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Senator Praises St. Thomas Teacher of the Year
Dec. 9, 2003 — Senator Russell congratulated Regenia Williams, a sixth grade teacher at J. Antonio Jarvis Elementary School who was selected as Teacher of the Year for the St. Thomas/St. John District. Ms. Williams will also serve as the 2004 State Teacher of the Year for the Territory.
"A good teacher learns the tools to excel in the profession," said Senator Russell, who is the Chairperson of the Committee on Education and Youth, as he addressed a prestigious group of educators at the awards ceremony at the Sugar Bay Beach Resort Palm Room on Thursday, December 4, 2003.
"Teaching is really the noblest profession," said Russell. "Teachers are an example of the values we should all strive toward – commitment, dedication, and ethics – while maintaining an equal balance of mutual respect, love and discipline."
Senator Russell also congratulated the finalists of this year's awards program: Cecelia Waters-Smith, Ava Brathwaite, Anita de la Cruz and Erma Skelton, saying, "You deserve the highest commendations for your unselfish service to the youth of this community."
A similar ceremony will be held in May of 2004 in the District of St. Croix. "I look forward to joining with educators in St. Croix to celebrate their achievements and dedication to the education of our youth," concluded Senator Russell.
Also attending the awards ceremony were Annette Kelly, 2003 State Teacher of the Year and Vernelle deLagarde, Teachers Union President, District of St. Thomas/ St. John.