Earlier this week, Governor and First Lady de Jongh were pleased to host student award ceremonies for the Healthy VI school video contest in both districts this week. The ceremonies highlighted the final results of a community-wide, online vote at the Ourstage.com web site for best videos on a healthy living theme. Over 35,000 votes were cast territory-wide to determine the first and second place winners for all V.I. public, private, and parochial schools. Ceremonies took place at Government House on St. Thomas and St. Croix on Tuesday, and Wednesday respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony on St. Thomas, the First Lady said:

“The Governor and I are incredibly proud of all the students who participated in the Healthy VI contest and congratulate the first and second place winners for placing so highly in the competition. One of the goals of the contest was to share the students’ perspective on healthy living with the broader community, whether they chose to focus on stopping violence, eating healthy, or staying away from drugs and alcohol. We applaud their initiative, and look forward to providing additional opportunities that highlight the skills and talents of Virgin Islands youth while ensuring a direct, educational benefit."

First place teams were awarded $750 to each student team member and $1,250 to the school. Second place teams were awarded $375 to each student team member and $625 to the school. Four schools were honored in total.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh presents a check to students and teachers from Bertha C. Boschulte High School as part of award ceremonies for the Healthy VI school video contest on February 9, 2009 at Government House, St. Thomas.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh presents a check to students and teachers from St. Croix Central High School as part of award ceremonies for the Healthy VI school video contest on February 10, 2009 at Government House, St.Croix.

The Governor and First Lady applaud the efforts of the following students:

For St. Croix Central High School (First Place, Public Schools): Ikedo Forbes, Kai Moolenaar, Kevin Moolenaar, Pedro Montes, and Shaquille Thomas. Special thanks are also extended to Principal Chermaine Hobson-Johnson. 

For Bertha C. Boschulte High School (Second Place, Public Schools): Aadillah George, Jamarie Ayala, Krystina Joseph, Keyan Francis, and Ro’Niqua Henley. Special thanks are extended to Principal Carver Farrow. 

For St. Joseph’s Catholic High School (First Place, Private/Parochial Schools): Enrique Arroyo and Verna Corbin. Special thanks are extended to Principal Debra Skalkos.

For Kingshill High School (Second Place, Private/Parochial Schools): Abigail Vidale and Dale Donowa. Special thanks are extended to Principal Janie Koopmans. 

The First Lady thanked the sponsors who generously donated funds towards the cash award prizes for the students and schools: First Bank, Cartier, and Hublot and noted the importance of educating children about healthy living, especially against chronic disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and other serious, life-threatening conditions.

She added:

“We are learning that children as young as 10 years of age are developing these crippling chronic diseases, often times as a result of poor diet, inadequate exercise, and unhealthy lifestyles. It’s important that we create opportunities to help children and families make better food choices, as well as encourage exercising, and balancing a healthier lifestyle overall.”

Referencing her personal motivation to start the Healthy VI initiative in the Virgin Islands, the First Lady also spoke of the critical and urgent need to act now in order to provide a benchmark of health and wellness for the next generation. 

“We are experiencing a healthcare crisis in the Virgin Islands and nationwide, particularly with obesity, and healthy living must start to be more of a priority for all of us. It is especially important that we educate children about good health so that they may lead long and fulfilling lives and so that they pass along these lessons for future generations.”