24 Graduates Recognized as the Top Students of 2026

During the ceremony, graduates from various schools and educational institutions in Aruba were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2025-2026 school year:

• Pre-University Education (VWO): Evie van der Sloot – Colegio Arubano
• Senior General Secondary Education (HAVO): Jia Tao Zhong – Colegio Arubano
• International School of Aruba: Nayna Mirchandani
• EduCampus: Kyanna Semerel
• IBERO American High School: Francesco Ceccarelli Faria
• MAVO (6 subjects): Jayden Orman – Juliana School
• MAVO (7 subjects): Amylee Melo Amaya – Mon Plaisir College
• MAVO (8 subjects): Jekiël Maduro – Colegio San Antonio
• EPI Economics – Financial Management: Ayden-George Dirks
• EPI Economics – Business Administration & Control Specialist: Ashlei Leonor
• EPI Health & Services – Social Pedagogical Worker: Gabriela Boekhoudt
• EPI Health & Services – Nursing: Kaylee Lake
• EPI Science & Technology – Electrical Engineering: Jeandrick Croes
• EPI Science & Technology – ICT: Jaquan Geerman
• EPI Hospitality & Tourism – Hotel & Restaurant Management: Zoëlly Yarzagaray
• EPI Hospitality & Tourism – Travel & Hospitality: Theron Ras
• EPB Oranjestad – Labor Market Level: Maria Torres Quispe
• EPB San Nicolas – Electrical Installation Technician (ABO): Dan Charles
• Police Training & Development Division: Chandra Gir
• Evening Pre-University Education (VWO): Juan Escobarstraat
• Evening Senior General Secondary Education (HAVO): Sarah Wever
• Evening MAVO (7 subjects): Oriannis Borges Perez
• Evening MAVO (6 subjects): Valentina Dijkhoff
• Aruba Public Evening Vocational School (Openbaar Avond Beroepsonderwijs Aruba) – Electrical Installation Technician: Laiyoni Werleman

This year, the event was attended by the Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Alfonso Boekhoudt, accompanied by his wife, Hanneke Boekhoudt-Koetse, an honorary member of the Women's Club of Aruba. Together with Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation and Sports Gerlien Croes, who was personally present to welcome the graduates and celebrate their achievements with them, they recognized the dedication, commitment, and perseverance of these young people.

One of the most touching and meaningful moments of the evening came when one of the graduates, Byron Lesire, took the stage to recite a beautiful and inspiring poem. His words of courage and hope inspired everyone in attendance and served as a powerful testament to determination and resilience in overcoming adversity.

"The students honored during this event are examples of discipline and courage. We, as the Government of Aruba, are extremely proud of each and every one of you.

The 'Best Student Award' is a tradition of the Women's Club of Aruba, which aims to promote academic excellence and recognize positive role models among young people who inspire others and the community as a whole.

Minister Croes expressed her appreciation to the Women's Club of Aruba for its continued commitment to empowering young people and promoting education as a key pillar of Aruba's development.

"The younger generation of our island is one of the most important pillars to which we can dedicate ourselves. It is our responsibility to provide young people with everything they need to reach their full potential. I extend my gratitude to the Women's Club of Aruba for its continued commitment to unlocking the incredible potential of our students and motivating them to pursue their dreams.

We once again congratulate all the graduates and encourage them to view this recognition as an important step toward a future filled with confidence and purpose. The road ahead may present challenges, but never forget that your country has complete confidence in you. Carry your knowledge, your values, and your vision with you, and remain positive," Minister Gerlien Croes concluded.