On Thursday, March 21, 2019, the St. Maarten Seventh-day Adventist School joined the rest of the world in observing World Down Syndrome Day. Students were asked to donate USD $1.00 and wear colored socks in support of the cause.
The donations, which amounted to USD $240.00, were presented to the Sister Basilia Center on St. Maarten, which provides resources for persons diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Students were asked to research the chromosomal condition, Down syndrome, and document their findings. Emerald Thomas, a sixth grade student, discovered that “Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is typically associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features.”
The St. Maarten Seventh-day Adventist School is always willing to partner with other civic-minded or socially-conscious institutions to help alleviate human suffering.