Only three months into inception, the Juanita Gardine Elementary School’s EarlyAct Club was officially chartered in the presence of Rotary District Governor for the Caribbean 7020, Haresh Ramchandani, who was visiting from Jamaica.
The induction took place Nov. 3.
Following Rotary Club parliamentary procedures, Gardine’s EarlyAct President KeVounte’ Hughes, a sixth grader, officiated the charter meeting for the 34 members of the club. Other officers are fifth grader Jose Torres, vice president, sixth grader Litziana Gomez, secretary and fifth grader Na’Shaly Hamilton, the treasurer. Principal Barbara McGregor and Assistant Principal Anna Marie Gordon witnessed the ceremony.
The Rotary Club of St. Croix, as the sponsor of the school’s EarlyAct Club, participated in the charter ceremony. Rotary Club President Sandra Gerard-Leung and Secretary Elizabeth Goggins signed the charter document along with Hughes. Other Rotary Club members present were the Assistant District Governor for the Caribbean Marcel Galiber, who lives on St. Croix, and members Willard John and James Oliver.
After the ceremony, Rotary District Governor Ramchandani encouraged students to, “Be the change they hope to see in the world.”
Gardine’s fifth grade teacher Akela Richards serves as the club’s faculty advisor and primary computer teacher Veronica Prescott is the assistant advisor. The club meets during the liunch period every Wednesday for 30 minutes. Club members are encouraged to build good leadership skills as they develop the necessary character traits for being effective role models. They also learn to be responsible citizens and to serve the needs of others.
Overall, students are committed to serving others and to building global awareness as they give of themselves by participating in service activities. Members have the option to render service through a school, the community or an international committee.
Club members completed two international activities this year by participating in the University of the Virgin Islands’ Cooperative Extension Service 4–H Program Hunger Banquet and the Haitian Relief Boot Collection Drive in support of those affected by Hurricane Matthew. St. Croix’s Junior Firefighters and the Rotary Club of St. Croix sponsored the hurricane relief drive.
