May 1, 2004 – Charlotte Amalie High School senior Urdley Smith will receive a scholarship to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He follows CAHS graduate Nkosi Thomas, already on this path.
Urdley and his mother, Margarita Smith, were invited to the academy in New London, Conn., for interviews and a familiarization early in April and, following the visit, the scholarship to attend New Mexico Military Institute was offered to him.
Students accepting the scholarship ordinarily attend the institute for a year before they are appointed to the academy, provided they meet program and physical qualifications. At the institute, Urdley will learn from diverse disciplines, from physical fitness to engineering. Additionally, the curriculum includes English composition, chemistry, math, U.S. history, military science and swimming.
In a letter to Coast Guard Lt. Select Alvin Dalmida Jr., who frequently visits his Virgin Islands home to recruit, Urdley said, "Thanks a million from my family and me. I could not have done it without you. It all started with you assisting me with AIM [Academy Introduction Mission, a summer program] … before that, I was not sure at all of what direction I would go with my future endeavors."
Urdley, son of Urdley and Margarita Smith of St. Thomas, had SAT scores combined above 1050.
The Academy's commitment and outreach across the continental United States and especially in the U.S. territories, is "outstanding," Dalmida said. "The admissions office screening process is very thorough and tough for applicants. Urdley's success has been [achieved] through a lot of synergy and he deserves a 'Bravo Zulu' (meaning: Well done)!"
During the week of April 18 to 24, Coast Guard personnel from the Virgin Islands were in the islands visiting schools. Residents who are interested in enlisted, officer, and civilian opportunities should call the recruiter in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Editor's note: Information in this article was provided in a release from Coast Guard Chief Warrant Office Alvin Dalmida Jr.
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
