.png)
Barracuda Bulletin: Week of April 10, 2026
- andreamilam
- Apr 13
- 10 min read
Senior Spotlights
From now through the end of the year,
we'll be shining the spotlight on our Class of 2026.
A’maya Abraham attended GHS in pre-K and returned for eighth through 12th grade. She says she appreciates the school’s small size.
“Students have good relationships with their teachers and with each other,” she says. “We really get to know each other well.”
A’maya’s teachers note both her academic and personal confidence.
“She’s dedicated to her academics and doesn't give up,” says senior class advisor Ms. Rashida. “She puts her best effort forward and won’t settle for less. She’ll keep trying until she gets it, and she is not afraid to ask for help.”
Ms. V., who traveled with A’maya to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference twice, says she saw how "the experience expanded her horizons and helped her find her voice.”
“She stands up for what she knows is right and she’s developed this amazing language to support her reasoning and engage with her peers about complicated topics,” says Ms. V. “She carries herself with a very strong level of morality and humility.”
A’maya says her favorite electives have been GHS' Farm to Table classes, both front of house and back of house. She enjoyed the having the opportunity to earn her ServSafe certification, a professional industry standard in hospitality.
“That was really fun," she says. "I am grateful GHS offers that opportunity to students."
A’maya’s favorite STEAM Week experience was learning survival skills, during which she mastered building a fire and cooking outside. For her capstone project, a four-week immersion in the professional world during which our students have the opportunity to experience a career they’re interested in pursuing, A’maya will work at Island Health & Wellness.
A’maya says her favorite GHS memory is a GHS Gives Back Day beach cleanup she took part in at Brown Bay.
“It was fun because we were outside and got to go in the water, and we were helping our community by cleaning up trash and making it look beautiful again,” she says.
A’maya has been a member of our varsity volleyball team, NHS, and our Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Club. She also published original works through Society 340 and St. John School of the Arts’ Hear Every Voice program, she’s an active member of her church youth group, and she works at The Little Things. A’maya says she’ll miss being greeted by our students and faculty every morning “with a beautiful smile, helping me start my day on a good note.” She is not yet ready to reveal which university she will attend, but she plans to study chemistry with the goal of becoming an OBGYN.
Taire Barnes is a GHS lifer, having attended the school since preschool. He says he loves GHS’s “very tight-knit community.”
“I like how connected everyone feels and how comfortable we are with our teachers,” says Taire. “Our class is really close.”
Taire’s teachers note how much he’s grown over the years and the example he works to set for our younger students.
“He’s very uplifting for his teammates,” says Upper Campus math teacher Ms. S. of Taire’s presence on our varsity volleyball, basketball, and flag football teams. “When he makes a mistake, he gets up and shakes it off, helping other kids be less embarrassed when something silly happens.”
Taire says he appreciates the way his teachers saw his potential and encouraged him to do better. Culinary arts has been his favorite elective over the years.
“I like the trust that chef has in us,” he says. “She puts her faith in us and trusts our ability to cook. I like showing my skills in the kitchen. I appreciate that the school has made sure I have support, and people who have faith in me and believe in me.”
Taire’s favorite STEAM Week activities have been Mr. D.’s outdoor cooking workshop and earning his SCUBA certification. He’ll build off that experience for his capstone project, a four-week immersion in the professional world during which our students have the opportunity to experience a career they’re interested in pursuing. Taire will be working with Low Key Watersports to learn more about the commercial diving industry, and the CORE Foundation, where he will apply his advanced dive skills, shadowing marine researchers and assisting with coral restoration and rehabilitation projects.
Taire says his two favorite GHS memories are his class’s eighth grade trip aboard the Roseway and his trip to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference.
“On the Roseway, we stayed up late a couple nights just talking and we really got to know each other on that trip,” he says. “The energy was amazing among the group of people I went to the SDLC with. I learned a lot about diversity and what people in the states go through. I met people there that I still keep in touch with to this day.”
Outside of school, Taire works at his grandmother’s restaurant, De Coal Pot, an experience he says has shown him how interconnected the St. John community is.
Taire says he’ll miss seeing his classmates every day once he graduates. He is still deciding whether he’ll go to trade school to pursue an HVAC career or attend the University of Connecticut to study business management.
Upcoming Events
COMING UP NEXT
April 15: Lower Campus April birthday assembly
April 16: Third trimester progress reports distributed
April 22: Earth Day Fair
April 23: Merit awards assembly
April 23: GHS community career fair
April 29-May 1: School closed for St. Thomas Carnival
May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6: Lower Campus April academic awards assembly
May 8: ELC Parents Day
GHS SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Gifft Hill School's Summer Adventure Camp is now accepting registrations. The fee is $300 per week and children ages 4 and up are welcome to join. Please see flyer below for more information. Click here to register.
RE-ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT AND SIGNED AGREEMENT DUE SUNDAY
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year opened March 1. We value your family and are grateful for the trust you place in us to educate your children.
If your child is currently enrolled at Gifft Hill School, you should have received an email on March 1 with the link to complete your re-enrollment. If you are applying for financial aid, you were also prompted to complete that application at the same time.
Our priority re-enrollment window closes this weekend, on Sunday, April 12. To hold your spot, your tuition deposit must be paid and your agreement signed by 4:00 p.m. that day.
As of Monday, April 13, we will begin filling open seats in each grade level with new applicants. If you have not yet completed your re-enrollment, we strongly encourage you to do so immediately. We anticipate that multiple grades will have a waitlist. Families who miss the April 12 deadline will be given consideration for any remaining seats alongside new applicants.
Please keep in mind that current GHS families must be in good standing in order to re-enroll. If you have any questions, please contact businessoffice@giffthillschool.org.
2025-2026 YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER ONLY; DEADLINE APRIL 15
2025-2026 yearbooks are now available for pre-order. This year's book features portraits and interesting tidbits of every student and teacher, class themes chosen by the students, fun candids of sports and other activities, and much more! A limited number of books will be ordered, so be sure to pre-order yours today by bringing $30 cash or check made out to Gifft Hill School to either campus's front office.
GHS Highlights
GHS GIVES BACK DAY BY THE NUMBERS!
41 bags of trash collected
$4,178 raised for island nonprofits
Two hours of heartwarming time together for our youngest learners in the ELC and the island's senior citizens
10 pounds of cracked corn packaged for St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation
176.5 volunteer hours to causes including trail maintenance, cleaning up the library, refreshing VIWMA murals, and more
More than $2,000 worth of food brought in for Catholic Charities
Students discovering the impact they can make: priceless.
Thank you to all of our partners who helped make yesterday possible, and thanks to those who supported our various efforts to give back to our very special community!
UPPER CAMPUS SPIRIT WEEK
Thank you to our student council for organizing a fun and lively spirit week at the Upper Campus this week! Themes were pajama day, emo vs. preppy, decades day, and green and white day. Students also played field games on green and white day and had the opportunity to pie a student council member.
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW UPPER CAMPUS PRINCIPAL FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
We are happy to share that after a thorough search process, we have selected Corey Nordike as the next Upper Campus principal. Mr. Corey is currently the high school English teacher at GHS. In addition to being a veteran educator, Mr. Corey has prior leadership experience, serving as the dean of academics for Atlas Public Schools in St. Louis, Missouri, and an assistant principal in Brevard Public Schools in Melbourne, Florida. Mr. Corey holds an Education Specialist degree from the University of Missouri and is currently taking classes to earn his doctorate in leadership.
Mr. Corey says he feels truly honored to step into this role and to continue serving the Gifft Hill School community.
"In my time here, I have come to deeply appreciate the people, the purpose, and the sense of belonging that make this school so special," he says. "GHS is a place where students are known, challenged, and supported, and where learning extends far beyond the classroom. I am committed to building on that foundation by fostering a strong, positive school culture, supporting our teachers, and ensuring that every student has access to meaningful, engaging learning experiences. I believe the strength of a school lies in its people. My goal is to listen, learn, and lead with clarity and care while working in partnership with students, staff, and families. Together, we will continue to grow what makes GHS unique while striving for the highest levels of excellence."
"I know you will join me in thanking Heather McGuire, who has done an outstanding job as the Upper Campus principal for the past four years," says Head of School Ms. Liz. "Her dedication, high standards, and commitment to living our mission have set an example for us all. I am immensely grateful that Heather will be remaining at GHS next year as a full-time faculty member, returning joyfully to her first true love: teaching! Heather is committed to supporting a smooth transition over the summer so GHS is well-positioned to build on the successful systems established under her leadership."
Sports Central
KUDOS TO OUR SAILORS!
Congratulations to our sailors, who competed in the St. Thomas International Regatta last weekend - their first experience sailing at this level. They raced in two IC-24s over the course of three days. Cleo Kinsella, Lily Wallace, and Alejandro Terron Lucero sailed with Coach Sam while Anais Craig, Zach Wilson, Bannon Beaty, Elena Magnie, Audie Weaver, and Max Beaty sailed together. GHS finished just two points shy of the top 10 in a very high-intensity event. Go, 'Cudas!
KUDOS TO OUR SOCCER PLAYERS!
Congratulations to our varsity soccer team for putting in great showings against VIMSPGIA and Antilles this week. GHS tied VIMSPGIA 2-2 with two goals by Tommy Nicholas, and our team held their own against Antilles ultimately losing 4-3 with goals by Elizabeth Ferrell and Tommy Nicholas assisted by Kyla Groetzinger. Go,' Cudas!
SOCCER GAMES COMING UP
Our elementary, middle school, and varsity soccer team have regular season games coming up. Home games are denoted with an asterisk*. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Elementary Soccer
*Friday, April 10, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMSIA at Trayser Field
*Monday, April 13, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. SDA at Trayser Field
Middle School Soccer
*Friday, April 10, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMSIA at Trayser Field
Tuesday, April 14, 3:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Lockhart at IEKHS
Thursday, April 16, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. VIMSIA Too at Montessori
Varsity Soccer
Tuesday, April 14, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. IEKHS at IEKHS
Thursday, April 16, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. CAHS at IEKHS
ELEMENTARY VOLLEYBALL GAMES COMING UP
Our elementary volleyball team has regular season games coming up. Everyone is welcome to come out and cheer on our student athletes. Go, Barracudas!
Elementary Volleyball
Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 p.m. - GHS vs. Bowsky at Antilles
Wednesday, April 15, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles White at Antilles
Thursday, April 16, 4:45 p.m. - GHS vs. Antilles White at Montessori
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
CBYC FLOTILLA & CHILI COOK-OFF TO BENEFIT STJ YOUTH SAILING ON APRIL 11
The Coral Bay Yacht Club will host a flotilla and chili cook-off on April 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the KATS rigging area on the beach behind the Coral Bay fire station. In addition to the chili competition, there will be a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and live music. For more information call Dave at 340-643-2630.
V.I. DEPT. OF LABOR SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Virgin Islands Department of Labor is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program is now open!To be eligible, applicants must complete this form, be between the ages of 16-25, and upload all supporting documentation (listed below). In an effort to match applicants with their desired occupation and/or field of study, VIDOL staff request that customers complete the Career Interest section of the application carefully. To ensure that VIDOL staff will be able to contact you, please confirm the accuracy of your phone number and e-mail address before submitting your application. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS APRIL 17, 2026.
Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency Status (Passport, Birth Certificate OR Permanent Resident Card)
Proof of enrollment in High School/College, Basic Education or Adult Continuing Education (Report Card, Diploma or Degree)
Valid Picture ID (School or Driver’s License)
Resume (if available)
Important Note: All required documents must be submitted by April 17, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions or additional information, please contact Youth Services.
AEROSPACE CAREER EDUCATION ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals' Aerospace Career Education Academy, set for June 22-26, is now enrolling. The program is open to students ages 12-18 who are interested in aircraft systems and components and aircraft repair. The cost is $175 per student. See more information and learn how to register below.
Comments