From the Class of 1996 to the Global Stage
When Andrea Adams (Sampson) graduated from St. Rose’s High School as a member of the Class of 1996, she carried with her a belief that leadership begins with service. Today, that belief is helping young people across countries find the confidence to speak and recognise the value of their voices.
Through Global Kids Speak, the virtual public speaking programme she founded in 2021, Andrea is carrying the St. Rose’s spirit of service into the lives of a new generation. With support from the St. Rose’s Alumni Association USA Chapter’s scholarship initiative, several young people have had the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and share their ideas.
A foundation of service
The lessons Andrea learned at St. Rose’s extended beyond the classroom. The school’s Serviam tradition shaped her understanding of compassion, courage, and the responsibility to make a difference.
After receiving professional training from motivational speaker Les Brown, Andrea combined that knowledge with her own experiences to create a supportive learning community. Global Kids Speak encourages children to overcome fear, embrace their individuality, and understand that their words can influence lives and inspire change.
Helping young people find their voices
Each week, students from different countries meet in a virtual classroom. Some arrive shy and hesitant; others struggle with self-doubt or the fear of making mistakes. Through encouragement and preparation, they learn that confidence is something they can build.
The programme reinforces that lesson through its five Ps: “Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.” It is a practical reminder that progress comes through preparation and practice, with lessons that extend well beyond public speaking.
Alumni support opens doors
The St. Rose’s Alumni Association USA Chapter has been a meaningful partner in this work. Its scholarship initiative has enabled several young people to participate in Global Kids Speak, giving them access to opportunities to develop their voices.
That support represents an investment in potential. It also sends a powerful message: someone believes in these young people and in what they can achieve.
Celebrating young speakers
That progress was reflected in the 5th Annual Global Kids Speak Spring Oratory Competition in June 2026, which highlighted the growth and achievements of young speakers connected to the St. Rose’s community.
Sarah Romero, representing the St. Rose’s scholarship initiative, earned second-place overall recognition for speech excellence. Her growth throughout the season reflected the confidence that can develop when talent is matched with opportunity.
Ana José demonstrated a strong voice and natural stage presence, bringing dedication, grace, and determination to her participation.
Jada Persaud, a St. Rose’s student and past competition winner, returned to the programme and was again recognised among the competition’s top speakers. Her earlier achievements included an invitation to speak at a Voice Master conference in Plantation, Florida, in November 2025, following her performance in the 2025 speech competition.
Malia Blackman also represented the St. Rose’s family, earning recognition as one of the competition’s outstanding speakers through her confidence, preparation, and commitment.
Their achievements reflect the work of learning to manage fear, speak with confidence, and connect with an audience. Each young speaker’s progress shows what becomes possible when preparation is supported by encouragement.
A legacy carried forward
For Andrea, every child who walks away believing “I can do this” represents a victory greater than any trophy. Her work continues a cycle of service: a student becomes an alumna, an alumna becomes a mentor, and a new generation discovers the confidence to inspire others.
“Education is not measured only by the lessons we receive, but by the lives we go on to change.”
Through Global Kids Speak and the support of the alumni community, the St. Rose’s legacy continues wherever a young person finds the courage to stand, speak, and believe that their voice matters.
Learn more about Global Kids Speak at www.GlobalKidsSpeak.com.
Adapted from “From the Class of ’96 to the Global Stage,” St. Rose’s Reunion Journal 2026, pages 24–25.
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