This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Moot Court Competition hosted by the Virgin Islands Bar Association, a pivotal event that fosters critical thinking among local high school students. The 2023 edition saw participation from nineteen teams across nine schools, engaging in spirited legal debates through three rounds of competition.

The competition began with the first qualifying rounds on April 9, leading to the District Rounds on April 16. All five teams from St. Croix secured spots in the finals, alongside the top five teams from the St. Thomas-St. John district. Scholarships ranging from $250 to $500 were awarded to the district’s four best oralists, while the top three teams received team prizes from $150 to $500, divided equally among members.

In the championship round on April 18, Charlotte Amalie High School’s Shaynèe Cherival and Kemiah Solomon were declared the champions. They were closely followed by the Antilles School team of Angeline Nairns and Priaya Giyanani, and Amaya Hamilton and Ameer Norman from St. Croix Central High School, who took second and third places respectively. The team from Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School rounded out the top four.

The top four teams received scholarships between $675 and $1500. Additionally, individual accolades went to the best oralists, with Rosalie Faulkner from St. Thomas 7th Day Academy taking the top spot, followed by Angeline Nairns and Robert Petersen, who received scholarships of $1,250, $925, and $750 respectively.

Adam Thorp from the Bar Association’s moot court planning committee emphasized that the competition is not solely for aspiring lawyers. He noted that while many participants aim for a legal career, a significant portion—approximately 40%—do not envision practicing law in the future.

Adriane Dudley, Treasurer of the VI Bar Association Board of Governors, spoke on the broader benefits of the moot court experience during her address at the St. Thomas-St. John-Water Island District Round. She highlighted how the skills developed in these competitions equip participants to effectively respond to challenges in any professional context.

Notably, moot court alumni have successfully transitioned to impactful legal careers. This includes figures such as Superior Court Magistrate Ernest Morris and Schneider Regional Medical Center General Counsel Su-layne Walker, a previous Best Oralist. Attorney Rhea Lawrence, initially aspiring to be a doctor, credited her career pivot to law to her experience in moot court, which sparked her interest in legal advocacy.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also addressed the competitors, underscoring the competition’s role in nurturing adept public speakers and debaters crucial for fostering healthy, fact-based public discourse in the Virgin Islands.

Amidst a backdrop of pride and jubilation, the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas was the scene of the University of the Virgin Islands’ 60th Commencement Ceremony. Students, brimming with relief and accomplishment, made their way across the stage in a pivotal moment in their academic careers.

This ceremony marked one of the final official acts for UVI President David Hall, who will retire after a distinguished 15-year tenure. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Hall shared a heartfelt message, urging them to view the conclusion of this chapter not with fear but as a call to boldly seize future opportunities. He highlighted their remarkable achievements and described the Class of 2024 as “exceptional in the history of this university,” praising them as some of the “most brilliant, talented, and triumphant students globally.”

The graduates were lauded for their resilience in navigating the significant academic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Keisha Lance Bottoms, the ceremony’s guest speaker and former mayor of Atlanta, offered insights from her experience managing a city through the pandemic’s economic and social upheavals. She emphasized the formidable challenges the graduates had overcome, which she likened to “obstacles of biblical proportions.” Championing ambition and perseverance, Ms. Lance Bottoms encouraged the graduates to never let external limitations dampen their personal potential.

Echoing these sentiments, Jackeima Fleming, representing her fellow graduates, spoke about the transformative impact of their educational journey at UVI. She reflected on the trials faced and conquered—financial burdens, mental health struggles, and more—underscoring the university’s commitment to cultivating excellence amidst adversity.

In a highlight of the ceremony, three honorary degrees were awarded. Ms. Lance Bottoms received one for her leadership and dedication, while local music icons Theron and Timothy Thomas of R. City were honored for their musical achievements and contributions to the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands. Following the award, R. City delivered a dynamic performance of their hit “Locked Away,” which saw enthusiastic participation from attendees, including Senator Marvin Blyden.

In a gesture of gratitude and commitment to their roots, R. City also announced a $20,000 donation to establish the Miguel “Keibo” Thomas Scholarship Fund at UVI, named after their father. This act of generosity underscored the importance of supporting future generations.

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. also addressed the graduates, reminding them of their duty to the community that supported their educational endeavors. He urged them to lead courageously in a world that, more than ever, requires determination and leadership.

As the celebrations on St. Thomas concluded, anticipation grows for the upcoming commencement at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, where more graduates will join the distinguished ranks of over 8,000 UVI alumni.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education has announced a shift to remote learning for three schools in the St. Croix district due to adverse weather conditions affecting the area.

Starting Monday, April 22, 2024, Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8, John H. Woodson Jr. High School, and St. Croix Central High School will conduct classes online. The decision was made to protect the safety and health of both students and staff as inclement weather poses a risk to the physical school environments.

“In response to the adverse weather conditions on St. Croix, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the ongoing safety and educational engagement of our students,” a representative from the Department of Education explained. The shift to remote learning will apply only to the aforementioned date.

To facilitate this transition, teachers will utilize digital platforms such as Schoology, Microsoft Teams, and email to distribute and discuss assignments. The Department remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions evolve.

Despite the move to online learning, school administrators, support staff, and maintenance crews are required to attend their respective schools as usual to manage any necessary on-site duties.

The Department extends its thanks to the community for its flexibility and cooperation during this challenging period. “Our priority is the seamless continuation of education and the well-being of our community,” the statement concluded, reflecting a collective effort to adapt and maintain educational standards under unusual circumstances.