School children, family and friends, educators and former school superintendents turned out Saturday morning to pay tribute to St. Croix’s district 2011-2012 outstanding teachers. The children and adults serenaded and praised the 14 honorees in gospels, carols, instrumental music, dance and speeches in a ceremony befitting to teachers who are giving their best effort to ensure that students get a fair chance at a quality education.
Winona Joshua, director of data assessment for the district, along with her husband, led the well-wishers with an inspirational song to the honorees. The St. Croix Central High School Flute Trio, Ricardo Richards School Music Ensemble and the Dancing Stars of Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School showed their appreciation to the teachers.
Ricardo Richards Elementary School Harolyn Elsie Smith, 28 years-old, received special honors for being chosen the 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for the school district. Smith is celebrated as a highly qualified teacher at Ricardo Richards who provides positive encouragement to her students and has a strong desire to see each one reach his or her highest potential.
Teachers who were selected as Teacher of the Year by their peers at their respective schools are: Laurise A. Oliver, Henderson Elementary; Kathleen Knight, Alfredo Andrews Elementary; Beverly Henry-Richards, Claude O. Markoe Elementary; Danica M. David, Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary; Sheryl Carla-Carr, Evelyn Williams Elementary; Craig Williams, Juanita Gardine Elementary; and Lister Lawrence-Johnson, Lew Muckle Elementary School.
Also honored were Jose M. Perez, Pearl B. Larsen Elementary; Ashton Bertrand, Arthur A. Richards Junior High; Antoinette Bailey, Elena L. Christian Junior High; Jane Natalie La Vann Meade, John H. Woodson Junior High; First Sergeant Joseph Aimable, St. Croix Central High; and St. Croix Educational Complex High School Teacher Dianne Theophilus.
The teachers each received bouquet of flowers, certificates and gifts from their respective schools. The District’s Teacher of the Year received a weekend getaway to St. Thomas at the Ritz Carlton with complimentary airfare and dinner for two, courtesy of the district office.
Commissioner of Education La Verne Terry headed the contingent of educators who came out to praise the outstanding teachers. St. Croix Superintendent of Schools Gary Molloy, along with Board of Education Chairperson Winona Hendricks and St. Croix Federation of Teachers President Rosa Soto-Thomas were among the educators who heaped praises on Smith, and the district’s other exceptional teachers.
Former St. Croix educational administrators who also recognized the accomplishments of the teacher-honorees were Anita Plaskett, Ph.D., superintendent; Terrence T. Joseph, superintendent; Jewel Ross-Sage, acting superintendent and deputy superintendent; and Winona Hendricks, deputy superintendent.
Other V.I. Board of Education members at the ceremony were Terrence T. Joseph and Janis Esannason.
Deputy Superintendent of Schools Maria A. Encarnacion was the capable and humorous master of ceremonies who helped create an atmosphere filled with joy and laughter in the spirit of the season.
