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ST. THOMAS, USVI – The Bertha C. Boschulte (BCB) Middle School recognized high-achieving students at its “Army of Achievers” Awards Ceremony held Tuesday, December 20 in the school’s auditorium, D.O.E. has announced.

Students who met or exceeded targeted academic standards on the Smarter Balanced Assessments administered in the spring, as well as students who made “A” and “B” honors were celebrated.

The school’s faculty, staff and administration, dubbed BCB Recruiters, marched into the auditorium dressed in military fatigues. In keeping with the day’s theme, they were given military ranks for the duration of the special ceremony. Sixth grade teacher, First Lieutenant Doldria Benjamin, served as Mistress of Ceremonies and opened the event with the Star Spangled Banner, the Virgin Islands March and the BCB school song. BCB Principal General Carver Farrow welcomed students, parents, family and friends to the first award ceremony recognizing students for the first marking period.

St. Thomas-St. John District Deputy Superintendent Michael Harrigan brought greetings on behalf of the Office of the Insular Superintendent, praised the event and acknowledged students for their stellar academic performance.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and give special attention to special students who work hard and do well,” he said. “The entire District sends congratulations to every student, teacher, administrator and support staff member on a job well done.”

BCB teacher Merida Gumbs treated students to a rendition of the motivational song “Can’t Give Up Now” by the gospel duo Mary Mary.

General Farrow led the awards distribution for “A” honors students, handing out Certificates of Achievement to 67 students in grades seven and eight for earning a cumulative average between 90 and100. Assistant Principal Lt. General Michelle Jones led the awards distribution for “B” honors students. Seventy-nine students in grades 6-8 received Certificates of Achievement for earning averages between 80 and 90. The BCB administration also made a special presentation to four students who placed in the school’s Spelling Bee held earlier in the month.

Leading up to the awards for Smarter Balanced high achievers, the award-winning Flambo Combo scratch band performed a Christmas Medley.

All active-duty military personnel in the audience were welcomed to the stage to assist with awarding the Smarter Balanced achievers. St. Thomas-St. John District Assessment Coordinator, Navy veteran and former BCB teacher Carla Howard was present and also assisted with the distribution of awards. The annual Smarter Balanced tests were introduced in the territory in 2015 and provides parents and teachers with more accurate information on how well students are performing as they prepare for college or the career of their choice.

BCB administrators recognized students who met (Level 3) or exceeded (Level 4) academic standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Fifty students were given Certificates of Achievement along with Medals of Honor for earning Level 3 scores on the tests. Four BCB students scored at Level 4 in ELA and Mathematics. Seventh grader Kelise Charleswell scored Level 4 in Math, while 6th grader Alexis John-Baptiste and 8th graders Harmonie Olivacce and Shakari Brooks both scored Level 4 in ELA. Level 4 achievers also received Medals of Honor and Certificates of Achievement.