What a year! I really did not know what to expect as we opened the school with so many unknowns and ever changing variables However, we were determined to make our best attempt to be together on campus and to restore as much of the Antilles School experience as was safely possible.
I am incredibly grateful to our remarkable faculty and staff for always showing up for each other and for focusing on what matters creating a positive and consistent environment for students Many thanks to our families for their commitment, trust, and cooperation in partnering with us so that we could safely enjoy and celebrate a full year of in person learning.
Of course, this year was not entirely defined by the pandemic The successes we counted were numerous as our students continued to learn, create, and grow. We welcomed new colleagues, invested in professional development opportunities, rang in our most successful Giving Tuesday to date, and, when it hardly seemed possible, reconnected with our community for a Spring Gala that boasted the most engaging Stand Up for Kids challenge in history. We ended the year with cautious gatherings in communal spaces for concerts and plays, and we began looking at how to rebuild programs and re staff our classrooms in ways that we were not able to consider the year before.
None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our donors Your ongoing support and commitment to our mission and values have sustained us for more than seven decades.
With this in mind, I am proud to present the 2021 2022 End of Year Report, which highlights a snapshot of the many notable activities and achievements that took place this last fiscal year.
I am honored to be a part of this school community, and thank you for the role you play in Antilles' story.
In partnership,
Shannon Harris Head of School
account for only eighty percent of er the gap and our community of ool year Thank you for your
endowment, because that is lower ure stability in times of crisis, and u (in advance!) for participating in our endowment campaign.
An Antilles education is a strong and well rounded one, as evidenced by our graduates Amongst them are scientists, mathematicians, inventors, writers, musicians, filmmakers, artists, athletes, pilots and military personnel, civil rights activists, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, architects, teachers. Thank you for believing in our students.
And while our graduates do us proud, it’s the joy of learning that’s reflected throughout campus in the current batch from our incoming toddlers through our ELC, elementary, middle school and high school students that makes our combined efforts so meaningful. Thank you for investing in our students
During the last seven years of my Board tenure (three as president), I have witnessed the Antilles community navigate through two Cat 5 hurricanes and a global pandemic with grit and grace. From administrators who led with vision and creative resolve, to a maintenance team that managed to troubleshoot through insurmountable odds, to the incredible faculty who, despite their own exhaustion, never failed in their mission to educate and support our youth and to my fellow trustees, Antilles families, and friends of the school, who put in endless volunteer hours and monetary funds…Thank you for inspiring me every day.
Now, as I step off the Board, rest assured that in me as with so many others, you have an Antilles friend for life
In partnership, Claire Starkey Out going Board President
Anonymous
Michael Allietta
Alpine Group
Inge Austin Verweij P'92, P'04
Black Diamond Advisors
Black Diamond Holdings
Budget Car and Truck Rental
Kimelman Family Fund
Sarah and Elliot Loewenstein P'24, P'27
Danielle and Anthony Nairns P'24, P'26
Prior Family Foundation
ProSolar Systems, LLC
Lynn Rabinovici Park and Andrew Park P'33, P'34, P'35
Claire Starkey and Tom Klotzbach P'09, P'21
Theodore Tunick & Company
Baker Magras & Associates, Inc.
Mariya Brueva and Mario Austin '92 , P'34, P'37
Custom Builders
Pash Daswani
Discover Fund Management, LLLP
Katarina and Richard Doumeng '74, P'09
Dynasty Dazzlers
First Bank
Dr. Erole McLean Hobdy P'20, P'24
International Private Bank
Norcarib Group
Dr Cecilia Penn and Averad Penn P'22, P'24
Perfected Claims, LLC
St. Thomas Concierge Services
Switlik Foundation
Cindy Talbert
Kelly '99 and Ryan Uszenski P'30, P'33
Bluewater Construction
Accounting Strategies Group, LLC
Carol Baker Robinson and Donovan Robinson P'18
Drs Marilyn Braithwaite Hall and David Hall P'11
Chilmark Advisory, LLC
Cecile and John de Jongh P'07, P'09, P'16
Sue and Chris DeGraff P'24, P'27, P'30
Dudley Newman Feuerzeig LLP
Fintrac
Gerda Gottlieb
Guardian Insurance Corporation
Harborside Corporation
Cass and Chip Harris
Shannon Harris and Jean Pierre Oriol P'25, P'28
Esther and Dennis Iverson P'33
Keswick Insurance
Mary Lou and Gene Mallette
Joanne Moorehead '95
Allie and Beverly Petrus Trust Co., Inc.
Sea Glass Properties
Seven Seas Water Corporation
Something Another, USVI
Celso and Julia Vargas P'24
Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat
Virgin Islands Oncology & Hematology
FirstBank VI
St Thomas Properties, LLC
Barbara Birt P'10, P'13, P'17 and Stephen Evans Freke
Shanique Woods Boschulte and Jerome Boschulte, Sr P'30, P'32
Cathy Chase and Dr Jeffrey Chase P'11, P'28, P'28
Vicki Jones and Mike Williams P'08, P'10
Carrie and Morgan Locke P'36, P'37
Merchants Commercial Bank
Paragon Surgical Center
Annalise Setorie '06
TOPA Properties, LLC
Webbe Construction, LLC
Dudley Newman Feuerzeig, LLP
Partners 4Kids
The McClafferty Family Foundation
Webbe Construction, LLC
Alexis Armenteros and Nick Vanassche P'34, P'36
Jean and Shep Barrows P'06, P'13
Blue Sandcastle, LLC
James T. Boschulte, Jr.
Dr Denita Boschulte and Jeffrey Boschulte, Sr P'25, P'30
Jacquelyn Bowers Gentry and Dewayne Gentry P'33
Breakaway Charters New Horizons
Jeanne Brennan Wiebracht P'07, P'09, P'14
Dori Bruno and David Hurwitz P'23
Children's Dental Care, Inc
Tina and Vick Chugani P'35
Jeremy Collins P'38
Angelina and Vivek Daswani P'21, P'22, P'24
John Detweiler
David Entwistle
Theresa and Steve Ethen P'26
Michele Fracasso '77
Sarah and Don Hancock P'05, P'07, P'10
Alani Henneman Todman and Ishmael Todman P'34, P'36
Hoffman Family Charitable Fund
Mary and Will Howe P'04
Kay's Fine Jewelers
Ava and Kelly Kendall P'15, P'18
Natalie Lo and Nir Ronen P'25, P'27
Love City Properties
Justin McLoughlin '91
Varsha and Jaint Mirpuri P'07, P'10
Morgan's Mango
Frannie and Bill Newbold P'02, P'05
Scott Newland '04
Ananta Pancham '01 and James Gardner '00 , P'29, P'31
Beverly and Allie Petrus P'11, P'27
Sandy Reese '98
Genevive Ryan Pedram and Hooman Pedram P'32, P'38
Springline Architects
St John Projects
Allee Jo and Ben Stewart P'36, P'37
Tarlow Family Charitable Fund
Christel Vanassche
VI Kids Opti Fund
Steve Weinberger '77
Amy Yuan and Allen Yu P'23, P'27
Jeanette and Elijah Acuna P'27, P'30
Nadia and Michael Adell
Amazon Smile Foundation
Verna Araujo P'02
Sami Asfour P'29, P'31
Jamie Aubain P'25, P'28, P'28
Margaret and Morgan Avery P'24
Tess and Kelvin Bailey P'33
Adrianne Baird Butler and Colin Butler P'33
Olga Balboa
Kim and Steve Ballowe P'36
Jessica Baynit
Habibah Bell
Matthew Berry '09
Menka and Ranjit Bhagchandani P'23, P'31
Steven Boswell
Katrin and Mark Bradell
Michelle Braley and Geoffrey Bergeron P'38
Rickie and Jennie Brewer P'33, P'34
Lori Brewer P'31
Sarah and Alex Brooks
Janelle Browne P'24
Ashely Bruce
Jo Brugos
Catherine Bryan P'30
Carleton Butler
Jacki Campbell P'25
Judy Chesnut
Shanda Chiumento Overmeyer '95 and Nicholas Overmeyer P'31, P'34
Keya Chongasing Garner and Curtis Garner P'20, P'25
Edye Ciaccia
Karen and Tony Coffelt P'24
Michelle and Eugene Connor P'30
Ben Cornish '86
Laura Costa
Katina Coulianos '73, P'03, P'06
Fedora Creque Nielsen and Peter Nielsen P'34
Marcela Creque
Alanna Cuccia
Chris Curreri '93, P'34, P'36
Lisa Curreri P'93
Mark Daniel Wilson Daniel
Shaira and Max Daswani P'34
Staci Davidson P'33
Sharmane Davis Brathwaite
René de Jongh '09 and Liam T Klotzbach '09
Kermine Dearlove
Dena and Aimery Delagarde P'32
Marcelette Dingle
Colleen and Paul Doumeng P'08, P'11, P'15
Nanki and Deep Dua P'26, P'31
Lisa Ekpo
Maria Eliff and Carlos Di Blasi P'14, P'21, P'25
Megan Elliot Francine Emmanuel P'23
Elisabeth Evans
Nikki and Cobia Fagan P'28, P'34
Gina and Kirst Feddersen P'23
Jeff Fetterhof P'33
Daniel Fetterhoff
Penny and Hank Feuerzeig P'89
David Fillingham
Willa Fils P'27
Jennifer Firestone '96 and Stephen Rivera P'34
Ryan Fitzgerald
Neressa and Ian Forde P'32
Akola Francis
April Friend
Tiffany Fritz
Cashmiere Fry
Beth Gabrielson P'33
Dacia Galbraith
Robert Galloway
Krystle Garcia Laplace '03, P'29, P'30
Rachael Gargano '04
Lynette George
Muskaan and Lalit Giyanani P'21, P'24
Tara and Scott Godfrey P'27
Chelsea Goguen P'26
Ernesto Gomez Charles Greene
Amy Gurlea
Shawn '88 and Nils Hahnfeld P'20, P'25
Mikki Harris
Julian Harris Bianca Harris P'31
Daunette Hazell P'35
Jamie and Brent Hazzard P'35
David Hazzard
Shanna Hazzard Valerie Heidel Kristen and Jim Hines P'29, P'31
Zenzile Hodge Diane Holmberg P'07, P'17
Danielle and David Holmes P'26, P'27
Yuko and James Hosie '92 Rhonda Hughes P'27
Avia Huisman P'31, P'33
Esther and Dennis Iverson P'33
Eavey Monique James P'29, P'27
Nisha Jones Daniel Jose
Joselyn Joseph and Ian Turnbull P'34 Kathy Joseph P'14, P'17
Miles Jourdan
Just Give Great Non Profits
This report
School
Office.
during
fiscal term of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 and is produced by the
wish to remain
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this report is accurate and complete, however errors do occasionally occur. If your name has been mistakenly omitted, misspelled or listed incorrectly, please accept our sincere apologies and contact Adrianne Baird Butler in the Advancement Office at abairdbutler@antilles.vi or (340) 776 1600, ext. 1802.
Steve Kalpee P'29
Erika Kellerhals
Catherine and Joel Kling P'28
Maggie Klotzbach '21
Heather and Geno Kral '00, P'27, P'32
Jessica Labrie
Maureen Lally P'33
LoToya LaPlace Hodge P'32
Agatha LaPlace Emanuel LaPlace
Amy and JJ League P'27, P'28, P'31
Carlyn and Wesley Ledee P'28, P'31
Brittany and Bruce Lee P'31, P'33
Melissa and Steve Lowe P'31
Margaret and Pretlow Majette P'23, P'23
Ambar Maldonado
Katherine Mallette P'31
Leah Mandichak
Elizer Manzueta
Liza Margolis and Paul Kalloo P'30
Jacqueline Marin
Michelle Marone
Marriott International
Karyn and Ruben Mastricola P'29
Shannon McCarthy and Jeff Euwema P'30, P'34
Kerstin '83 and Bill McConnell P'14, P'17, P'21
Marlene McMillan
Katie McNamara
Mary McNamara
Christopher McQuade
Mallory Meeks
Kathi and Glen Melbourne P'28, P'32
Heather and Jason Meringolo
Joanna Meyers Rhymer
Shaun Miller
Kashish and Amit Mirpuri P'30
Margaret and Robert Mitchell P'31, P'36
Stephanie Monsanto
Lida Morales and Reinaldo Mejias P'34
Meredith Myers
Patty Myers
Myriam Rodney
Network For Good
IIselah and Scott Nieboer P'21, P'23, P'29
Dr Ronald Nimmo
Nicole and Jacob Notermann
Tatiana Nunes
Lori O’Hare
Cassan Pancham P'01, P'07
Nadine Pancham '07
Leslie and Udo Penther P'06, P'11
Paul Peoples
Katie Perry and John Brugos P'34, P'37
Molly and Timothy J Perry P'33
Jillian Pothier P'34, P'36
Sarah and Jarrod Power P'32, P'36
Cynthia Proctor Cox
Ellie and Kevin Qualls P'16
Adam Quandt P'17
Jeffrey Quinlan
Cameron '08 and Angelo Raimondi
Brandon Reburn
Betty and Larry Richardson
Drs Condon Richardson and Rabindranath Bachan P'28, P'34
Lorraine and Brandon Richardson P'27
Alyssa Richardson
Michelle and John Riggle P'19
Melissa and Jeff Rincon P'27, P'29
Bonnie Rincon
Jorie Roberts and Daryl J Dodson P'09
Rebecca and Carlos Rodriguez P'22
Sabina Rosario P'27, P'30
Joseph Russo IV
Poonam Sajwani Fatnani and Mayur Fatnani P'38
Erin '05 and Ben Salzbrun P'36
Lane and Kris Sammy P'30, P'32
Keith Sammy
Bijal Sampat P'34
Heather and Greer Scholes P'32, P'35
John Schramm Karen Schroyer
Tricia Sealey Juryel Serrant
Reshma and Viral Shah P'33
Punky Sharp '67, P'90, P'97, P'10
Thames and Randy Shaw P'10
Rana Shehadeh El Haj and Sam El Haj P'29, P'29
Brittanie Sibilly Karyn Simari
Kimberly Simari
Delene Smalls
Kelli and Ryan Smolarz P'34, P'36
Yasmin Solis Ahmad Soud
Jessamyn Souders
Jessica and Phil Spillane P'28, P'30
Marisa St Luce '06
Cassandra Sudziarski '00
Sonya Swan P'19, P'21
Pam and Stan Switlik
Henry Switlik
Abraham Tarapani III '00
Martha Taylor and Andrew Johnson P'29, P'32
Margaret Taylor Malorie Thompson P'31
Christine and Chris Thompson P'03, P'06
Sheila Thompson
Nicole and Steve Tulk P'29
Amber Turnbull '06
Jacob Valencia Karen Valentine Khiani and Ro Khiani P'34
Lori Van Rassel
Charlotte Van Heurck '06 and Sander Lenten P'34
Jhalak and Prakash Vasandmalani P'33, P'37
Tina and Tai Vu P'31, P'33
Sue Wagner
Su Layne Walker '00
Cory Watkins P'24, P'28, P'29
Elodia Weekly P'23
Taima Williams
Toni and Kevin Williams
Wendy Williams
Elisa Williams
Jeremy Workman
Beth and Justin Workman P'31, P'34
Pam Workman
Pam Zbasnik
Emily and Howard Zimmerman P'27, P'29
Shannon Harris and Jean Pierre Oriol P'25, P'28
Katarina and Richard Doumeng '74, '09
Zenzile Hodge
Janelle Browne P'24
Shanique Woods Boschulte and Jerome Boschulte, Sr P'30, P'32
Joanne Moorehead '95
Anonymous
Nadia and Michael Adell
Mike Allietta
Jamie Aubain P'25, P'28, P'28
Inge Austin Verweij P'92, P'04
Margaret and Morgan Avery P'24
Adrianne Baird Butler and Colin Butler P'33
Ray Baird
Cecile Baird
Kim and Steve Ballowe P'36
Jesse Baynit
Barbara Birt P'10, P'13, P'17 and Stephen Evans Freke
Sue Boland
Drs. Marilyn Braithwaite Hall and David Hall P'11
Michelle Braley and Geoff Bergeron P'38
Jacki Campbell P'25
Cathy Chase and Dr Jeffrey Chase P'11, P'28, P'28
Edye Ciaccia
Karen and Tony Coffelt P'24
Ben Cornish '86
Angelina and Vivek Daswani P'21, P'22, P'24
Cecile and John de Jongh P'07, P'09, P'16
Sue and Chris DeGraff P'24, P'27, P'30
Marcelette Dingle
Nicole and Jacob Notermann
Katarina and Richard Doumeng '74, '09
Maria Eliff and Carlos Di Blasi P'14, P'21, P'25
Megan Elliot
Francine Emmanuel P'23
David Entwhistle '82
Nikki and Cobia Fagan P'28, P'34
Gina and Kirst Feddersen P'23
Jeff Fetterhof P'33
Penny and Hank Feuerzeig P'91
Rachel Gargano '04
Keya Chongasing Garner and Curtis Garner P'20, P'25
Amy Gurlea
Sarah and Don Hancock P'05, P'07, P'10
Cass and Chip Harris Mikki Harris
Shannon Harris and Jean Pierre Oriol P'25, P'28
Daunette Hazell P'35
Alani Henneman Todman and Ishmael Todman P'34, P'36
Dr Erole McLean Hobdy P'20, P'24
Zenzile Hodge
Danielle and David Holmes P'26, P'27
Yuko and James Hosie '92, P'21
Mary and Will Howe P'04
Dori Bruno and David Hurwitz P'23
Eavey Monique James P'29, P'27
Vicki Jones and Mike Williams P'08, P'10
Joselyn Joseph and Ian Turnbull P'34
Ava and Kelly Kendall P'15, P'18
LoToya LaPlace Hodge and Casey Hodge P'32
René de Jongh '09 and Liam T. Klotzbach '09
Liza Margolis and Paul Kalloo P'30
Jaqueline Marin
Marlene McMillan
Heather and Jason Meringolo
Varsha and Jaint Mirpuri P'07, P'10
Danielle and Anthony Nairns P'24, P'26
Ananta Pancham '01 and James Gardner '00 , P'29, P'31
Partners 4Kids
Dr Cecilia Penn and Averad Penn P'22, P'24
Beverly and Allie Petrus P'11, P'27
Adam Quandt P'17
Lynn Rabinovici Park and Andrew Park P'33, P'34, P'35
Brandon Reburn
Lorraine and Brandon Richardson P'27
Michelle and John Riggle P'19
Myriam Rodney Joseph Russo
Genevive Ryan Pedram and Hooman Pedram P'32, P'38
Heather and Greer Scholes P'32, P'36
Tricia Sealey
Juryel Serrant
Annalise Setorie '06
Lenora Short
Kelli and Ryan Smolarz P'34, P'36
Yasmin Solis
Claire Starkey and Tom Klotzbach P'09, P'21
Allee Jo and Ben Stewart P'35, P'36
Abraham Tarapani III '00
Amber Turnbull '06
Kelly '99 and Ryan Uszenski P'30, P'33
Charlotte Van Heurck '06 and Sander Lenten P'34
Su Layne Walker '00
Steve Weinberger '77
Margaret and Morgan Avery P'24
Olga Balboa
Kim and Steve Ballowe P'36
Jessica Baynit
Drs Marilyn Braithwaite Hall and David Hall P'11
Janelle Browne P'24
Jacki Campbell P'26
Cathy Chase and Dr Jeffrey Chase P'11, P'28, P'28
Edye Ciaccia
Jeremy Collins P'38
Wilson Daniel
Staci Davidson P'33
Cecile and John de Jongh P'07, P'09, P'16
Sue and Chris DeGraff P'24, P'27, P'30
Maria Eliff and Carlos Di Blasi P'14, P'21, P'25
Colleen and Paul Doumeng P'08, P'11, P'15
Gina and Kirst Feddersen P'23
Willa Fils P'27
April Friend Tiffany Fritz
Muskaan and Lalit Giyanani P'21, P'24
Tara and Scott Godfrey P'27
Chelsea Goguen P'26
Charles Greene
Shawn '88 and Nils Hahnfeld P'20, P'25
Alani Henneman Todman and Ishmael Todman P'34, P'36
Rhonda Hughes P'27
Dori Bruno and David Hurwitz P'23
Joselyn Joseph and Ian Turnbull P'34
Miles Jourdan
Catherine and Joel Kling P'28
Maggie Klotzbach '21
Charlotte Van Heurck '05 and Sander Lenten P'34
Natalie Lo and Nir Ronen P'25, P'27
Margaret and Pretlow Majette P'23, P'23
Elizer Manzueta
Liza Margolis and Paul Kalloo P'30
Justin McLoughlin '91
Joanna Meyers Rhymer
Margaret and Robert Mitchell P'31, P'36
Adam Quandt P'17
Erin '05 and Ben Salzbrun P'36
Brittanie Sibilly
Karyn Simari
Jessamyn Souders
Claire Starkey and Tom Klotzbach P'09, P'21
Jacob Valencia Su Layne Walker '00
Elodia Weekly P'23
Amy Yuan and Allen Yu P'23, P'27
Presenting Sponsor
Alpine Securities
Diamond Sponsors
ProSolar Systems, LLC
Theodore Tunick & Company
Platinum Sponsors
Budget Rent A Car
Custom Builders
Norcarib Group
Gold Sponsors
Baker Magras & Associates, Inc
Bluewater Construction
FirstBank VI
International Private Bank
Silver Sponsors
D. Iverson, DDS
Dudley Newman Feuerzeig, LLLP
Fintrac
Keswick Insurance
Partners 4Kids and Children's Dental Care
Seaglass Properties
Seven Seas Water
Something Another, USVI
Silver Sponsors
St. Thomas Properties, LLC
The McClafferty Foundation
VI Oncology and Hematology
Virgin Islands Ear, Nose, and Throat
Bronze Sponsors
Merchants Commercial Bank
Paragon Surgical Center
TOPA Properties
Webbe Construction, LLC
88 Bottles/Artistic Jewelers
Ashley Lauro
Augustin Holder
Barbara Young
Barefoot Buddha
Ballerina Jewelers
Big Planet
Bobby Kim Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
Carambola Beach Resort
Drs Marilyn Braithwaite Hall and David Hall
Chris Brewer
Coral World
Dog House Pub
Easterly
Elin Hildebrand
Fleagale By Design
Garden by the Sea
Heidi Windel
High Tech Water Sports
Jackson Fitness
Jazmibelle
Jessica Rosenberg
Eden Jewelers
Kekoa Sailing
Leatherback Brewing
Left Lane Charters
Longboard
Lovango Cay Resort
Love Spa
Rev It Up Nutrition
Miss Naturalista
Grand Jewelers
Neressa Ford
Nicci's Boutique
Shannon Harris Oriol
Nick Heinemann
Orchard Inn
Over the Line Charters
Point Wellness Spa
Prana Spa
Prime Pro Solar Caribbean
Ritz Carlton St. Thomas
Robin Fredey
Rock City Pole Fitness
Serafina Wellness & Alchemy
Shen Dragon
Sibs Cafe
Silk Greenery
Kay's Jewelers
Sonic Charters
St Thomas Yacht Club
St John Catering
St Thomas Restaurant Group
Synergy
Tammi Pearl Nail Salon
Tap & Still
The Buccaneer St. Croix
The Hideaway at Hull Bay
Twisted Cork
VI Craft Distillers
VI Ecotours
Virgin Island Coffee Roasters
Virgin Islands Shooting Equipment
Wala Ice
Westin St John
Carol Baker Robinson and Donovan Robinson P'18
Dr. Denita Boschulte and Jeffrey Boschulte, Sr. P'26, P'30
James T Boschulte Jr
Katrin and Mark Bradell
Jeanne Brennan Wiebracht and Matias Wiebracht P'07, P'09, P'14
Budget Car and Truck Rental
Cathy Chase and Dr Jeffrey Chase P'11, P'28, P'28
Tina and Vick Chugani P'35
Pash Daswani
Cecile and John de Jongh P'07, P'09, P'16
Gail and John Detweiler
Katarina and Richard Doumeng '74, P'09
Cass and Chip Harris
Shannon Harris and Jean Pierre Oriol P'25, P'28
International Global Company
Erika Kellerhals
Carrie and Morgan Locke P'36, P'37
Sarah and Elliot Loewenstein P'24, P'27
Ian McPhee
Heather and Jason Meringolo
Joanne Moorehead '95
Frannie and Bill Newbold P'02, P'05
Scott Newland '04
Ananta Pancham '01 and James Gardner '00 , P'26, P'28
Perfected Claims, LLC
Beverly and Allie Petrus P'12, P'27
Lynn Rabinovici Park and Andrew Park P'33, P'34, P'35
Jorie Roberts and Daryl J Dodson P'09
Genevive Ryan Pedram and Hooman Pedram P'32, P'37 Annalise Setorie '06 Springline Architects Claire Starkey and Tom Klotzbach P'09, P'21
Switlik Foundation Cindy Talbert Kelly '99 and Ryan Uszenski P'30, P'33
In 2021 and 2022, the Antilles community bid a happy retirement to Carol Malo and Punky Sharp '67, who each served the school for more than 30 years.
Mrs. Sharp has always attributed her desire to work at Antilles to the strong bond she shared with her teachers, particularly Martha Christensen, with whom she later became friends. After receiving an offer from former Head of School Albert Prendergast upon her graduation from college, Mrs Sharp joined the staff where, over the course of 44 years, she served in a range of capacities and helped launch several traditional activities and events, including the annual Holiday Bazaar.
While she's perhaps best known by families as the manager of the school store, Mrs. Sharp has also been a member of the Business Office team, an extra pair of hands in the Early Learning Center, a founding member of the Antilles Booster Club, and perhaps most importantly a parent to three alumni.
In April of 2021, Mrs Sharp was inducted into the Antilles Chapter of the International Thespian Honor Society, an homage to her decades of contributions behind the scenes often times with set design and costumes at Antilles School plays
(Top photo: Carol Malo brings in the materials she and Mrs. Sharp need to create costumes for the 2009 production of Grease.
She started her career on island at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, but it wasn’t long before former Head of School Mark Marin offered Mrs Malo a job at Antilles in the late 1970’s, where she began working in the main office alongside administrative team members Kaye Knoepfel and Lynn Woodbury
From that point, and over the next three decades, there wasn’t a part of student life that Mrs. Malo didn’t touch From carefully cultivating the school's archives to organizing pot lucks and Booster Club events, working behind the scenes at school plays, writing the Hurricane Tracker, and helping to manage the Facilities team, she became a part of the fabric of the School, and continues to be celebrated by students and graduates for her humor, warmth, and generous hugs.
The founder of the Antilles School Alumni Association, Mrs. Malo's true passion, however, lay in outreach and engagement which she demonstrated by the bonds she cultivated with hundreds of alumni.
Mrs Malo and her husband Steve ’70, are also parents to four alumni and the grandparents of two more the only legacy family with three generations of Antilles graduates.
"Excellence is
thing in an
way."
T. Washington
It was in the Fall of 2021 that the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that Lucas Rodriguez '22 had qualified as one of 1,600 semi finalists, representing less than one percent of high school seniors honored nationwide for their academic achievements, community activities, and leadership qualities, among other criteria.
Excited to move to the next phase, he immediately began working on his application for National Merit Finalist, noting his passion for volleyball and soccer, his love of music Lucas plays the trombone with ease his position as a student government leader through his work with the Upper School Student Council, and his membership in the National Honor Society, TriM an honor society for music students and Antilles’ Student Ambassadors
"It was a lot to balance," Lucas shared. "And while I was pretty focused on academics, it's always top priority, I appreciated the balance that also came with spending time with my friends and learning from my parents. I think that is what I most wanted the scholarship committee to know about me, and that I am grateful for being able to grow up in a school environment that helps me achieve that balance, while also excelling and attaining opportunities such as this "
Lucas was announced as a National Merit winner in May of 2022, joining generations of Antilles
graduates that also received the scholarship In December, Lucas was honored by the National College Board for “Excellence in Academic Achievement” by both the National Hispanic Recognition Program and the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and finished the year as a Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest awards for high schoolers given to less than 200 a year
At graduation, Lucas who set off to Johns Hopkins University in the fall stepped on stage as the salutatorian for the Class of 2022, another honor he accepted with humility as he praised, in his speech, the guidance of his family and teachers, and the support of his friends.
“While we have come so far and made so many memories, achievements, and lasting friendships, we still have an arduous path ahead of us filled with conflict, challenge, and eventual reward,” Lucas said “But if I had to place my bets on any group of individuals to break through into the world of adulthood in stride, it would be my classmates When I look at this talented group of intelligent, passionate, intuitive people, the word that will never leave my mind is potential. There is so much greatness within all of us, waiting to unearth itself with the right combination of hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of luck to create the adults that our current class would be proud to be."
When Antilles’ Athletic Director Mark Daniel heard that school sports would be returning in the fall for the first time since 2020, he worked quickly to organize teams and begin re teaching our students the fundamentals of the games, using his physical education classes to focus on everything from fielding and hitting in softball and baseball to playing defense in basketball.
The hard work paid off with our Hurricanes back in the zone, our teams went on to clench a Middle School boys basketball championship, and, for varsity, a second place win.
For Middle School, many of the players were part of the winning elementary boys’ team three years ago and, with practices after school and during the weekends, had been actively working on keeping their chemistry alive This season was short less than five games but in the end, a consistent practice routine plus solid offensive and defensive work helped push them to a championship win over Addelita Cancryn Junior High School
Coach K'Shard Callender said it could have been easy for the team to get discouraged after the first three season games were either canceled or postponed. Instead, the players rallied in practice, sorting out two defensive plays and three offensive sets they could use when finally on the court
"We were all excited to see the return of basketball after two years," Coach Callender said. "And, while the rocky start had us in stasis for a bit, we were able to get back into the swing of things after our first official game against Cancryn."
Though that first game ended in a loss, Coach Callender said the silver lining was being able to see where the challenges were and regroup. Overall, the team was young, but their commitment to working hard and learning how to play the game showed on the court
The next step, then, was to once again overhaul the offense and defense and to stick to practice, where the team continued to gel. While players Dillen Webbe '26 and Sekai Pinney '27 helped keep our Canes on the scoreboard during the games, Coach Callender said during practice, the natural leadership of Harry Holmes '27 helped define the strategy, which included tapping into the potential of both seasoned athletes like Bryce Richardson '27, and younger players such as
Meanwhile coming into the season, our varsity boys, who played Charlotte Amalie High School in their season opener, never took a pause A close knit group of 10, they added weekends and vacations to their practice routine and had the confidence and the ball handling skills to get them to the championship series against Ivanna Eudora Kean Both Middle School and varsity girls teams also placed second in volleyball
With gaps in other sports, like soccer, the private schools collaborated on a series of home and away tournaments that gave players the chance to hone their skills and engage in friendly competition. The Gifft Hill School on St. John played host the first time around, with Antilles coming up on the winner on the elementary side, while Antilles hosted in May, fielding victorious elementary and Middle School teams
"Before this, it had been three years since a scholastic soccer match was played for young athletes, that can feel like a lifetime," Coach Daniel said "Giving them the opportunity to ease back into a regular exercise routine was important, but so too was having them re learn those important social behaviors like sportsmanship and work ethic that get pushed to the side when they don't have the chance to practice."
Flying in from San Francisco, Google Diversity Specialist Laurie Bennett helped surprise Gabrielle Baa '28 with some exciting news: out of thousands of entries, Gabrielle's was selected as the territorial winner of the annual Doodle for Google competition!
The news, which made local headlines in May, was announced during a special Middle and Upper School assembly held on campus, with Gabrielle's classmates, teachers, and family present
Gabrielle was among the 54 state and territory winners whose Doodles went live on the search engine's main page and entered into the final phase of the competition, for a chance to win a $30,000 scholarship
Asked about her Doodle, which reflected this year's theme of "self care," Gabrielle said she incorporated some of her favorite activities, such as drawing and dancing, along with some of the things she hopes to do in the future, such as visit Paris. Ms. Bennett also recognized Antilles' Middle and Upper School art teacher Diane Holmberg with an Arts Education Appreciation Award from the company.
“We proudly congratulate Gabby on this exciting honor Seeing her face light up and hearing the thunderous applause from her peers following the announcement it was truly a fantastic moment to witness, and we're grateful for programs like Doodle for Google, which allows students to showcase their creativity," Head of School Shannon Harris said after the ceremony.
"We also deeply appreciate art educators like Diane Holmberg, who continue to inspire our students to explore these platforms for expression."
While the contest has been ongoing for 14 years, submissions from the territory were not always eligible. Hoping to change the requirements, former Antilles history teacher Andrea Gilbert, in 2019, had her seventh graders create entries for the competition celebrating VI Puerto Rico Friendship Day, which were sent to Google along with a letter from the class asking that students from the territory be allowed to participate
Seeing one of the Doodle entries profiled online, Antilles alumna Sara Smollett '98 shared the story with her colleagues at Google, and a few months later, the company announced the inclusion of the USVI in the contest. In 2020, Ajay Mirpuri '26 was announced as Doodle for Google's first territorial winner
Facing off against other students from across the territory, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, our sixth graders took first place this week in an essay contest hosted by the Third Judicial Circuit that organizers said was meant to promote an awareness of the importance of an independent court system and in honor of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr , "an awareness that our society should respect the dignity and rights of each and every citizen "
(Left) Karina Sakhrani '22 shined at the 2022 Poetry Out Loud competition, earning praise from competitors, teachers, and an Antilles cheering section made up of Head of School Shannon Harris, POL Coordinator Geoff Bergeron, and College Counseling Director John Riggle, who were also in awe of her performance
(Right) JJ Knowles '22 wrapped up his senior year with a dynamic recital at Prior Jollek Hall, featuring a mix of his favorite songs and original pieces, along with performances from fellow band members and friends.
(Left) After 11 rounds four of them spent in gridlock with two other classmates Geno Fero '31 and Caddie Wagner '31 were the last third graders left on stage at the 2022 Primary Spelling Bee While Geno won, he also found a fierce competitor in Caddie, who had two near wins in rounds nine and 10 when the two battled it out with spellers Aalia Bhagchandani '31 and Layla Ledee '31.
(Right) In April of 2022, Isabel Ethen '26 was nervous about competing in the St Thomas St John District Spelling Bee It was her first time, and being on stage in front of a large crowd was new but a month later, when she headed off to St Croix for the territorial bee, Isabel was surprised at how comfortable she felt and how excited she was to get back out there
Theatre 34 brought Small Actors to the stage in March 2022. The one act by Gregg Stephen focused on main character Emily, who gets a small part in her school's play. After telling her parents, however, that she got the lead, things spin way out of control. This funny and touching piece gave our drama students the chance to explore some of the roles we all play— in theatre and in life.
Songs and dance, bubbles, colorful costumes, and a story about everlasting friendship what more could the audiences attending last year's performances of A Year With Frog and Toad want?
"With two casts and constant collaboration, this isn't something that we've ever done," said Theatre Director Megan Elliot at the end of the play’s February 2022 debut, which featured a series of in school performances. "But the students really nailed it and they definitely embraced the message of friendship in the story Everyone was so supportive of one another and respectful of the different jobs they each had to do."
The musical featured both Children's Theatre classes, giving the two casts the chance to rotate throughout the day One class also took on much of the design and management work, along with the technical components lighting and sound that helped to enhance the experience, and worked during intermission to answer questions from their younger audience members.
"I didn't have a theatre program in my previous school and at first, I was hesitant to just jump in," said Trevor Prince '24, who played Young Frog "But, I really loved it It was great working with my classmates, I loved the creative part of the process, and I even loved the singing. It was my first time doing that, too, and I think I have a pretty good voice."
Also a first time actor, Josh Neely '22, added that being on stage just "felt right "
"I feel like I have been preparing for this through the other things I've done," he said after the first performance. "Also, I love telling jokes, and my part, while it's also supposed to be scary, is kind of funny as well, so I was excited to give it a try and was pretty excited when I heard the audience’s response during the show ”
Interacting with the crowd is a large part of children’s theatre, Ms. Elliot added.
“In years before, our ELC students were actually part of the performance," she shared "As we wanted to maintain health protocols, we looked for ways to keep that connection and getting the students to share what they were able to take from it was part of that." Among other things, that included cast members moving around Prior Jollek Hall with bubble wands, which many described as one of their favorite parts of the show
"It also gives the younger students the chance to learn from the older ones and that's exactly what many of them said," said Ms. Elliot. "By the end of the first day, one class had even sent over letters to the cast and crew, saying they can't wait to be just like them when they get older. What a special connection we were able to make "
Ninth grade class officers spent weeks planning a surprise for the Middle and Upper School, which they unveiled in April during a special assembly With Carnival on hold for the past two years, many students hadn't had the chance to fully experience the festivities, so the ninth grade invited master moko jumbie Randall Donovan, to share the history of stilt walking and, with the help of Tori Aubain '28, a demonstration Scan the QR code to the left using the camera app on your smart device to see more
Second graders spent November researching different animal groups and put their knowledge to the test when designing a series of dioramas that showcased the habitats in which they live. The models were fully detailed from glitter, sand, seashells, animal figurines, handmade trees or igloos but best of all, incorporated the students' own notes of what's unique to each environment
"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness " Ola Joseph
In high school, Joanne Moorhead’s ’95 academic successes regularly made the local news Between Quiz Bowl wins and spelling bee championships, writing awards and performances, she represented Antilles across the territory and abroad Yet, while she was recognized for her talent, and excelled in the classroom, Joanne always felt incomplete on campus a shared feeling reported over the years by many alumni of color.
“When I went to Antilles, it was a very different landscape,” she said “It has clearly deserved its reputation for academic excellence but after graduating, attending other schools, living other places and being exposed to more than I was there, I also realize there was a definite lack of cultural sensitivity that I found problematic both as a person who was born and raised on St. Thomas and whose family had been here for generations and as a person of color ”
It took about a decade after she returned home before Joanne felt a tangible shift and began reconnecting with the school.
“In the last few years particularly, there is a much wider national acknowledgment that inclusivity, in general, is important and that’s not just racial and cultural inclusivity, but inclusion of all marginalized people, all people who feel different,” she said, adding that conversations with other alumni and families with students attending the school gave her the hope that those values were becoming more integrated into the everyday Antilles experience.
The announcement of Shannon Harris as Antilles’ first Head of School of color set the wheels further in motion
“I believe that exposure kills ignorance,” Joanne said "If we want to raise graduates that are good people, and appreciate others for who they are, then they have to be exposed to spaces, ideas, and programs that give them the chance to experience something different from what they read or hear Watching Shannon over the years work to offer those
platforms for faculty and students, I knew this was something Antilles was taking to heart, and when she was named the Head of School, I really wanted to do something in a more permanent way to show that it mattered representation really does matter ”
Continuing to change mindsets and offering students and faculty access to DEI programming requires investment, and Joanne hoped to do that in the form of a dedicated fund that would benefit anyone within the school community A similar pool of funding had been generously given in years past by alumni parent and trustee Carol Baker Robinson P’19, P’22 and earmarked for specific initiatives and training opportunities, and with her permission, it was renamed the Shannon Harris Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Fund.
“The purpose of the fund is to give those of us who have an interest in making sure that all students, from elementary through high school, feel included in our academic program a platform for doing so,” Joanne said “Our children spend the majority of their waking hours at school, just like adults do at their jobs And we, the adults, should make every effort to ensure that their schools are a safe space for them not because they need a safe space but in case they need a safe space DEIJ is a critical principle in ensuring that all children feel comfortable and safe knowing that their school, Antilles, is that safe space. And, that's why I hope that we can fund programs and training to bolster these efforts ”
The impact that the fund can make was immediately seen in the reactions of students attending the 2021 NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, a multiracial, multicultural gathering of Upper School student leaders (grades 9 12) from across the U S and abroad SDLC focuses on self reflecting, forming allies, and building community, and through Ms Harris, the opportunity to participate has been offered to Antilles students for the
past five years Among the participants who attended virtually last year, Taiya Letang '23, a second year participant, and Ronit Totwani '23, a first year participant, shared their thoughts
"I was truly excited going in to have the chance to meet other student leaders, learn about a range of different cultures and backgrounds, and take away some of the great things other schools are doing," Ronit, pictured above attending an affinity group session, said "As part of the Upper School Student Council, I came in with some of these broader goals, and after participating, I understood they could be a little more specific. A lot of the work we did was in our student affinity groups mine gave me a chance to interact with other Asian Americans, South Asians in particular, and one of the things we really spoke about was implementing more multi cultural celebrations within our schools. What I really loved the most was that first day with my group everyone was just saying so many things we could all relate to and there was just so much excitement in that special space where we all came together "
In her second year, Taiya said her focus was to explore ways of making the Antilles campus a safer, more welcoming space for all students
"As someone who has always wanted to be more open about my identity, I felt applying for the conference would give me a push in the right direction," she said "While there is a lot of diversity within our school, sometimes I feel like we can push ourselves to do more in an attempt to create a more comfortable environment for all identities During the conference, I learned to love myself more and to try to be open to as much as possible within our school community One of my favorite experiences was the 'Silent Movement' activity, where we were given time to acknowledge the certain parts of ourselves that we identified with Since it is hard for me to be vulnerable with myself, the activity showed me how I was not completely alone as I thought I was "
Head of School Shannon Harris was recognized in the Spring of 2022 by Private School Village in a "Salute to Black Leadership" celebrating Black senior leaders at independent schools across the nation.
According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) 2021 2022 Trendbook, over the past 20 years, the number of heads of color in independent schools increased from 3 percent to 10 percent still below the 22 percent of principals of color at public schools And, excluding diversity practitioners, people of color in various leadership roles represented fewer than one in five in most independent schools For context, in 2014 2015, there were only 30 African American school heads out of more than 1,500 member schools in the NAIS and even less who were also women.
Ms. Harris is the first person of color to serve as Head of School of Antilles and has been a part of the school's leadership team since 2006.
Private School Village is a national organization that cultivates and harnesses the power of community to positively transform the private school experience for Black families so that students fully thrive
Offering historical context for February’s annual Black History Fair events, Averad Penn P'22, P'24, spoke to Middle and Upper School students about growing up in New York in the 1970's and experiencing a range of "firsts" that he said set the stage for the evolution of Black leaders.
Along with the election of David Dinkins as the first Black mayor of New York City, Mr. Penn, who worked on Dinkins' campaign, spoke about watching Jesse Jackson running for president of the United States in 1984 the second Black candidate since Shirley Chisolm in 1972 and his excitement over Jackson's message of unity.
This generation has experienced more firsts including the actual election of the first Black president but as far as society has come in a few decades, continued incidents of systemic racism have demonstrated how much further we have to go, he said Mr Penn encouraged students to pick up where the last generation left off a message echoed by members of the Upper School Student Council, who, in designing a range of other activities during the last week of February sought to both celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans while shedding light on the struggles for equity and equality that many still face
Our students' perception of what Black representation and excellence looks like was the focus of a video featured during the main portion of the Fair, which came at the end of an expanded week long celebration
"We asked students what Black history means to them and all of the responses were reflective of how important it has been for us to live in a community that is so diverse and empowering for people of color," co organizer Joshua Crawford Barry '22 said. "What we've had to think about next, is how can we, as students and future leaders, take that model and our experience and use it to drive change wherever we go "
Like the responses in the video, part of the shift also has to include changing the narrative around Black culture, added co organizer Araba Penn '22.
"With this event, for example, I like that we focused on the celebration rather than the tribulations of Black history," she said. "We have to push the positive and push the accomplishments until they're no longer surprises or firsts, but rather just a normal part of life."
The structure of the event particularly the main portion of the Fair was also reflective of the spirit of the Antilles community, according to student organizers. Many of the acts were music oriented, such as Sahid Letang's '24 rendition of John Legend's Glory, which you can view by scanning the QR code to the left with the camera app on your smart device
Other performances, such as DaJahnelle Joseph's '24, recitation of Maya Angelou's famous poem, "Still I Rise," explored different forms of self expression, including art, poetry, and acting. The Fair organizers explained that at Antilles, the arts are used as a connector, not only bringing groups together, but also helping to find and create common ground
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
Coretta Scott King
COMMUNITY
WOW! Our 21 22 three day Jogathon raised more than $15,000 thanks to the support of our families, alumni, and friends who stepped in to sponsor our students or, for the first time in two years, join them on the field. It was wonderful to see our community rally around the event, which directly benefits the expansion of Early Learning Center and Lower School programs, materials, and resources
Jeanette and Elijah Acuna P'27, P'30
Alpine Securities USVI, LLC
Alexis Armenteros and Nick Vanassche P'36, P'34
Sami Asfour P'29, P'31
Tess and Kelvin Bailey P'33
Adrianne Baird Butler and Colin Butler P'33
Habibah Bell
Matthew Berry '09
Menka and Ranjit Bhagchandani P'23, P'31
Blue Sandcastle, LLC
Dr. Denita Boschulte and Jeffrey Boschulte, Sr. P'25, P'30
Steven Boswell
Jacquelyn Bowers Gentry and Dewayne Gentry P'33
Lori Brewer P'31
Rickie and Jennie Brewer P'33, P'34
Sarah and Alex Brooks
Ashely Bruce
Jo Brugos
Catherine Bryan P'30
Carleton Butler Judy Chesnut
Shanda Chiumento Overmeyer '95 and Nicholas Overmeyer P'31, P'34
Michelle Connor P'30
Laura Costa
Fedora Creque Nielsen and Peter Nielsen P'34
Marcela Creque
Alanna Cuccia
Chris Curreri '93, P'34, P'36
Lisa Curreri P'93
Shaira and Max Daswani P'34
Staci Davidson P'33
Sharmane Davis Brathwaite
Kermine Dearlove
Sue and Chris DeGraff P'24, P'27, P'30
Dena and Aimery Delagarde P'32
Nanki and Deep Dua P'26, P'31
Lisa Ekpo
Elisabeth Evans
Nikki and Cobia Fagan P'28, P'34
Daniel Fetterhoff
David Fillingham
Jennifer Firestone '96 and Stephen Rivera
Ryan Fitzgerald Neressa and Ian Forde P'32
Akola Francis Cashmiere Fry Beth Gabrielson P'33
Dacia Galbraith
Robert Galloway
Krystle Garcia Laplace '03, P'29, P'30
Lynette George Ernesto Gomez
Bianca Harris P'31
Julian Harris David Hazzard
Jamie and Brent Hazzard P'35
Shanna Hazzard
Valerie Heidel
Alani Henneman Todman and Ishmael Todman P'34, P'36
Kristen and Jim Hines P'29, P'31
Avia Huisman P'31, P'33
Esther and Dennis Iverson P'33
Nisha Jones
Daniel Jose
Joselyn Joseph and Ian Turnbull P'34 Steve Kalpee P'29
Erika Kellerhals
Heather and Geno Kral '00, P'27, P'32
Jessica Labrie
Maureen Lally P'33
Agatha LaPlace
Emanuel LaPlace
LoToya LaPlace Hodge P'32
Amy and JJ League P'27, P'28, P'31
Carlyn and Wesley Ledee P'28, P'31
Brittany and Bruce Lee P'31, P'33
Melissa and Steve Lowe P'31
Ambar Maldonado
Katherine Mallette P'31
Liza Margolis and Paul Kalloo P'30
Michelle Marone
Karyn and Ruben Mastricola P'29
Shannon McCarthy and Jeff Euwema P'30, P'34
Kerstin '84 and Bill McConnell P'14, P'17, P'21
Mary McNamara
Katie McNamara
Christopher McQuade
Mallory Meeks
Kathi and Glen Melbourne P'28, P'32
Shaun Miller
Kashish and Amit Mirpuri P'30
Margaret and Robert Mitchell P'31, P'36
Stephanie Monsanto
Lida Morales and Reinaldo Mejias P'34
Meredith Myers
Patty Myers
Iselah and Scott Nieboer P'21, P'23, P'29
Dr Ronald Nimmo
Tatiana Nunes
Lori O’Hare
Nadine Pancham '07
Cassan Pancham P'01, P'07 Paul Peoples
Katie Perry and John Brugos P'34, P'37
Molly and Timothy J Perry P'33
Jillian Pothier P'34, P'36
Sarah and Jarrod Power P'32, P'36
Cynthia Proctor Cox P'30
Jeffrey Quinlan
Lynn Rabinovici Park and Andrew Park P'33, P'34, P'35
Cameron '08 and Angelo Raimondi
Alyssa Richardson
Betty and Larry Richardson
Drs Condon Richardson and Rabindranath Bachan
Bonnie Rincon
Melissa Rincon P'27, P'29
Sabina Rosario P'27, P'30
Genevive Ryan Pedram and Hooman Pedram P'32, P'37
Lane and Kris Sammy P'30, P'32
Keith Sammy
Bijal Sampat P'34
Heather and Greer Scholes P'32, P'36
Karen Schroyer
Reshma and Viral Shah P'33
Rana Shehadeh El Haj and Sam El Haj P'29, P'29
Kimberly Simari
Kelli and Ryan Smolarz P'34, P'36
Ahmad Soud
Jessica and Phil Spillane P'28, P'30
Marisa St Luce '06
Cassandra Sudziarski '00
Henry Switlik
Stanley Switlik
Tarlow Family Charitable Fund
Margaret Taylor
Martha Taylor and Andrew Johnson P'29, P'32
Margaret Taylor
Sheila Thompson
Christine Thompson P'03, P'06
Malorie Thompson P'31
Nicole and Steve Tulk P'29
Karen Valentine Khiani and Ro Khiani P'34
Charlotte Van Heurck '05 and Sander Lenten
Lori Van Rassel
Christel Vanassche
Jhalak and Prakash Vasandmalani P'33, P'37
Tina and Tai Vu P'31, P'33
Sue Wagner
Cory Watkins P'24, P'28, P'29
Wendy Williams
Elisa Williams
Pam Workman
Beth and Justin Workman P'31, P'34
Jeremy Workman
Pam Zbasnik
Emily and Howard Zimmerman P'27, P'29
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."
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.”
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 "
After two years of not being able to perform for a live audience, Antilles Band Director Brandon Reburn spent about a month bringing together all the pieces needed to get his students back on the road again literally. Four of the band ensembles performed in December in a campus parade, which brought students across divisions, along with faculty and staff out to watch.
"I have seen our sense of community erode during the pandemic and I wanted to find a way to bring that back to life in safe way," Mr Reburn said when asked about his inspiration for event. So, he set to work selecting the appropriate music for each group, walking them through new concepts such as standing and walking while playing, and helping them learn how to use marching percussion or alternate instruments that would help them move
Meanwhile, he reached out to members of the community who appreciated what he was trying to do among them VI Police Commissioner Ray Martinez P'27, P'28, who provided units as escorts during the parade and brought in VI Fire Services Deputy Chief (and Antilles alumnus) Eustace Grant to organize a ride for Santa. The cherry on top though, the Fire Services truck did gleam bright red in the morning sun was the dance accompaniment provided by fourth graders, who were taught the "Electric Slide" by Lower School Music Teacher Verna Araujo
"The best part for me was seeing everyone from the toddlers to the teachers smiling, cheering, and dancing together. The end of the semester can be such a stressful time for students as we approach semester exams and community events like these help us to see the bigger picture that we don't just teach a curriculum, we teach kids," Mr Reburn said
Not knowing how the year would end, or what health restrictions would be in place, the band department’s traditional Spring Concert didn't really start to take shape until March. By then, it was easier to hold gatherings outside Taking advantage of the greater flexibility, Mr. Reburn began prepping students for mini Music in Our Schools Month concerts in the courtyard The outdoor performances which came on the heels of on campus parades during Halloween and before winter break gave band classes a second wind, according to Mr Reburn, who said that since the last Spring Concert in 2019, much of his students' enthusiasm had waned
"It's not that the classes weren't enjoying what they learned, but in some ways, we were just using music as a coping mechanism to handle the stress of what has been going on around us," Mr Reburn said "We've continued to build over the past two years, but the ability to be able to come together again as a School community and celebrate, that made everyone want to go full force Because of that, there's been such an improvement and we couldn't wait to showcase it."
A spike in COVID 19 cases two weeks out, however, began to affect the ensembles. AWith spike in COVID 19 cases two weeks out, however, began to affect the ensembles. With about seven musicians down, the classes began to strategize, and by the time adress bout seven musicians down, the classes began to strategize, and by the time dress rehearsal rolled around, it seemed that the wrinkles had been ironed out. Reaching out rto ehearsal rolled around, it seemed that the wrinkles had been ironed out Reaching out to Jahzaiah Hodge '19, Mr Reburn was able to fill the gaps in percussion, while Jsubbing ahzaiah Hodge '19, Mr. Reburn was able to fill the gaps in percussion, while subbing himself in on brass during a few of the hselections. imself in on brass during a few of the selections.
"Having Jahzaiah there really makes it come full circle," Mr. Reburn reflected. "At the "end Having there really makes it come full circle," Mr. Reburn reflected. "At the end of 2020, he didn't get to have a senior recital His music and talent was so much of owhat f 2020, he didn't get to have a senior recital. His music and talent was so much of what Jahzaiah contributed during his time at Antilles, it's really wonderful for him to be able Jstep ahzaiah contributed during his time at Antilles, it's really wonderful for him to be able step back into the spotlight with some of his peers." Meanwhile, the rest of the bensembles ack into the spotlight with some of his peers "
Meanwhile, the rest of the ensembles banded together, with older students working collectively to support the younger bones anded together, with older students working collectively to support the younger ones and when the curtain rose, 26 songs were performed flawlessly among the eight agroups nd when the curtain rose, 26 songs were performed flawlessly among the eight groups. Scan the QR code below with the camera app on your smart device to listen to Sa can the QR code below with the camera app on your smart device to listen to a performance of the Symphonic pBand. erformance of the Symphonic Band
From the classroom to the field, our Hurricanes enjoyed creating, making music, being advocates, building 3D printers, exploring campus, cultivating friendships, and expressing themselves in as many ways as possible.
