For the 15th consecutive year, the Anderson Family Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has awarded teacher grants to educators in the territory. A total of $24,920 in grants were given to schools on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.
Since 2002, the Anderson family, through their local real estate management company, TOPA Properties LLC, has awarded over $320,000 to public school teachers throughout the territory.
The Anderson family also owns TOPA Insurance, Dorchester Insurance, Bellows International, West Indies Corporation and Caribbean Cellars. John E. Anderson Jr., chairman of the Los Angeles-based parent company, TOPA Equities Ltd., noted that his father attributed his success to the education he was fortunate to receive. Anderson said, “My father believed in the values of hard work and education.”
Recipients of this year’s grants included 11 teachers and professionals working with nine schools throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Grants range from $300 to $5,000 each, and they are intended to enhance learning opportunities for students.
Several schools asked for help in purchasing materials for art projects. Other requests included assistance with school publications; gardening materials to support school gardens; and funds to enable students to continue exploring cultural and environmental adventures.
“At the Community Foundation, we celebrate the ongoing commitment of the Anderson Family and TOPA Properties, which provides support to the students in our public schools. We appreciate the teachers who go ‘above and beyond’ to provide creative strategies to promote student learning.” said Dee Baecher-Brown, CFVI’s president.
Name ——— School ——– Island ——– Project
Karissa Thurland Perez: Alfred Andrews Elementary, St. Croix: Enhancing Literacy
Jessica Parker: Arthur A. Richards Jr. H.S., St. Croix, Continuing Tradition: Stepping Out and Exploring St. Croix Through Art Field Trips
Bruce W. Phaire: St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center, St. Croix, Grande Prix VI Style
Margaret Burnett: St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center, St. Croix, Art Exploration Project
Tara Jones: Gladys Abraham Elementary, St. Thomas, Wellness Project
Nancy Liburd: Julius E. Sprauve, St. John, Quelbe Music Project
Joanne M. Saunders: Lockhart Elementary, St. Thomas, Visual and Performing Artists ‘Beautiful Creations’ Project
Lisa Magraas: Pearl B. Larsen School, St. Croix, PBL Edible Eats
Danica David: St. Croix Educational Complex H.S., St. Croix, USVI Cultural Contributors Calendar, Creation and Theatrical Performance
Aurora Ramis-Malupa: Yvonne E. Milliner-Bowsky Elementary, St. Thomas, Building Life Skills with Classroom Cooking and Product Selling
Sandra S. Price-Blyden: Yvonne E. Milliner-Bowsky Elementary, St. Thomas, 52F Kaleidoscope – A Multi-Media Melee
