On Tuesday evening, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Central (RCPC) marked a major milestone for one of Suriname’s most prestigious youth recognition programs, hosting the 40th anniversary edition of the Rotary VOS Student Excellence Award (SEA) at Paramaribo’s Radisson Hotel. The annual award, designed to elevate and encourage emerging young talent across the country, crowned Megan Lee, a graduate of A.A. Hoogendoorn Atheneum, as this year’s winner.
Lee captured the jury’s attention not only with her exceptional academic record but also with her deeply personal story of motivation and demonstrated commitment to community service. She shared that her mother’s ongoing illness became a driving force that pushed her to exceed expectations in every area of her life. Beyond her academic work, Lee has actively volunteered for World Cleanup Day to advance environmental action in her community, and balances her advocacy with competitive participation in basketball and kickboxing. Now, Lee has relocated to the Netherlands to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, guided by a powerful life motto: “If I can improve even one life, my work has been worth it.”
The 2026 competition saw 22 emerging student leaders from across Suriname participate. All candidates delivered five-minute virtual presentations to a panel of Rotarian judges on July 25, where they showcased their academic achievements and community impact. Shanya Ramsewaksing from Kangoeroe Community School took second place, while D’Angelo Trusfull of Miranda Lyceum secured third position.
Dirk Currie, Suriname’s Minister of Education, Science and Culture, attended the anniversary ceremony and extended public recognition to every participating student. He emphasized that the dedication, resilience, and achievement demonstrated by the award candidates form the critical foundation for Suriname’s future social and economic progress.
First launched during the 1986-1987 academic year, the SEA program was created by RCPC specifically to honor young Surinamese students who excel both in the classroom and in community engagement. In an expansion of the program’s impact, RCPC added motivational workshops for final-year VWO and HAVO students across multiple districts starting in 2025, extending support to young learners throughout the entire academic year, not just during competition cycles.
Looking back on four decades of the program, RCPC leadership expressed pride in its lasting legacy. Over 40 years, the SEA has recognized and motivated hundreds of young Surinamese people, equipping them to take on meaningful, active roles in national development and community life.