A day on a neighboring British island "sparked" interest in the differences and the similarities between students on St. Thomas and Tortola.
For the second year in a row, Sen. Judy Gomez s student group SPARKS (Students Promoting Awareness, Responsibility, Knowledge and Service) traveled to Tortola on Monday to spend the day with students there.
Gaynel Daniel, president of SPARKS and a Charlotte Amalie High School senior, told the V.I. Independent, "It s kind of different when it comes to dress and the way they carry themselves, but the curriculum is basically the same."
SPARKS, founded by Gomez in 1993, focuses its activities on community service. Members work on such projects as lunch with senior citizens each April. They also hold seminars on teen pregnancy and other topics.
Of the 130 SPARKS members, 45 went to Tortola. They all paid for their own trips.
Monday's trip was the second for SPARKS members. Road Town High School students plan to make their first trip soon to attend St. Thomas classes, the Independent story said.