Caterpillar Project Wraps Up First Semester

ST. CROIX — Project Promise’s Caterpillar Project (T.C.P.) program closed out its first semester with a celebration on June 22 at the Lew Muckle Elementary School for the T.C.P. students’ successful completion of the program, a press release the nonprofit issued today has made known.

“I am so excited by how much our students accomplished in just four months,” said Project Promise President Resa O’Reilly. “I can hardly wait for the next 14 semesters to unfold.”

The Caterpillar Project began on January 25 with 12 selected fifth graders from the Lew Muckle Elementary School, according to the release. The goal is to make a difference in the lives of these at-risk youth through a holistic program over the next eight years.

During the program’s first semester, the students were introduced to several themes to help enhance their educational experience. They met with staffers after school for daily coaching and activities in the following nine areas: Life Coaching, Mentoring, Personal Wellness, Tutoring, Career Exploration, Cultural Awareness, Creative Expression, Community Service, and Family Support Services.

Some students experienced a number of academic milestones during the four months in the program and overall improvements in math were noticed. In addition, the students were able to expand their views with exposure to theater arts, yoga, various career fields, and dozens of activities that took them on a hike to the Caledonia Waterfall, an island tour, and a visit to Sejah Farms.

The Caterpillar Project students conducted two cleanups at their school, and started a garden. They also read to preschoolers as part of one of their community service projects. The biggest highlight of the semester was when the students were able to present the letters they wrote to deployed soldiers to the Virgin Islands Adjutant General Deborah Howell at the Memorial Day Ceremony in May.

T.C.P. parent Luz Saldana said she’s pleased with her daughter’s progress. “I have noticed changes in her personality,” said Saldana. “She’s less shy, she speaks to everyone about her cultural knowledge. I noticed that she’s even doing better in her academics.”

Year-round enrichment for the students is part of Project Promise’s long term goals, and to that end, Project Promise officials will host a summer session for its students. The summer session will run from July 11 to August 19, according to the release.

For more information about The Caterpillar Project, or other Project Promise programs, contact Resa O’Reilly at (340) 244-3242.

Project Promise is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth on St. Croix by providing empowerment initiatives, cultural programs and family services. To learn more about Project Promise, please visit the website at www.projectpromisevi.com.