The clean up in progress.
INDIGO BAY--Ocean View Academy students wrapped up their school year by giving back to the community they call home.
For the past several years, the school has organised an annual community cleanup in Indigo Bay as part of its Earth Day activities. This year, however, Earth Day fell during the school's Carnival break, so staff and students chose to move the event to their final day of classes.
On Thursday morning, students gathered for their final school meeting before heading out to participate in a community cleanup of the Indigo Bay area surrounding the school, as well as a beach cleanup along the shoreline in front of Indigo Beach Restaurant.
Students worked together to collect litter, tidy public spaces, and help keep one of St. Maarten's most beautiful residential and beach communities clean and welcoming. Throughout the morning, students demonstrated teamwork, environmental responsibility, and a genuine commitment to giving back.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have our school located in such a beautiful part of the island," said Ocean View Academy Principal Todd Chisholm. "We want our students to understand that being part of a community comes with a responsibility to care for it."
"This cleanup has become an important tradition for our school because it allows students to make a positive contribution while learning the value of service," added Kimberley Babin, teacher and co-owner of Ocean View Academy. "It is always rewarding to see our students take pride in helping care for the community around them."
Following the cleanup, students enjoyed a well-earned afternoon at the beach, where they participated in games, swimming activities, beach races, and explored the shoreline together. The day provided an opportunity to celebrate friendships, reflect on the school year, and enjoy the natural beauty of Indigo Bay.
The school thanked Sylvia and the team at Indigo Beach Restaurant for their generous support of the event. The restaurant provided complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas for the students and staff and hosted the school's final Community Luncheon of the year.
According to a press release, community service has long been an important part of the Ocean View Academy experience. Throughout the school year, students are encouraged to look beyond the classroom and find ways to contribute positively to their school, community, and island.
As the school community now looks ahead to its graduation celebration, the cleanup served as a fitting reminder that learning extends far beyond academics and that small acts of service can have a meaningful impact on the community around us, it was stated in the release.
