Joy and Resilience in Jeannette: St. Marc School Tops Regional Exams

Each morning at St. Marc School in Jeannette, the day begins with music—the Haitian national anthem rising in harmony from classrooms surrounded by green hills and cassava fields. Even amid uncertainty, there’s a steady rhythm of hope and learning in the air.

Gardine Pierre earned the highest score of all graduating students in the Pierre Commune, a region encompassing more than 20 secondary schools.

That sense of perseverance and purpose was on full display this fall as national exam results for Haiti’s graduating seniors were announced. St. Marc’s own Gardine Pierre earned the highest score of all graduating students in the Pierre Commune, a region encompassing more than 20 secondary schools. Her achievement made her the valedictorian of the entire commune, and a source of immense pride for her teachers, classmates, and the entire Jeannette community.

St. Marc School itself also ranked first in the commune, with 100 percent of its graduating class passing the national exam—a testament to the dedication of students, educators, and families who continue to prioritize learning even in challenging times.

At a local ceremony, Gardine received her certificate of achievement from the Ministry of Education’s Regional Inspector, joined by her father, Père Moïse, and other dignitaries. Photos from the celebration capture her joy and the deep pride of a community that continues to rise through education.

Update: Hurricane Melissa’s Impact

While there is much to celebrate, the region has also faced hardship in recent days. Hurricane Melissa brought days of intense rainfall across southern Haiti. In Jeannette, there are no known casualties, though some crops were damaged and a few homes sustained flooding. Nearby areas such as Petit Goâve suffered far greater losses, where the bridge connecting Jeannette to Port-au-Prince was washed out, and at least 20 lives were lost.

St. Marc School was closed temporarily due to the storm but is expected to reopen soon. No structural damage has been reported. In the coastal city of Léogâne, where APSHA’s offices are located, flooding was extensive, though staff members are safe and beginning cleanup.

Even in the midst of such trials, Jeannette continues to embody resilience, faith, and forward motion—celebrating academic triumphs even as they rebuild, one classroom and one harvest at a time.