HON. JUNIOR COMMISSIONER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS MASTER ISHN K. COURTAR SINT EUSTATIUS
The 10 Most Remarkable Teens in Sint Eustatius Ms. Gerelvia Spanner, MRT
Gerelvia Loreina Spanner was born on January 3, 2009, on the island of St. Eustatius, proudly holding the special title of being the island’s first baby of the year. Now 16 years old, she is a shining example of determination, talent, and ambition, making strides in sports, academics, and her personal development. Scholar Athlete, Performing Arts, Sports & A Spirit of Hope.
Gerelvia began her educational journey at the Golden Rock Roman Catholic School, where she remained until the midpoint of Group 3. At the age of six, she moved with her mother, Germaine Zimmerman, to the island of Saba in search of a fresh start. It was during her six years on Saba that Gerelvia first discovered her passion for netball, although she also played soccer, a sport in which her interest gradually waned. Upon returning to St. Eustatius, she re-enrolled at Golden Rock School in Group 8 and graduated in 2021—an academic milestone that paved the way for her future endeavors. Currently a student in Academic Form 4 at the Gwendoline van Putten School, Gerelvia is concentrating on Business Development and Business Management. She aspires to pursue higher education in the Netherlands with the goal of becoming a real estate entrepreneur. Her passion for business is significantly influenced by her entrepreneurial brothers, Gervio Spanner and Gwensly Spanner, and she is eager to join them on their journey to success, aspiring to build a legacy marked by ambition and achievement within her family. Athletically, Gerelvia is a formidable competitor. She has been playing volleyball for six years and netball for four, in addition to having participated in softball and basketball— though her interest in basketball diminished as her passion for other sports flourished. Among her notable achievements is her participation in St. Eustatius's inaugural beach volleyball tournament, “Kings & Queens of the Sand,” where she and her cousin and teammate, Gercia Brown, secured a tie for first place alongside Elshe Spanner and Lydicia Fleming. This dynamic cousin duo later triumphed in the second tournament, solidifying their status within the local volleyball community. Gerelvia also proudly represented St. Eustatius at the ECVA Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championships.
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