July 2026 Newsletter
Admin
July 7, 2026
/
5 mins read
A Look at What’s Happening at CFVI
In the July 2026 newsletter, we’re excited to share updates from across the islands!
Island Updates
- Adaina Smith of St. Croix has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship, the transformational award that provides full tuition, fees, housing and mentorship for up to four years at North Carolina State University.
- CFVI announced two additions to its Board of Directors. Angelina Daswani has returned to the board after a brief hiatus, while Richard Berry joins as a new member.
- CFVI’s 2026 Angels Reception brought together a passionate group of supporters to celebrate the spirit of giving that has fueled CFVI’s work since 1999.
Scholarship Highlights
- CFVI awarded 78 scholarships to Virgin Islands students throughout the territory to pursue a wide range of interests including science, music, early childhood education, business, performing arts, athletics, culinary arts, sustainability and more.
Cultivating Change
- The 2025 Banco Popular Grant supported the St. Croix Swimming Association's Every Child A Swimmer Program, providing free swim lessons to 78 children aged 4-11 from local public schools.
- The St. John Junior Rescue Squad program engaged 16 students in comprehensive emergency response training, covering life-saving skills like CPR, AED and First Aid.
- The Collaboration & Conversations grant was used to expand UVI’s Oral History Curriculum by creating an ongoing collaboration with existing Oral Historians; Virgin Islands Museums, Libraries, and Archives; and Curriculum Developers and Educators in the Virgin Islands.
Inspiring Futures
- 2026 Great Reads Selections Adult Selection: Creative Callaloo: Art, Poems, and Recipes Inspired by the Virgin Islands In this vibrantly illustrated book, St. Croix artist Danica M. David, poet Winifred Oyoko Loving, and chef Mark E. Davis serve us a delicious and nourishing blend of recipes, poetry, art, history, and more. Youth Selection: Broo ‘Nansi and Hummingbird This brand new stand-alone tale from author and publisher Mario Picayo is full of twists, turns, humor and wisdom as Broo ‘Nansi offers to cheer up his friend Broo Ram Goat by making costumes for the upcoming carnival.
- 2026 Lawyer’s Scholarship Recipients Chosen: public school math teacher Martial Webster Jr. and Howard University law student Ki'Janne' Alfre.