Fourteen-year-old Lise-Amyona Petion of St. Dominic High School has been named the Overall Winner of the Creative Children’s Initiative organised by the That Yoda Guy Movie Foundation.
As the Overall Winner, Lise-Amyona received the competition’s grand prize, a US$500 gift certificate for a local department store. “There is something very rewarding about scattering the seed of creativity, and watching youngster’s imagination blossom,” said “that Yoda Guy” Nick Maley, who conceived the competition. Nick Maley “The future is built on creative ideas, not on the continuance of today’s “normality.” Creativity in individuals needs frequent exercise to grow and flourish, just as our body’s muscles do, and this competition was created in the hope of inspiring original thinkers that may one day forge ideas that improve our future.”
The foundation noted that Maley has worked on 65 movie projects, painted hundreds of paintings, and is currently writing his fourth book with his wife Gloria.
“The story Lisa-Amyona wrote, intricately wove Carnival and Star Wars together,” Maley adds, “and I am eager to see what she, and the other finalists, will produce in the future.”
The initiative forms part of the foundation’s “Force for Good” campaign, described as a non-political, non-sectarian volunteer movement focused on uplifting people globally, helping those unable to help themselves, respecting different faiths and opinions, and encouraging individuals of all ages and backgrounds to positively influence their communities.
Speaking from the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit on Front Street, competition coordinator Sabrina Asgarkhan explained that the initiative was designed to inspire creativity and originality among young people. “Our objective is to be a positive voice in an often negative world, with a strong focus on encouraging youngsters to be all they can be. In the case of the Creative Children’s Initiative, we wanted to inspire the kids’ imagination to produce something truly original.”
Asgarkhan said Lise-Amyona’s winning story impressed judges because of its creativity and portrayal of Carnival culture combined with elements from Star Wars.
“Lise-Amyona’s standout story captivated judges with its vivid storytelling, creativity, and powerful portrayal of Carnival culture through a galactic lens. Her story reminded readers that Carnival is more than celebration, it is joy, unity, rebellion, and the spirit of St Maarten’s people. But by intertwining that with characters from Star Wars, Lise-Amyona imaginatively created a unique anecdote that celebrated both Carnival and international Star Wars day, (May 4).”
Organizers noted that the entries submitted by students across both the Primary and Secondary divisions reflected originality, humor, culture, and imagination through art and storytelling.
In Primary Storytelling, Nirah Cooks, 10, of Sister Regina Primary School won the category, while Lyla Petit of CIA Primary School was named first runner-up.
The Secondary Art category was won by Elia Bevilacqua, 12, of Learning Unlimited Secondary School. Dyson Smith, 14, of St. Maarten Academy placed first runner-up, while Jaxson Henneveld, 17, of Learning Unlimited Secondary School received honorable mention.
In Secondary Storytelling, Lise-Amyona Petion of St. Dominic High School won first place, with Elijah Browne, 13, also of St. Dominic High School, named first runner-up.
Winners i the Primary Art category were Ester Cristina, 11, of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr School and Lyla Petit, 12, of CIA Primary School. Yanick James, 10, of Hillside Christian Elementary School received an honourable mention.
During the prize-giving ceremony, finalists received books, comics, art supplies, coloring books, and educational puzzles. Participants also received arcade tokens from Pineapple Pete’s Restaurant and met Darth Vader at the Yoda Guy Movie Experience.
Island Sightseeing also provided finalists with a train ride around Philipsburg, while Rainforest Adventure agreed to host winners and one parent each with access to rides at its facility.
Organisers said the activities created memorable experiences filled with excitement and joy for the participating students.
The foundation also thanked Minister of Education Melissa Gumbs for her continued support of the initiative. Appreciation was additionally extended to Marvio Cooks and Rosalinda Martina for their support and contribution to the event.