Five Virgin Islands students have been chosen as semifinalists in the "My Caribbean" essay contest sponsored by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the V.I. Department of Tourism..
The Caribbean Tourism Organization will choose a finalist from the five who will compete against runners-up from all over the Caribbean.
The winner from the Virgin Islands will receive al all expense-paid trip to the 23rd Annual Caribbean Tourism Conference in the Dominican Republic in September.
The overall winner's essay will be reprinted in an issue of Conde Nast Traveler. The top winner will also receive a $2,000 award and a plaque. The two runners-up in the finals will receive $500 awards and plaques.
The semifinalists from St. Croix are:
Alexander L. Nissman, 9, from Manor School.
Ade E. Raphael, 10, from Manor School.
Semone Archibald, 11, from Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School.

The local semifinalists from St. Thomas are:
Raquiima A. Doway, 10, from Lockhart Elementary School.
Winsome Nisbett, 11, from Peace Corps Elementary School.
The semi finalists were chosen from 49 entires.
For the full text of the essays go to Community/Other Stuff.