March 21, 2005 – Monday morning the library of Addelita Cancryn Junior High School was filled with more than 50 busy seventh graders. They were shouting out synonyms, antonyms, and related and contrasting words using the newest tool at their disposal — brand new thesauruses.
"Seventh grade is really the age kids start looking at language use in that way. They have a lot of reading assignments over the summer and it's important to have these resources at home," said Dee Baecher-Brown, president of Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
The thesauruses were provided through the Margate Friends of the Children Fund at CFVI. Margate Management established the Fund in 2002. "This is our second year for the Thesaurus Project," said Luz Moron of Margate Management. "So far we've given away 2000 thesauruses."
The fund is based on Margate's belief that every child deserves unconditional love and a world of opportunities. This early commitment to a child complements CFVI’s commitment to early intervention.
A thesaurus is a tool that can help seventh grade students expand their vocabulary knowledge and gain a better understanding of word relationships as they prepare for high school and beyond.
"By doing this every year, eventually every student will have a thesaurus to take them through high school," said Baecher-Brown.
"We are glad for the gift. It's part of the curriculum," said Yvonne Pilgrim, principal. "For each student to have their own thesaurus will help the teachers and students. It enhances our literacy program."
Monday's thesaurus presentation at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on St. Thomas was followed by one at Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John. Students at Arthur Richards Junior High on St. Croix will receive their books Tuesday. In all more than 2,000 thesauruses will be given out.
In 2004, CFVI awarded more than a million dollars in grants, scholarships and services for non-profits in the Virgin Islands. To learn more about CFVI visit their Web site at "www.cfvi.net".
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