Admission Ambassadors

Over hot chocolate and marshmallows, our Student Ambassadors were excited to come together in December to celebrate the holidays and share insights about their experience in the program - including what they ' ve loved, and how they want to enhance it. Started two years ago by our Admission Team to foster engagement and build relationships, the program now boasts more 20 students, with the goal of recruiting at least three for each grade in Middle and Upper School. To begin the school year, each ambassador is paired with a new student and many shared this week the joy they ' ve felt helping their "buddies" integrate into campus life, introducing them to new friends, and watching them build their confidence in class.

"I just really love helping people in general, and it's nice to see the smiles on the students' faces when we meet them for the first time, " said Taylor Spillane, '28. "Imagine coming into Middle School, which is so different from Lower School and then, on top of that, not really knowing anyone. It's great that we can have at least two people in each grade be there to help them through it. My favorite part has been helping them make connections with new friends - and also to make new friends myself. " DJ Parson '28, started as an honorary ambassador two years ago in fourth grade. "I have loved growing with the program and not only meeting new people in my grade, but getting to know some of the older kids on campus and seeing some of the things they do to make people feel more comfortable, " he said. "Coming into sixth grade is new to all of us, and I know it helps me to have people to talk to, and I'm glad I can be that person for someone else, too. "

"Speaking with Admission Team members Karen Coffelt and Ava Kendall, the ambassadors also shared their desire to help the program

grow. "Having the students speak about some of the things they want to do also shows their investment in the program, and how much they want to leave their individual stamp on it, " Mrs. Kendall said. "Thinking back to the first week of school, for example, they shared how great it would be to meet their buddies beforehand on campus, since the first day of school is so hectic, and that's such a wonderful idea. " Two Class of 2022 ambassadors, Joshua Crawford Barry and Lucas Rodriguez, have even taken to creating a map of the island and things for students to do for their senior project, she added.

"Each of these students truly embody the spirit of Antilles, and it's a joy to see their kindness and warmth on full display, " Mrs. Coffelt said. "But it is also wonderful to see the relationships that have blossomed through the program and how much they have all embraced the idea that there is always an opportunity to make a new friend. "

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

End-of-year internships for both juniors and seniors helped break down some of the barriers between the “real world” and the classroom, giving students the chance to prepare for success in the real world, while exploring learning experiences embedded within the community.

Caroline Sibilly '22, for example, said that time spent at the Canines, Cats, and Critters clinic helped solidify her interest in medicine - and possibly gave her a push toward veterinary science. Sitting in on several surgeries, Caroline shared with her classmates that one of the best parts of the experience was not only being able to see the process first-hand, but, as a volunteer, to offer comfort to the animals when they needed it.

Meanwhile, juniors TJ Roy '23 and Flame Gonzales '23 spent two weeks with the University of the Virgin Islands' Mangrove Restoration Nursery, which gave them the chance to learn the significance of local mangrove ecosystems and how to preserve them. There are approximately 3,000 young mangroves being cultivated in the nursery, and daily, TJ and Flame were tasked with general monitoring and care.

"Going into this internship, we didn't know how much fun and how interesting mangrove restoration actually is, " Flame said. "We learned a lot about our environment, how much mangroves make an impact, and how inspiring the people dedicated to researching these plants are. The experience definitely showed that this process is hard work, but that the time and care put in is critical to the continued preservation of our natural resources. ”

CONVERSATIONS IN THE COURTYARD

Kicking off in the Fall of 2021, a series of events sponsored by the Board of Trustees helped us reengage our community and celebrate Antilles' new Head of School Shannon Harris, who spoke in November about the critical role schools play in preparing students for success and guiding their development as critical thinkers, collaborators, and good stewards.

Gathering in the Christensen Courtyard, Ms. Harris expressed her gratitude for the Head of School Club donors - those donating $1,500 and above - who have made a difference in ensuring that success through the support of school programs, financial assistance, and other initiatives vital to enhancing the learning environment. "What resonated with me was the belief expressed in the power of education to change our world through the actions and leadership of our children, " said University of the Virgin Islands President Dr. David Hall, whose two daughters attended the School. "I have experienced the value of an Antilles education, and understand how, through their contributions, members of this community are an essential component to establishing a program that that has a profound impact on students.