School children, family and friends, educators and former school officials turned out Saturday morning to pay tribute to St. Croix’s district 2011-12 outstanding teachers at a gala at Divi Carina Bay Resort.
According to the Education Department, the children and adults serenaded and praised the 14 honorees in gospels, carols, instrumental music, dance and speeches at a ceremony befitting to teachers who are giving their best effort to ensure that students get a fair chance at a quality world class education.
The St. Croix Central High School Flute Trio, Ricardo Richards School Music Ensemble and the Dancing Stars of Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School all put on their best performances for their teachers.
Ricardo Richards Elementary School Harolyn Elsie Smith received special honors for being chosen the 2011-12 Teacher of the Year for the school district. Smith was celebrated for encouraging students to reach their highest potential.
Teachers selected at their respective schools as Teacher of the Year 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;
– 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 Sgt. Joseph Aimable, St. Croix Central High;
– Dianne Theophilus, St. Croix Educational Complex High School.
St. Croix’s outstanding teachers each received a 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.
