarendorp, Shiromani Heilbron, Gabriel Grauwde
Best Performance: Emily Jong Tjien Fa, Reann Kersenhout
Math: Emily Jong Tjien Fa
Science : Tamia Hoppie, Emily Jong Tjien Fa
English: Reann Kersenhout, Tamia Hoppie, Emily Jong Tjien Fa
Technical Drawing: Aaqil Wazir, Alain Soekhlal
Most Improved: Alysha Wazir
Best Performance: Andrea Lau, Rebecca Voight, Matthew Ho
Phonics : Akash Lewis, Noor Patandin
Science: Santiago Chehin
Math : Rebecca Voight, Matthew Ho
Best Conduct : Lucienne Kuzmanovska, Andrea Lau
Arts & Crafts : Andrea Lau, Lucienne Kuzmanovska
Most Improved: Abigail Cambridge, Neo Ameerali
Monday, June 28, 2010
AMA TRIP TO AFOBAKA
EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL TRIP TO AFOBAKA,
Monday, 28th June 2010
The trip was meant in the first place for the Physics/Physical Science) students directly instructed by Mr. Emiel Krak. Graduates, other High School students, Middle School students, teachers and other staff could also participate. The trip was organized by Mrs. Joan Telgt, mother of one of the students, and Mr. Emiel Krak .
We went by bus. On the way back we were joined by some former-graduate students.
We went via the Martin Luther Kingweg (-Road) and arrived at Paranam where we stopped outside the bauxite plant of the Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco). From there Mr Krak explained the relationship between the Afobaka Dam and the bauxite plant and from there we had an overview of the plant. The hydro-electric installation and lake were built to supply the bauxite plant and the aluminum smelter with electrical relatively cheap energy. He explained how water power becomes electrical power and how it is transported to the bauxite plant and smelter.
Since aluminum smelting, which uses a lot of energy, was stopped 10 years ago, a lot of excess energy became available for Suriname. That energy is now the main source of electrical energy for Suriname.
Mr. Krak also spoke about the process and history of bauxite mining and conversion to alumina and the end product Aluminum. He also showed the obsolete aluminum smelters and also samples of bauxite, Alumina (half product between bauxite and Aluminum it self. In this arrangement Suriname became the country with a total integrated Operation( including (Mining, Refinery and Melting in one country located close to each other.)
After this we continued our trip to Afobaka (via Weg naar Afobaka (Road to Afobaka)). We drove in front of the dam and stopped at both sides of the dam. Mr. Krak explained how the the Hydro-electric installation worked. In short: at the bottom of the Dam there are turbines, which are moved by water flowing from the lake by water pressure through the dam (water power). The turbines connected rotors let coils moving in a magnetic field that generates electricity (hence generator) .The generated electricity is then being transported by electric wires supported by huge masts to Paranam Operations over a distance of approximately 200 km.
He also showed us the water spill ways, which are used when the water level becomes too high. In front of the dam we passed a big old turbine which is placed there for explanation of how it works in relation to electrical generation.
On the way back we went to Klaaskreek, a Maroon village at the banks of the confluence of Klaas Creek and Suriname River. We used the same roads to go back and the roads are never far from the Suriname River. The recreation facility at the bank of Suriname River is basically a nice place with neat huts, beach volleyball fields, restrooms and a swimming space which was shielded more or less with nets and poles. But minuses were that when we arrived there we saw people washing meat in the shielded space (unhygienic and may attract predatory fish), and at a few hundred meters distance a sand digging machine operating close to the bank made the water somewhat murky. So we decided not to swim there.
We complained about this to the people there. Later we concluded that the water was only suitable for paddling. Nevertheless we enjoyed the place, playing volleyball, walking around, relaxing and paddling. One of our teachers, Joan Grauwde, was recognized by a Klaaskreek Maroon lady who was trying to sell hand-made pangi’s (Marron dress) to us as her former teacher. This was a surprising and touching meeting of teacher and student. Our female teachers tried and also bought some nice pangi’s.
After this we went to the well-known water recreation facility of the Amerindian village Powaka with its fresh cola-coloured creek water. The cola-coloured water is not seen much in the world. The water gets is colour probably by mixing with finely dispersed humus. Another well-known recreation facility, Colakreek (Cola Creek), got its name from this kind of water.
The students who went on the trip were: Daniel Lee, Sabrina Vaseur, Khabir King.Ruth Saman, Gabriel Grauwde, Azim King, Claire Patandin, Vinantia Nandlal, Jason Hoppie, Jaleesa Pigot, Jill Liauw Kie Fa, Jessica Bang A Foe, Marysa Brand-Flu, Isaiah Wiebers, ReAnn Kaersenhout, Joia van Draanen,
The former students were Seon Gomes, Jess Ligeon, Jean Kartoredjo.The parent was Mrs. Joan Telgt.
Teachers and other staff: were:Mr. Emiel Krak, Mrs. Sharon Hoppie, Mrs. Joan Grauwde, Mr. Atma Jagbandhan, Ms. Mahnaz Kohinory, Ms. Gilian Gordon.
Monday, 28th June 2010
The trip was meant in the first place for the Physics/Physical Science) students directly instructed by Mr. Emiel Krak. Graduates, other High School students, Middle School students, teachers and other staff could also participate. The trip was organized by Mrs. Joan Telgt, mother of one of the students, and Mr. Emiel Krak .
We went by bus. On the way back we were joined by some former-graduate students.
We went via the Martin Luther Kingweg (-Road) and arrived at Paranam where we stopped outside the bauxite plant of the Suriname Aluminum Company (Suralco). From there Mr Krak explained the relationship between the Afobaka Dam and the bauxite plant and from there we had an overview of the plant. The hydro-electric installation and lake were built to supply the bauxite plant and the aluminum smelter with electrical relatively cheap energy. He explained how water power becomes electrical power and how it is transported to the bauxite plant and smelter.
Since aluminum smelting, which uses a lot of energy, was stopped 10 years ago, a lot of excess energy became available for Suriname. That energy is now the main source of electrical energy for Suriname.
Mr. Krak also spoke about the process and history of bauxite mining and conversion to alumina and the end product Aluminum. He also showed the obsolete aluminum smelters and also samples of bauxite, Alumina (half product between bauxite and Aluminum it self. In this arrangement Suriname became the country with a total integrated Operation( including (Mining, Refinery and Melting in one country located close to each other.)
After this we continued our trip to Afobaka (via Weg naar Afobaka (Road to Afobaka)). We drove in front of the dam and stopped at both sides of the dam. Mr. Krak explained how the the Hydro-electric installation worked. In short: at the bottom of the Dam there are turbines, which are moved by water flowing from the lake by water pressure through the dam (water power). The turbines connected rotors let coils moving in a magnetic field that generates electricity (hence generator) .The generated electricity is then being transported by electric wires supported by huge masts to Paranam Operations over a distance of approximately 200 km.
He also showed us the water spill ways, which are used when the water level becomes too high. In front of the dam we passed a big old turbine which is placed there for explanation of how it works in relation to electrical generation.
On the way back we went to Klaaskreek, a Maroon village at the banks of the confluence of Klaas Creek and Suriname River. We used the same roads to go back and the roads are never far from the Suriname River. The recreation facility at the bank of Suriname River is basically a nice place with neat huts, beach volleyball fields, restrooms and a swimming space which was shielded more or less with nets and poles. But minuses were that when we arrived there we saw people washing meat in the shielded space (unhygienic and may attract predatory fish), and at a few hundred meters distance a sand digging machine operating close to the bank made the water somewhat murky. So we decided not to swim there.
We complained about this to the people there. Later we concluded that the water was only suitable for paddling. Nevertheless we enjoyed the place, playing volleyball, walking around, relaxing and paddling. One of our teachers, Joan Grauwde, was recognized by a Klaaskreek Maroon lady who was trying to sell hand-made pangi’s (Marron dress) to us as her former teacher. This was a surprising and touching meeting of teacher and student. Our female teachers tried and also bought some nice pangi’s.
After this we went to the well-known water recreation facility of the Amerindian village Powaka with its fresh cola-coloured creek water. The cola-coloured water is not seen much in the world. The water gets is colour probably by mixing with finely dispersed humus. Another well-known recreation facility, Colakreek (Cola Creek), got its name from this kind of water.
The students who went on the trip were: Daniel Lee, Sabrina Vaseur, Khabir King.Ruth Saman, Gabriel Grauwde, Azim King, Claire Patandin, Vinantia Nandlal, Jason Hoppie, Jaleesa Pigot, Jill Liauw Kie Fa, Jessica Bang A Foe, Marysa Brand-Flu, Isaiah Wiebers, ReAnn Kaersenhout, Joia van Draanen,
The former students were Seon Gomes, Jess Ligeon, Jean Kartoredjo.The parent was Mrs. Joan Telgt.
Teachers and other staff: were:Mr. Emiel Krak, Mrs. Sharon Hoppie, Mrs. Joan Grauwde, Mr. Atma Jagbandhan, Ms. Mahnaz Kohinory, Ms. Gilian Gordon.
Five AlphaMax Students on Suriname's Team to CISC in Cuba
Five AlphaMax students are in the 12 member Suriname team to the 18th Caribbean Islands Swimming Championship (CISC) being held in Cuba.They are: Brienne Renfurm, Daniel Kolf, Renzo Tjon Ajoe, Michael Grauwde and Wayne Denswil.
The meet starts today -- June 28th and ends on Friday , July 2nd at the Pan American Water Sports Complex in Havana.
The Caribbean Island Swimming Championships,is a biennial aquatics championships held in even years. Organized by Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN).CCCAN is a member organization of UANA and is affiliated to FINA. UANA is the Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas and is the continental swimming association for the Americas. FINA is the acronym for Fédération Internationale de Natation.It is the International Federation (IF) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the administrators of international competition in aquatic sports
The meet features age-group competition for teams from 20 Caribbean island nations.The countries have been invited to the 2010 Championships are: Antigua and Barbuda,Aruba, Bahamas,Barbados, Bermuda,Cayman Islands,Cuba,Dominica,Dominican Republic,Grenada, Guadeloupe,Jamaica,Netherlands Antilles,Martinique,Puerto Rico,Saint Lucia,Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,Suriname,Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The CISCs predominantly draws Caribbean Teams but it also attracts participation from Suriname, (a member of CONSANAT--South America's Swimming Confederation), Guadeloupe and Martinique( these islands technically fall under the jurisdiction of the French Swimming Federation).
This is the second time for this year that these five AlphaMax swimmers have been selected to represent Suriname Internationally. In April they were on the Suriname team for the CARIFTA Games which were held in Jamaica.
The meet starts today -- June 28th and ends on Friday , July 2nd at the Pan American Water Sports Complex in Havana.
The Caribbean Island Swimming Championships,is a biennial aquatics championships held in even years. Organized by Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN).CCCAN is a member organization of UANA and is affiliated to FINA. UANA is the Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas and is the continental swimming association for the Americas. FINA is the acronym for Fédération Internationale de Natation.It is the International Federation (IF) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the administrators of international competition in aquatic sports
The meet features age-group competition for teams from 20 Caribbean island nations.The countries have been invited to the 2010 Championships are: Antigua and Barbuda,Aruba, Bahamas,Barbados, Bermuda,Cayman Islands,Cuba,Dominica,Dominican Republic,Grenada, Guadeloupe,Jamaica,Netherlands Antilles,Martinique,Puerto Rico,Saint Lucia,Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,Suriname,Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The CISCs predominantly draws Caribbean Teams but it also attracts participation from Suriname, (a member of CONSANAT--South America's Swimming Confederation), Guadeloupe and Martinique( these islands technically fall under the jurisdiction of the French Swimming Federation).
This is the second time for this year that these five AlphaMax swimmers have been selected to represent Suriname Internationally. In April they were on the Suriname team for the CARIFTA Games which were held in Jamaica.
2010 Graduation a huge success
Parents and friends of AlphaMax Academy witnessed a successful graduation ceremony on Thursday 24 June at the Toraica Banquet Hall in Paramaribo.
A packed hall saw the twelve graduating students receive their Diplomas from the chairman of the Board of Trustees the Hon. Eugene Noordpool and Keynote Speaker the Honourable Drs. Jennifer Simmons,M.D. The graduating class of 2010 were also congratulated on stage by the other members of the board--Ir. Emiel Krak, Prof. Dennis Wip, Dr. Eugene Merkus, Sean Taylor, Director of Studies.
The program for the evening began with the procession of Graduates and the board led by Marshall Simone Griffith and three members of the graduating class bearing the school banner( Zikomo Mhango, Daniel Lee and Sabrina . The first item was a PowerPoint Presentation based on the architect's conception of the new AlphaMax Facility that is being constructed.
This was followed by the awards ceremony in which those students who had performed well during the academic year in lower, middle and high school received awards and prizes.
Next the Class of 2010 was presented by Milton Drepaul, Deputy Director and Co-ordinator of the Global Assessment program at AlphaMax Academy.
The students who graduated were: Diego Fransen, Vincent Hilversum, Khabir King,Daniel Lee, Zikomo Mhango, Stephan Playfair,Marina Sew- Atjon, Sabrina Vaseur, Sabrina W, and Isiah Webbers. Mr. Taylor and Marshall Simone Griffith then conducted the ceremony in which prayers were said for the graduates and the charge to the 2010 class was delivered by Director Sean Taylor. This touching part of the event was the school's last directive to its students before they entered another phase of their lives.
The valedictory address for the class was delived jointly by Marina Sew-Atjon and Zikomo Mhango.
Finally , Dr. Jennifer Simons gave a simple but moving address to the graduates in which the emphasized the need for young people to be grounded in basic values of love for God, Nature and other people. She stessed that our most valuable contribution in this life was our relationships with others whether they were friends or not. How well we managed our relationships defined our success as humans.
The program was interspersed by a piano /flute recital by David Chen ( Class of 2009) and Maryse Brandflu; a recital of excerpts from Rabindranath Tagore's Gitangili from Sabrina Vaseur,Krisina Taylor, Ruth Saman and Michelle Partoredjo ;and a guitar rendition from three Middle school students.
A packed hall saw the twelve graduating students receive their Diplomas from the chairman of the Board of Trustees the Hon. Eugene Noordpool and Keynote Speaker the Honourable Drs. Jennifer Simmons,M.D. The graduating class of 2010 were also congratulated on stage by the other members of the board--Ir. Emiel Krak, Prof. Dennis Wip, Dr. Eugene Merkus, Sean Taylor, Director of Studies.
The program for the evening began with the procession of Graduates and the board led by Marshall Simone Griffith and three members of the graduating class bearing the school banner( Zikomo Mhango, Daniel Lee and Sabrina . The first item was a PowerPoint Presentation based on the architect's conception of the new AlphaMax Facility that is being constructed.
This was followed by the awards ceremony in which those students who had performed well during the academic year in lower, middle and high school received awards and prizes.
Next the Class of 2010 was presented by Milton Drepaul, Deputy Director and Co-ordinator of the Global Assessment program at AlphaMax Academy.
The students who graduated were: Diego Fransen, Vincent Hilversum, Khabir King,Daniel Lee, Zikomo Mhango, Stephan Playfair,Marina Sew- Atjon, Sabrina Vaseur, Sabrina W, and Isiah Webbers. Mr. Taylor and Marshall Simone Griffith then conducted the ceremony in which prayers were said for the graduates and the charge to the 2010 class was delivered by Director Sean Taylor. This touching part of the event was the school's last directive to its students before they entered another phase of their lives.
The valedictory address for the class was delived jointly by Marina Sew-Atjon and Zikomo Mhango.
Finally , Dr. Jennifer Simons gave a simple but moving address to the graduates in which the emphasized the need for young people to be grounded in basic values of love for God, Nature and other people. She stessed that our most valuable contribution in this life was our relationships with others whether they were friends or not. How well we managed our relationships defined our success as humans.
The program was interspersed by a piano /flute recital by David Chen ( Class of 2009) and Maryse Brandflu; a recital of excerpts from Rabindranath Tagore's Gitangili from Sabrina Vaseur,Krisina Taylor, Ruth Saman and Michelle Partoredjo ;and a guitar rendition from three Middle school students.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
To the 2010 AMA Graduates--From Ros Washington, Academic Director, ACT Education Solutions.
A Tribute for Graduation Day, 24 June 2010
From Ros Washington, Academic Director, ACT Education Solutions.
Please read:
I truly regret being unable to be with you today on this wonderful occasion –the graduation of the third group of Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) students from the Alphamax Academy.
Although I have never met you, I do feel that I know each one of you. I have visited your wonderful and caring school twice in the past and can picture where you have studied, laughed, discussed and struggled over your study! Now that I have read all of your many, many assignments and looked at your PowerPoint presentations, I know where your interests lie by the topics you chose to study. I have observed – albeit from afar - your improvement bit by bit from Level 1, through level 2, and then level 3, and I see that you have all grown into thinking and mature adults. And it is so wonderful to learn that for some of you (Vincent), the research you did for GAC assessments has helped you to clarify your future direction in life.
Now that you have worked your way through the sometimes seemingly gruelling expectations of the GAC (!!), may I assure you that now in your academic life there will be nothing you will not know how to do. You can start the next stage of your life with the confidence that the academic and social skills you have learnt in the GAC have indeed prepared you to - not only succeed well in your chosen university course,- but also succeed in your lives as capable, well adjusted, and high achieving people with the ability to go forward in an increasingly competitive world.
However it is not easy out there..in this competitive world and it is important to remember just a few things:
First NEVER lose faith in yourself and what you can do!
To quote Steve Jobs (CEO and co-founder of APPLE) in his 2005 Stanford Inaugural address:
“The only way to be truly satisfied in your work is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. So if you don’t know yet what it is you really want to do: Keep looking! Don’t settle!”
So Believe in yourself and Follow your heart!
A second thing to remember is don’t ever compromise your basic values – only ever do what you truly believe – believe right deep inside of you - is the right thing to do. Even if everyone else is doing something else, trust in yourself and the values you have been taught by your parents and your teachers.
Don’t compromise values!
And lastly, always have a positive and caring attitude to others as well as for yourself.
Remember that a true test of a person’s worth lies in how much a person gives to society rather than how much they gain.
Consider and Care for others!
And so to each of you in this class of 2010: Good luck! Congratulations! and all the very best for your future whether it be in Suriname, the USA, Holland or even Japan. Wherever you end up studying, we all know you will do exceptionally well; you have been given the foundation...now go on and make the most of yourselves! And make sure you enjoy yourselves along the way!
Of course, you must give great thanks to your wonderful teachers who have guided you through this part of your education– and in particular Milton, Sean, Hortence and Emiel all of whom have nurtured you with love and dedication.
Congratulations!
Ros Washington
Congratulations also from Gaye Pullyn, the General Manager of ACT Education Solutions and all the staff at ACT.
From Ros Washington, Academic Director, ACT Education Solutions.
Please read:
I truly regret being unable to be with you today on this wonderful occasion –the graduation of the third group of Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) students from the Alphamax Academy.
Although I have never met you, I do feel that I know each one of you. I have visited your wonderful and caring school twice in the past and can picture where you have studied, laughed, discussed and struggled over your study! Now that I have read all of your many, many assignments and looked at your PowerPoint presentations, I know where your interests lie by the topics you chose to study. I have observed – albeit from afar - your improvement bit by bit from Level 1, through level 2, and then level 3, and I see that you have all grown into thinking and mature adults. And it is so wonderful to learn that for some of you (Vincent), the research you did for GAC assessments has helped you to clarify your future direction in life.
Now that you have worked your way through the sometimes seemingly gruelling expectations of the GAC (!!), may I assure you that now in your academic life there will be nothing you will not know how to do. You can start the next stage of your life with the confidence that the academic and social skills you have learnt in the GAC have indeed prepared you to - not only succeed well in your chosen university course,- but also succeed in your lives as capable, well adjusted, and high achieving people with the ability to go forward in an increasingly competitive world.
However it is not easy out there..in this competitive world and it is important to remember just a few things:
First NEVER lose faith in yourself and what you can do!
To quote Steve Jobs (CEO and co-founder of APPLE) in his 2005 Stanford Inaugural address:
“The only way to be truly satisfied in your work is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. So if you don’t know yet what it is you really want to do: Keep looking! Don’t settle!”
So Believe in yourself and Follow your heart!
A second thing to remember is don’t ever compromise your basic values – only ever do what you truly believe – believe right deep inside of you - is the right thing to do. Even if everyone else is doing something else, trust in yourself and the values you have been taught by your parents and your teachers.
Don’t compromise values!
And lastly, always have a positive and caring attitude to others as well as for yourself.
Remember that a true test of a person’s worth lies in how much a person gives to society rather than how much they gain.
Consider and Care for others!
And so to each of you in this class of 2010: Good luck! Congratulations! and all the very best for your future whether it be in Suriname, the USA, Holland or even Japan. Wherever you end up studying, we all know you will do exceptionally well; you have been given the foundation...now go on and make the most of yourselves! And make sure you enjoy yourselves along the way!
Of course, you must give great thanks to your wonderful teachers who have guided you through this part of your education– and in particular Milton, Sean, Hortence and Emiel all of whom have nurtured you with love and dedication.
Congratulations!
Ros Washington
Congratulations also from Gaye Pullyn, the General Manager of ACT Education Solutions and all the staff at ACT.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Stephan Playfair wins Third Place Award from International Digital Dreams Festival.
AlphaMax Graduating student (Class of 2010) Stephan Playfair won the third place award in an International Film competition sponsored by the Cosmopolitan Group in Holland.
In August 2010 Stephan entered a contest called “Digital Dreams Festival”. A month later he learnt that he was shortlisted with nine other participants for the finals.
This group then did a three day crash course in cinematography, directing, and camerawork. At the end of the course each participant had to direct and film his or her own five minute movie. Each participant was given exactly one week to complete the movie. The movie’s theme was where you see yourself in the future.
In an interview Stephan said that he spent the first day creating his storyboard. Then he took three days developing a story for his film. On day four, Stephan assembled the required camera and lighting equipment. He also selected his aunt’s house in Uitvlucht, Paramaribo as the shooting location. Shooting started the next day. The lead actor was Zikomo Mhango. The technical and make up crew were David Chen, Raoul Gondorf, and Gerda Getrouw. Sunday was the last day of shooting. The film was then submitted to the judging panel.
In November the finalists all presented their films. Stephan’s entry was the first to be viewed.
Three judges critically watched each movie several times. The panel took some time to come up with their final decisions. The winner of the Digital Dreams Video production was Sulaigha Winkle, second place was given to Dexter Piere Point, and third place was awarded to Stephan Playfair.
As third place prize winner Stephan was awarded a three month internship at the NSS studio (Now named Star Nieuws) The two other winners were awarded tickets to the Netherlands where they competed for a European prize.
In August 2010 Stephan entered a contest called “Digital Dreams Festival”. A month later he learnt that he was shortlisted with nine other participants for the finals.
This group then did a three day crash course in cinematography, directing, and camerawork. At the end of the course each participant had to direct and film his or her own five minute movie. Each participant was given exactly one week to complete the movie. The movie’s theme was where you see yourself in the future.
In an interview Stephan said that he spent the first day creating his storyboard. Then he took three days developing a story for his film. On day four, Stephan assembled the required camera and lighting equipment. He also selected his aunt’s house in Uitvlucht, Paramaribo as the shooting location. Shooting started the next day. The lead actor was Zikomo Mhango. The technical and make up crew were David Chen, Raoul Gondorf, and Gerda Getrouw. Sunday was the last day of shooting. The film was then submitted to the judging panel.
In November the finalists all presented their films. Stephan’s entry was the first to be viewed.
Three judges critically watched each movie several times. The panel took some time to come up with their final decisions. The winner of the Digital Dreams Video production was Sulaigha Winkle, second place was given to Dexter Piere Point, and third place was awarded to Stephan Playfair.
As third place prize winner Stephan was awarded a three month internship at the NSS studio (Now named Star Nieuws) The two other winners were awarded tickets to the Netherlands where they competed for a European prize.
2010 AlphaMax Class Best Performers on ACT -In Top 5 % worldwide
2010-06-22 18:16:23 - Four AlphaMax students- Vincent Hilversum, Zikomo Mhango, Marina Sew Atjon, and Stephan Playfair, received scores of 31, 30, 29, and 29, respectively on the international American College Test (ACT) examination during the current academic year.
“The Class of 2010 is to date the best performing class of Academy scholars on the American College Test since we began taking this international university-entrance examination almost a decade ago,” said Academy Administrator Hortence M. Taylor-Claver, C.P.A..
This year, four Surinamese graduating students from the AlphaMax Academy, have raised [the Academy’s and] Suriname’s bar of achievement and excellence in international collegiate entrance examinations to a new height. The students, Vincent Hilversum, Zikomo Mhango, Marina Sew Atjon, and Stephan Playfair, received scores of 31, 30, 29, and 29, respectively on the international American College Test (ACT) examination during the current academic year.
“The Class of 2010 is to date the best performing class of Academy scholars on the American College Test since we began taking this international university-entrance examination almost a decade ago,” said Academy Administrator Hortence M. Taylor-Claver, C.P.A..
“These scores on the ACT place our graduating students in the top 5% worldwide,” said Ir. Emiel A. Krak, Deputy Director of the AlphaMax Academy. “This recent achievement positions our school in a coveted position, not only in Suriname, but in the Caribbean region, especially as we prepare to embark on a new decade of education for Surinamese young people within a wider international and global context.”
During their senior year of study at the Academy, all four Academy scholars completed their VWO-level course of study in addition to the Global Assessment Certificate program – a special first-year university program from ACT Education Solutions. The GAC program is moderated from Australia and upon completion students have access to over 150 universities worldwide.
Whereas Zikomo Mhango, with the second top ACT score, produced the best overall high school academic performance for the class of 12 graduates, Marina Sew-Atjon, a top ACT scorer, had the best results in this year’s GAC international course of study. The two students will co-deliver the Valedictorian Address at the Academy’s graduation ceremonies on Thursday evening, June 24th. The two valedictorians have both been selected to represent Suriname this summer at the 2010 Global Youth Leaders’ Conference in the U.S.A..
In April this year, the AlphaMax Academy acquired new facilities in Zorg-en-hoop and renovation and construction work will begin shortly to establish for Surinamese students a state of the art educational facility – complete with gymnasium.
Vincent Hilversum’s top ACT score of 31 this year matches the scores of two graduates from the Academy, Vijoya D. Taylor (Valedictorian, Class of 2009), and Rachel A. Chee-A-Tow (Class of 2005).
“The Class of 2010 is to date the best performing class of Academy scholars on the American College Test since we began taking this international university-entrance examination almost a decade ago,” said Academy Administrator Hortence M. Taylor-Claver, C.P.A..
This year, four Surinamese graduating students from the AlphaMax Academy, have raised [the Academy’s and] Suriname’s bar of achievement and excellence in international collegiate entrance examinations to a new height. The students, Vincent Hilversum, Zikomo Mhango, Marina Sew Atjon, and Stephan Playfair, received scores of 31, 30, 29, and 29, respectively on the international American College Test (ACT) examination during the current academic year.
“The Class of 2010 is to date the best performing class of Academy scholars on the American College Test since we began taking this international university-entrance examination almost a decade ago,” said Academy Administrator Hortence M. Taylor-Claver, C.P.A..
“These scores on the ACT place our graduating students in the top 5% worldwide,” said Ir. Emiel A. Krak, Deputy Director of the AlphaMax Academy. “This recent achievement positions our school in a coveted position, not only in Suriname, but in the Caribbean region, especially as we prepare to embark on a new decade of education for Surinamese young people within a wider international and global context.”
During their senior year of study at the Academy, all four Academy scholars completed their VWO-level course of study in addition to the Global Assessment Certificate program – a special first-year university program from ACT Education Solutions. The GAC program is moderated from Australia and upon completion students have access to over 150 universities worldwide.
Whereas Zikomo Mhango, with the second top ACT score, produced the best overall high school academic performance for the class of 12 graduates, Marina Sew-Atjon, a top ACT scorer, had the best results in this year’s GAC international course of study. The two students will co-deliver the Valedictorian Address at the Academy’s graduation ceremonies on Thursday evening, June 24th. The two valedictorians have both been selected to represent Suriname this summer at the 2010 Global Youth Leaders’ Conference in the U.S.A..
In April this year, the AlphaMax Academy acquired new facilities in Zorg-en-hoop and renovation and construction work will begin shortly to establish for Surinamese students a state of the art educational facility – complete with gymnasium.
Vincent Hilversum’s top ACT score of 31 this year matches the scores of two graduates from the Academy, Vijoya D. Taylor (Valedictorian, Class of 2009), and Rachel A. Chee-A-Tow (Class of 2005).
Friday, June 4, 2010
AlphaMax's Many Faces of Love is a Hit
2010-05-18 18:10:27 – “Many Faces of Love” - a multi-media presentation by AlphaMax Academy was hailed as an outstanding success by parents and friends.
AlphaMax Academy students scored a resounding hit with their inspiring performance of “Many Faces of Love.” The multimedia production was presented by the students and staff on Sunday, 16th May, at 6:30 p.m., at OnStage, the Patronaat Gebouw, in Paramaribo.
A packed audience of parents and friends, including several members of the diplomatic corps, cheered lustily as each segment of this carefully composed show finished. The first sequence was a three minute video done by Stephan Playfair and Daniel Lee introducing the theme of love. The first section of the show explored ‘philia-love’ as defined by the Greeks. This included a video showing the youngest members of the school at work and play, followed by another movie using Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World' as both background music and theme. The latter showcased scenes of the Academy's Tai Chi Master Emiel Krak (Physics and Math Teacher) and his students doing their usual Thursday morning Tai Chi routine, as well as sports sequences.
The audience really came alive when the entire cast came onstage regaled in costumes – many reflecting Surinamese cultures – singing Burt Bacharach’s 'What the World Needs Now is Love.’ There was rapturous applause for this rendition.
This was followed by a drama sequence exploring erotic love in which there were four pairs of Romeos and Juliets playing excerpts from William Shakespeare's ' Romeo and Juliet', Elizabeth Barrett Browning's 'Portuguese Sonnets', Ivan Khayiat's 'The Tryst', William Shakespeare's ‘Live with me and be My Love’, and a modern rap poem from Avant. Interspersed in this section was a colorful dance (featuring six students) done to Bill Withers' ‘Watching You, Watching Me’.
The introduction to the final section featured four students with expressive readings from India’s poet laureate, Sir Rabindranath Tagore's Gitanjali. In this section, which focused on spiritual love (‘Agape’ to use the Greek term), students also did excerpts from St. Theresa of Avila (Spain), Sir Edwin Arnold’s “The Song Celestial” (the poetic English translation of the Gita), and Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Wine of the Mystic”. During the ‘agape-love’ panel, two dances were performed: Satyam ‘Shivam Sundarum’ and ‘Shanti Ki, Shakti Se’. The audience was enchanted with the brilliantly colorful costumes of the skillful troupe of 8 dancers who had received training and instruction from veteran Indian dance teacher, Mathoerie Jagmohan.
Throughout the program images were projected on a backdrop to link with the action on stage. The show ended with the cast, including technical assistants, singing "Lean on Me". The audience joined in as the show ended on a high note.
Many members of the audience said they were stunned by the discipline and professionalism of the show. In the words of one well-wisher who saw ‘Many Faces of Love’, “Very impressive! My wife and I were amazed at the range and quality of Academy student skills.”
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