Rotary East meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 at the Elysian.
A member of the Narcotics Strike Force will be the guest speaker.
GUARDIAN INSURANCE HAS NEW OFFICE IN SUNSHINE MALL
With the goal of better serving St. Croix’, Guardian Insurance Co. now has a full-service office at Sunshine Mall.
Before opening the new space at the mall, Guardian’s office was in an "inconspicuous" office in Gallows Bay, said Octavio Estrada, Guardian’s executive vice president.
"And it was for claims service only. Now we have a fully staffed claims office so we can service customers in a fast and speedy way," he said.
The move to Sunshine also fills a need that has been long unaddressed — serving the west side of the island, Estrada said, especially when the recently enacted mandatory automobile insurance law comes closer to going into effect in February.
"We cater to the Westside," he said. "There are no brokers or agents on this side of the island. We thought it would be a good idea to provide that service."
As for auto insurance, Estrada said that’s Guardian’s main line of sales.
"The law is going into effect in February 2000. People shouldn’t wait until the last minute because there will be long lines."
And for drivers who are procrastinating because there is still six months before the law kicks in, getting coverage now might save some money — especially at Guardian. The company is offering a 15 percent up-front discount to all new clients at the new office, Estrada said.
"For people thinking about getting insurance, this might be a good time to get it."
Guardian can also finance premiums for people who can’t cover the entire cost right away, Estrada said. That’s made possible because Guardian is wholly owned by the Lockhart Group of companies, which also owns Premium Finance Company.
Since 1984, Guardian has mostly worked through agents and brokers. While it still does that, Toni Peebles Lopez, sales manager at the Sunshine, and her staff can take care of most drivers’ needs in one stop at the new office — bilingually as well, Estrada said.
Guardian’s office is located around the corner from Sunshine Supermarket next to Pearle Vision. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
"We have the best price and service in the world," Estrada said. "And there’s plenty of parking, too."
Before opening the new space at the mall, Guardian’s office was in an "inconspicuous" office in Gallows Bay, said Octavio Estrada, Guardian’s executive vice president.
"And it was for claims service only. Now we have a fully staffed claims office so we can service customers in a fast and speedy way," he said.
The move to Sunshine also fills a need that has been long unaddressed — serving the west side of the island, Estrada said, especially when the recently enacted mandatory automobile insurance law comes closer to going into effect in February.
"We cater to the Westside," he said. "There are no brokers or agents on this side of the island. We thought it would be a good idea to provide that service."
As for auto insurance, Estrada said that’s Guardian’s main line of sales.
"The law is going into effect in February 2000. People shouldn’t wait until the last minute because there will be long lines."
And for drivers who are procrastinating because there is still six months before the law kicks in, getting coverage now might save some money — especially at Guardian. The company is offering a 15 percent up-front discount to all new clients at the new office, Estrada said.
"For people thinking about getting insurance, this might be a good time to get it."
Guardian can also finance premiums for people who can’t cover the entire cost right away, Estrada said. That’s made possible because Guardian is wholly owned by the Lockhart Group of companies, which also owns Premium Finance Company.
Since 1984, Guardian has mostly worked through agents and brokers. While it still does that, Toni Peebles Lopez, sales manager at the Sunshine, and her staff can take care of most drivers’ needs in one stop at the new office — bilingually as well, Estrada said.
Guardian’s office is located around the corner from Sunshine Supermarket next to Pearle Vision. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
"We have the best price and service in the world," Estrada said. "And there’s plenty of parking, too."
BARRY LAW ENFORCEMENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED
The family and friends of Wilfred A. Berry have established a fund to assist young men and women of the Virgin Islands who are committed to education and non-violence to pursue a career in law enforcement.
The Barry Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, spearheaded by Jeanette Smith-Barry , will be administered by the Community Foundation V.I. (CFVI).
A release from CFVI said, "Wilfred Barry's untimely passing has left a void in our community, where he served as a role-model for young people, and worked so hard to steer them away from drugs, violence and crime, and toward bright and promising futures.
"By endowing this memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), family and friends wish to share the spirit of a husband, father, friend and colleague, who gave unselfishly, with all his being, for the good of all."
Contributions to The Barry Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund should be mailed to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, P.O. Box 11790, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00801. Personal notes of condolence will be forwarded to the family.
For further information about The Barry Fund or CFVI, please call Dee Baecher-Brown at 774-6031.
The Barry Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, spearheaded by Jeanette Smith-Barry , will be administered by the Community Foundation V.I. (CFVI).
A release from CFVI said, "Wilfred Barry's untimely passing has left a void in our community, where he served as a role-model for young people, and worked so hard to steer them away from drugs, violence and crime, and toward bright and promising futures.
"By endowing this memorial Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI), family and friends wish to share the spirit of a husband, father, friend and colleague, who gave unselfishly, with all his being, for the good of all."
Contributions to The Barry Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund should be mailed to the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, P.O. Box 11790, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, 00801. Personal notes of condolence will be forwarded to the family.
For further information about The Barry Fund or CFVI, please call Dee Baecher-Brown at 774-6031.
FORT-TO-FORT ROAD RACE A SUCCESS
Although less competitive than in the past several years, the annual Fort-To-Fort Relay Road Race drew six teams of runners covering four, four-mile segments from Fort Frederik in Frederiksted to Fort Christianvaern in Christiansted.
The V.I. Pace Runners team consisting of Marlon Williams, George Cannon and Wallace Williams took the first place honors with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 55 seconds, just nine seconds off last year's time.
Marlon Williams became the super runner for the team this year as he ran the first and third legs. He was replacing his son Sheldon who is off to college for his freshman year. Marlon also picked up the slack for yet another team by running its fourth leg.
Second place went to The Untouchables team consisting of Kent Bradbury, Rey
Ruiz, Jeremy Laurent and Luke Frederick with a time of 1:55.05.
Third place went to The Caribbean Health and Racquet Club team with Jay Wiltshire, Anselm Richards, Teddy Seymour and Marlon Williams in 1:57.11.
Fourth place went to The West End Striders with Shelly Anderson, Will Franks
and Kevin Cummins in 1:57.43.
The first place female team and fifth team overall was Starship Enterprise
with Denise Blanchette, Elena Shaubah, Sue Brown and Theresa Harper in
2:06.18.
The second place female team was The Tortoise with Cathy Prince, Alicia
Lewit, Jo Shim and Earthla Augustin in 2:19.33.
The race was organized by V.I. Pace Runners. For more information call
777-0258 or visit web site at www.virginislandspace.org
.
The V.I. Pace Runners team consisting of Marlon Williams, George Cannon and Wallace Williams took the first place honors with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 55 seconds, just nine seconds off last year's time.
Marlon Williams became the super runner for the team this year as he ran the first and third legs. He was replacing his son Sheldon who is off to college for his freshman year. Marlon also picked up the slack for yet another team by running its fourth leg.
Second place went to The Untouchables team consisting of Kent Bradbury, Rey
Ruiz, Jeremy Laurent and Luke Frederick with a time of 1:55.05.
Third place went to The Caribbean Health and Racquet Club team with Jay Wiltshire, Anselm Richards, Teddy Seymour and Marlon Williams in 1:57.11.
Fourth place went to The West End Striders with Shelly Anderson, Will Franks
and Kevin Cummins in 1:57.43.
The first place female team and fifth team overall was Starship Enterprise
with Denise Blanchette, Elena Shaubah, Sue Brown and Theresa Harper in
2:06.18.
The second place female team was The Tortoise with Cathy Prince, Alicia
Lewit, Jo Shim and Earthla Augustin in 2:19.33.
The race was organized by V.I. Pace Runners. For more information call
777-0258 or visit web site at www.virginislandspace.org
.
SIBILLY PARENTS STILL WANT ANSWERS, COMMITMENTS
Parents at Joseph Sibilly Elementary School made it clear to a panel of government officials Sunday that they don't trust the government.
"Now, more than ever, I as a parent distrust government," said Vinod Mohanani, who has two children at the school.
Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds called Sunday's meeting to try to address unanswered questions about reports leaked to the press Aug. 21 and later verified by Education that the drinking water at Sibilly School and its annex, James Monroe, was contaminated with volatile organic chemicals.
Christine Lottes, supervisor of the Public Water Supervision Program in the Planning and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Protection; Dr. Audria Thomas, acting director of Environmental Health for the Health Department, and a pediatrician were at Sunday's meeting to reassure parents that the health of their children was of utmost concern.
Thomas said appropriate testing for contaminants will be done at the school on the children and staff.
Lottes said the "levels detected were not of a level where long-term effects should be expected."
But parents weren't satisfied. They wanted to know if studies had been done where all eight of the chemicals found in the water had been ingested.
Lottes said they had not, to her knowledge.
The other overwhelming concern was why they, as parents, hadn't been informed when the chemicals were first detected.
The word "coverup" was used by a parent. Tregenza Roach, Education legal counsel, revealed in the spirit of openness that the water had been tested as far back as December 1998.
But the lab in the states, he said, sent a letter saying the samples were contaminated and new samples should be taken. That was done four months later on April 19.
A reliable source has told St. Thomas Source that some of the chemicals found in the June testing had also been found in the December test.
The source also said the June tests were done as a result of the findings of the April tests.
What was still unclear was who saw the April results and why parents weren't notified then.
Jomo McClean, Education plants and maintenance administrator, said at a Tuesday meeting that he had known since around July 20 of the results of testing done in June, but denied having known anything about the April tests.
However, Julie Mae Monsanto, an Education environmental specialist, told the parents Sunday that when tests come back with any irregularities, it is her procedure to notify her supervisor. When pressed for who that was, she indicated it was McClean.
Simmonds said she knew nothing until Aug. 10 when she received a letter from DPNR. She said she would make sure this never happened again.
"Many things come across my desk," she said. "Those that are urgent are usually flagged."
Simmonds assured parents they would be kept informed, copies of reports would be made available to them and they would be welcome to send representatives to any future meetings between Education, DPNR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Parents asked that more federal officials be involved, that future samples be taken by an outside laboratory and that wells in the Tutu area, where some of the trucked water may have come from and where similar chemicals were found many years ago in groundwater due to leaking chemicals from a dry cleaning operation and leaking gas tanks, be tested immediately.
Also on Sunday's panel for the government were Hollis Griffin, director of DPNR's Environmental Protection Division, and Rosalia Payne, St. Thomas-St. John District insular schools superintendent.
Editors' note: See "Questions left unanswered at Sibilly" and "Sibilly School to reopen Monday" for further background.
"Now, more than ever, I as a parent distrust government," said Vinod Mohanani, who has two children at the school.
Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds called Sunday's meeting to try to address unanswered questions about reports leaked to the press Aug. 21 and later verified by Education that the drinking water at Sibilly School and its annex, James Monroe, was contaminated with volatile organic chemicals.
Christine Lottes, supervisor of the Public Water Supervision Program in the Planning and Natural Resources Division of Environmental Protection; Dr. Audria Thomas, acting director of Environmental Health for the Health Department, and a pediatrician were at Sunday's meeting to reassure parents that the health of their children was of utmost concern.
Thomas said appropriate testing for contaminants will be done at the school on the children and staff.
Lottes said the "levels detected were not of a level where long-term effects should be expected."
But parents weren't satisfied. They wanted to know if studies had been done where all eight of the chemicals found in the water had been ingested.
Lottes said they had not, to her knowledge.
The other overwhelming concern was why they, as parents, hadn't been informed when the chemicals were first detected.
The word "coverup" was used by a parent. Tregenza Roach, Education legal counsel, revealed in the spirit of openness that the water had been tested as far back as December 1998.
But the lab in the states, he said, sent a letter saying the samples were contaminated and new samples should be taken. That was done four months later on April 19.
A reliable source has told St. Thomas Source that some of the chemicals found in the June testing had also been found in the December test.
The source also said the June tests were done as a result of the findings of the April tests.
What was still unclear was who saw the April results and why parents weren't notified then.
Jomo McClean, Education plants and maintenance administrator, said at a Tuesday meeting that he had known since around July 20 of the results of testing done in June, but denied having known anything about the April tests.
However, Julie Mae Monsanto, an Education environmental specialist, told the parents Sunday that when tests come back with any irregularities, it is her procedure to notify her supervisor. When pressed for who that was, she indicated it was McClean.
Simmonds said she knew nothing until Aug. 10 when she received a letter from DPNR. She said she would make sure this never happened again.
"Many things come across my desk," she said. "Those that are urgent are usually flagged."
Simmonds assured parents they would be kept informed, copies of reports would be made available to them and they would be welcome to send representatives to any future meetings between Education, DPNR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Parents asked that more federal officials be involved, that future samples be taken by an outside laboratory and that wells in the Tutu area, where some of the trucked water may have come from and where similar chemicals were found many years ago in groundwater due to leaking chemicals from a dry cleaning operation and leaking gas tanks, be tested immediately.
Also on Sunday's panel for the government were Hollis Griffin, director of DPNR's Environmental Protection Division, and Rosalia Payne, St. Thomas-St. John District insular schools superintendent.
Editors' note: See "Questions left unanswered at Sibilly" and "Sibilly School to reopen Monday" for further background.
POLICE SEEK ROBBERY SUSPECTS
Police are seeking information on a Thursday night robbery at the Hustler Body Shop in Contant.
An unidentified man was held up by three masked gunmen who got away with an undisclosed amount of money and some personal effects, according to Radio One news.
Police reportedly came upon the suspects in a white sedan moments after the robbery, but lost them in a chase that followed.
The vehicle was later found in the Knolls Housing Community area. The vehicle, with ehavily tinted windows, is thought to be a rental vehicle, Radio One reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 774-4050 or 774-2233 or by calling 911.
An unidentified man was held up by three masked gunmen who got away with an undisclosed amount of money and some personal effects, according to Radio One news.
Police reportedly came upon the suspects in a white sedan moments after the robbery, but lost them in a chase that followed.
The vehicle was later found in the Knolls Housing Community area. The vehicle, with ehavily tinted windows, is thought to be a rental vehicle, Radio One reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 774-4050 or 774-2233 or by calling 911.
OTTLEY MEMORIAL SERVICE SET FOR SATURDAY
A memorial service for Earle B. Ottley, former Virgin Islands senator, journalist and labor leader, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
A private funeral service was held Sunday night for Ottley, according to Radio One news.
Ottley died Thursday at age 78 at his home after a long illness.
Ottley's family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Earle B. Ottley Leadership Institute. The institute will promote leadership training and development for Virgin Islanders in the fields of public service and journalism.
Contributions can be sent to the institute in care of the Community Foundation of the V.I. at P.O. Box 11790, St. Thomas, V.I. 00801.
Ottley is survived by his wife, Alma Bonelli Ottley, his son Earle "Larry" Ottley and his four daughters, Dianne E. Ottley Maharaj, Judith LaVerne Ottley, Patrice LaVerne Ottley-Scarbrial and Linda LaVerne Ottley-Danet. Ottley is also survived by nine grandchildren, a great grandchild, his brother Basil Ottley and his sister Elsa Davis.
Ottley's body will be cremated, Radio One reported.
A private funeral service was held Sunday night for Ottley, according to Radio One news.
Ottley died Thursday at age 78 at his home after a long illness.
Ottley's family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Earle B. Ottley Leadership Institute. The institute will promote leadership training and development for Virgin Islanders in the fields of public service and journalism.
Contributions can be sent to the institute in care of the Community Foundation of the V.I. at P.O. Box 11790, St. Thomas, V.I. 00801.
Ottley is survived by his wife, Alma Bonelli Ottley, his son Earle "Larry" Ottley and his four daughters, Dianne E. Ottley Maharaj, Judith LaVerne Ottley, Patrice LaVerne Ottley-Scarbrial and Linda LaVerne Ottley-Danet. Ottley is also survived by nine grandchildren, a great grandchild, his brother Basil Ottley and his sister Elsa Davis.
Ottley's body will be cremated, Radio One reported.
BOURNE-VANNECK AND MENZIES WIN ST. THOMAS OPEN
Sunday found 129 avid Caribbean golfers chomping at the bit following an early morning shower which fortunately did not impact the Mahogany Run Course. They were lined up to play in the St. Thomas Open Golf Tournament sponsored by Medical Air Services Association International and the St. Thomas/St. John Golf Association to benefit the Victim Advocates Program.
Saturday's play was canceled following two downpours, which turned several fairways into rivers and sand traps into ponds. Sunday was the last opportunity to get the tournament underway qualifying players for further tournaments throughout the Caribbean.
While the course was wet and a bit slow, the scores were respectable and the golfers appeared excited about their play. Bourne-Vanneck, a St. Thomas junior player with a number of accomplishments under her belt, finished with a 70-stroke gross becoming the women's champion for the second year running. Doug Menzies, President of the St. Croix Golf Association, also finished with a 70-stroke gross.
Winners in the Men's A Flight obtained the following net scores after factoring in their handicaps: David Coulter, 68; Peter Briggs, 70 and John Streibich, 72. Twenty-nine players completed in this division.
Barney Cross had the Men's Senior low gross scoring a 72. Errol Samuel won the Senior's net with a 70.
Forty-three men completed the B Flight. Winners included John Ferrigno, 65; Bill Collins, 71 and Michael Graci, 72. Phillip Barnett carded the lowest gross with an 83.
The Women's A Flight included nine players. Kimisha Anthony traveled from Antigua to win with a 70, followed by Nina Glande at 74.
The St. Thomas Open used two different scoring systems. The A and B Flights are scored according to the number of swings at the ball it takes to put the ball into 18 different cups. A second system is the Stableford which scores according to the relationship to par. Points are given for under par, par, and just over par. Once a player passes the scoring system without holing out, they must pick up and move on to the next hole. This system hastens play and only scores well-played holes.
The Men's Stableford division was comprised of 27 players. Winners include Shane Brunt, 40; Ten Morse, 37, Derek Smith, Bret Johnson and Chris Brathwaite, 36.
The Women's Stableford division was comprised of 11 players. Winners include Casy Wray, 36; Pam Edwards, 35 and Julie Law, 34.
Saturday's play was canceled following two downpours, which turned several fairways into rivers and sand traps into ponds. Sunday was the last opportunity to get the tournament underway qualifying players for further tournaments throughout the Caribbean.
While the course was wet and a bit slow, the scores were respectable and the golfers appeared excited about their play. Bourne-Vanneck, a St. Thomas junior player with a number of accomplishments under her belt, finished with a 70-stroke gross becoming the women's champion for the second year running. Doug Menzies, President of the St. Croix Golf Association, also finished with a 70-stroke gross.
Winners in the Men's A Flight obtained the following net scores after factoring in their handicaps: David Coulter, 68; Peter Briggs, 70 and John Streibich, 72. Twenty-nine players completed in this division.
Barney Cross had the Men's Senior low gross scoring a 72. Errol Samuel won the Senior's net with a 70.
Forty-three men completed the B Flight. Winners included John Ferrigno, 65; Bill Collins, 71 and Michael Graci, 72. Phillip Barnett carded the lowest gross with an 83.
The Women's A Flight included nine players. Kimisha Anthony traveled from Antigua to win with a 70, followed by Nina Glande at 74.
The St. Thomas Open used two different scoring systems. The A and B Flights are scored according to the number of swings at the ball it takes to put the ball into 18 different cups. A second system is the Stableford which scores according to the relationship to par. Points are given for under par, par, and just over par. Once a player passes the scoring system without holing out, they must pick up and move on to the next hole. This system hastens play and only scores well-played holes.
The Men's Stableford division was comprised of 27 players. Winners include Shane Brunt, 40; Ten Morse, 37, Derek Smith, Bret Johnson and Chris Brathwaite, 36.
The Women's Stableford division was comprised of 11 players. Winners include Casy Wray, 36; Pam Edwards, 35 and Julie Law, 34.
SEVEN STUDENTS RECEIVE SIDNEY LEE SCHOLARSHIPS
In 1991, on St Croix, seven fifth graders at Pearl B. Larson School made a pledge to continue their education beyond high school. Now these seven students are enrolled at UVI under full tuition scholarships sponsored by the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
In 1991, when former St. Croix Senator Sidney Lee, along with Pearl B. Larson former principal George Hampson, adopted Mrs. Greenridge's fifth grade class, the goal was to give the students an incentive to stay in school.
"What we're trying to do primarily is to stop dropouts," Sidney Lee said. "The idea was if they would stay in school and not drop out and apply to college and not drop out, we would set aside some money for their schooling."
"This is a way of pulling children up," Hampson said. "Many of them were not thinking of college."
Dora Burroughs, a sophomore at UVI, said she wouldn't have been able to pursue her dream of obtaining a nursing degree without the commitment of Lee, Hampson, and the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
"They are encouraging me to go on more and I'm trying to do better," Burroughs said." I don't really have the money to go to college and now that I have the scholarship, I'm putting it to use."
The goal of the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation is based on that of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which began in New York City in 1981. A successful New York businessman, Eugene M. Lang, promised the 61 graduating sixth-graders at his old elementary school in East Harlem that if they graduated from high school, he would provide financial assistance to help them pay for college.
Lee wants to see the same type of educational incentive program begin on St Croix and St Thomas.
"It's a big thing and the economy is bad," Lee said. "Students are leaving the islands. They need to be helped. There are people who have the funds to do this."
Hampson, who has retired from teaching, said there are plenty of educational incentives for students with high grade point averages, but few for "average" students to challenge themselves with a post-secondary education, if given the opportunity.
In addition to Burroughs, the UVI students receiving Sidney Lee Dream Foundation Scholarships are: Natricia Taylor, Ideola Francis, Deneisha Joseph, Kamilah Joseph, Rosetta Daniel, and Joanna Jarvis.
The students must continue in a two or four year degree program without interruption to retain their scholarships.
"If they go to Alaska, we'll follow them," Hampson said.
The Sidney Lee Foundation is a model for what private citizens who recognize the need can accomplish. UVI welcomes such contributions to the future of Virgin Islands' youth. For further information on creating or contributing to scholarship opportunities at UVI, please call the Institutional Advancement Office at (340) 693-1040.
In 1991, when former St. Croix Senator Sidney Lee, along with Pearl B. Larson former principal George Hampson, adopted Mrs. Greenridge's fifth grade class, the goal was to give the students an incentive to stay in school.
"What we're trying to do primarily is to stop dropouts," Sidney Lee said. "The idea was if they would stay in school and not drop out and apply to college and not drop out, we would set aside some money for their schooling."
"This is a way of pulling children up," Hampson said. "Many of them were not thinking of college."
Dora Burroughs, a sophomore at UVI, said she wouldn't have been able to pursue her dream of obtaining a nursing degree without the commitment of Lee, Hampson, and the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
"They are encouraging me to go on more and I'm trying to do better," Burroughs said." I don't really have the money to go to college and now that I have the scholarship, I'm putting it to use."
The goal of the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation is based on that of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which began in New York City in 1981. A successful New York businessman, Eugene M. Lang, promised the 61 graduating sixth-graders at his old elementary school in East Harlem that if they graduated from high school, he would provide financial assistance to help them pay for college.
Lee wants to see the same type of educational incentive program begin on St Croix and St Thomas.
"It's a big thing and the economy is bad," Lee said. "Students are leaving the islands. They need to be helped. There are people who have the funds to do this."
Hampson, who has retired from teaching, said there are plenty of educational incentives for students with high grade point averages, but few for "average" students to challenge themselves with a post-secondary education, if given the opportunity.
In addition to Burroughs, the UVI students receiving Sidney Lee Dream Foundation Scholarships are: Natricia Taylor, Ideola Francis, Deneisha Joseph, Kamilah Joseph, Rosetta Daniel, and Joanna Jarvis.
The students must continue in a two or four year degree program without interruption to retain their scholarships.
"If they go to Alaska, we'll follow them," Hampson said.
The Sidney Lee Foundation is a model for what private citizens who recognize the need can accomplish. UVI welcomes such contributions to the future of Virgin Islands' youth. For further information on creating or contributing to scholarship opportunities at UVI, please call the Institutional Advancement Office at (340) 693-1040.
SEVEN UVI STUDENTS RECEIVE SIDNEY LEE SCHOLARSHIPS
In 1991, on St Croix, seven fifth graders at Pearl B. Larson School made a pledge to continue their education beyond high school. Now these seven students are enrolled at UVI under full tuition scholarships sponsored by the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
In 1991, when former St. Croix Senator Sidney Lee, along with Pearl B. Larson former principal George Hampson, adopted Mrs. Greenridge's fifth grade class, the goal was to give the students an incentive to stay in school.
"What we're trying to do primarily is to stop dropouts," Sidney Lee said. "The ideas was if they would stay in school and not drop out and apply to college and not drop out, we would set aside some money for their schooling."
"This is a way of pulling children up,:Hampson said. "Many of them were not thinking of college."
Dora Burroughs, a sophomore at UVI, said she wouldn't have been able to pursue her dream of obtaining a nursing degree without the commitment of Lee, Hampson, and the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
"They are encouraging me to go on more and I'm trying to do better," Burroughs said." I don't really have the money to go to college and now that I have the scholarship, I'm putting it to use."
The goal of the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation is based on that of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which began in New York City in 1981. A successful New York businessman, Eugene M. Lang, promised the 61 graduating sixth-graders at his old elementary school in East Harlem that if they graduated from high school, he would provide financial assistance for to help them pay for college.
Lee wants to see the same type of educational incentive program begin on St Croix and St Thomas.
"It's a big thing and the economy is bad," Lee said. "Students are leaving the islands. They need to be helped. There are people who have the funds to do this."
Hampson, who has retired from teaching, said there are plenty of educational incentives for students with high grade point averages, but few for "average" students to challenge themselves with a post-secondary education, if given the opportunity.
In addition to Burroughs, the UVI students receiving Sidney Lee Dream Foundation Scholarships are: Natricia Taylor, Ideola Francis, Deneisha Joseph, Kamilah Joseph, Rosetta Daniel, and Joanna Jarvis.
The students must continue in a two or four year degree program without interruption or failure to remain eligible for their scholarship.
"If they go to Alaska, we'll follow them," Hampson said.
The Sidney Lee Foundation is a model for what private citizens who recognize the need can accomplish. UVI welcomes such contributions to the future of Virgin Islands' youth. For further information on creating or contributing to scholarship opportunities at UVI, please call the Institutional Advancement Office at (340) 693-1040.
In 1991, when former St. Croix Senator Sidney Lee, along with Pearl B. Larson former principal George Hampson, adopted Mrs. Greenridge's fifth grade class, the goal was to give the students an incentive to stay in school.
"What we're trying to do primarily is to stop dropouts," Sidney Lee said. "The ideas was if they would stay in school and not drop out and apply to college and not drop out, we would set aside some money for their schooling."
"This is a way of pulling children up,:Hampson said. "Many of them were not thinking of college."
Dora Burroughs, a sophomore at UVI, said she wouldn't have been able to pursue her dream of obtaining a nursing degree without the commitment of Lee, Hampson, and the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation.
"They are encouraging me to go on more and I'm trying to do better," Burroughs said." I don't really have the money to go to college and now that I have the scholarship, I'm putting it to use."
The goal of the Sidney Lee Dream Foundation is based on that of the I Have a Dream Foundation, which began in New York City in 1981. A successful New York businessman, Eugene M. Lang, promised the 61 graduating sixth-graders at his old elementary school in East Harlem that if they graduated from high school, he would provide financial assistance for to help them pay for college.
Lee wants to see the same type of educational incentive program begin on St Croix and St Thomas.
"It's a big thing and the economy is bad," Lee said. "Students are leaving the islands. They need to be helped. There are people who have the funds to do this."
Hampson, who has retired from teaching, said there are plenty of educational incentives for students with high grade point averages, but few for "average" students to challenge themselves with a post-secondary education, if given the opportunity.
In addition to Burroughs, the UVI students receiving Sidney Lee Dream Foundation Scholarships are: Natricia Taylor, Ideola Francis, Deneisha Joseph, Kamilah Joseph, Rosetta Daniel, and Joanna Jarvis.
The students must continue in a two or four year degree program without interruption or failure to remain eligible for their scholarship.
"If they go to Alaska, we'll follow them," Hampson said.
The Sidney Lee Foundation is a model for what private citizens who recognize the need can accomplish. UVI welcomes such contributions to the future of Virgin Islands' youth. For further information on creating or contributing to scholarship opportunities at UVI, please call the Institutional Advancement Office at (340) 693-1040.
