Students who participated in the programme, Bridge to Bold members, AUC reps, and the Master Class delegation from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Bowie State University, and To Everything There Is a Season Learning Academy and Consultants LLC.
CUPECOY--The Bridge to Bold St. Maarten Foundation hosted Master Class 2025 on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 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 centred 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 programme, a 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 Richardson, Board Member of the Bridge to Bold St. 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, it was stated in a press release. Students were then presented with an 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 fuelling a flood of thoughtful and insightful questions directed to the panellists.
During a 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, panellists 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 acknowledgement was extended to Dr. Natalie Humphrey, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement, Shirley Serbony, Director of the Standardized Patient Programme 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.
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 honour 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 thanked the participating schools, families, community partners, guests and the students whose energy, passion and engagement made Master Class 2025 a significant and inspiring milestone for the island’s youth.
Bridge to Bold St 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 said it 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 St Maarten students seeking to pursue higher education at Bowie State University.
