Despite rainy weather and the start of spring break, students from the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus turned out Thursday morning to give back to the Frederiksted community through service projects organized by the Student Government Association.
Franchel Rodriguez, president of the Student Government Association at UVI, led the initiative, which brought students together for two coordinated service projects happening simultaneously to honor the generations who built their community and support those in need.
The first effort, called Legacy in Bloom, focused on restoring and beautifying the historic Frederiksted Cemetery. Students cleared overgrowth, pruned trees, and responsibly managed vegetation to bring dignity back to the cemetery. Students worked alongside a broad coalition of community partners and agencies, including coordination with the Office of the Governor, and operational support from the departments of Public Works, Agriculture, and Planning and Natural Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office, Our Town Frederiksted, Home Depot St. Croix, Ruff Start STX, Marco St. Croix, Phantom Eyez, and THM Trucking & Maintenance LLC.
Simultaneously, through the Plate It Forward Initiative, students partnered with My Brother’s Table and several local restaurants and community supporters to assist with preparing and serving meals to approximately 100 community members in Frederiksted, blending community service with direct support for those in need. Food contributions included assistance from Rosie’s Bar & Restaurant, El Sol Bar & Restaurant, Upper Class OG, and Te’Arra Marie Hair Styling and Hair Care. Additionally, SGA Senior Sen. Te’Anna Williams donated two cases of water and four gallons of juice to support the meal service.
“This is about stepping up during spring break to demonstrate civic responsibility and community solidarity,” Rodriguez said. “We’re honoring those who came before us while giving back to the people here today.”
Michael C. V. Bell, director of Life and Leadership Development at UVI, praised the students’ efforts. “I’m blown away by what we’ve been able to accomplish in just a few hours,” Bell said. “Seeing these students give up their spring break to clean, prune, and restore this cemetery shows the kind of leadership and care that will carry forward for years.”
Students worked alongside a broad coalition of community partners and agencies, including the departments of Public Works, Agriculture, and Planning and Natural Resources, the State Historic Preservation Office, Our Town Frederiksted, Home Depot, Ruff Start STX, Marco St. Croix, Phantom Eyez, and THM Trucking & Maintenance LLC.
The project also included an environmental preservation component involving a culturally and environmentally significant tree, known locally as the “cheese and bread” tree. Preston H. Brooks, a certified arborist and Urban and Community Forestry Program Coordinator for the Virgin Islands Agriculture Department, explained that the tree produces seeds that can be propagated to restore plantings across the islands. “This tree is a heritage tree, and we want to preserve it as much as possible,” he said. “It has seeds that we’re collecting, which will allow us to grow more trees and replant them in public spaces on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and beyond.”
Brooks emphasized the importance of preserving native trees that are disappearing from the islands. “A lot of trees that were once important to the culture are vanishing,” he said. “This tree provides environmental benefits, like food for birds, and it’s medicinal as well. Collecting and propagating seeds ensures that these trees remain part of our community for generations to come.”
Rodriguez noted that careful planning guided the maintenance of the cemetery’s trees and vegetation. “We started a dialogue with agricultural and harbor officials about which trees needed attention. We wanted to nurture what could be nurtured while respectfully pruning what needed it,” he said.
Bell added that the project highlighted the power of collective effort. “It’s inspiring to see volunteers from different backgrounds come together to make a space better for the community,” he said.
The day concluded with a symbolic closing gesture: students placed roses and carnations on graves throughout the cemetery as a final tribute to honor loved ones once the cleanup was complete. James Memorial Service donated the flowers used in this tribute.
“This is the first of many service projects for the Student Government Association,” Rodriguez said. “We’re proud of our students and volunteers for stepping up and giving back to the community, despite the weather and challenges.”
