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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of June 5, 2026
- andreamilam
- Jun 8
- 9 min read
Senior Spotlights
From now through the end of the year,
we'll be shining the spotlight on our Class of 2026.
Gifft Hill School Class of 2026 Valedictorian Dax Chouiniere is a lifer, having attended since preschool. He says he appreciates the way our teachers are able to form close relationships with their students.
“Teachers can really get to know their students and once they do, they figure out what you want, need, and like, and they help you in every way,” says Dax. “They personalize the material for you and make it what you want.”
Dax’s teachers describe him as a lifelong learner who is always seeking more knowledge.
“Dax is in this building to learn and he wants the people around him to do the same thing,” says Upper Campus math teacher Ms. Veronica, who’s been a part of Dax’s educational journey since kindergarten. “His peers know that and really respect him for that. He carries himself with a strong level of empathy and really puts himself into other people’s shoes to understand different vantage points. He’s got a great worldly understanding of things.”
Senior class advisor Ms. Rashida says Dax has a strong moral compass.
“He’s great at keeping his composure, even when he’s overwhelmed,” she says. “He’s a great person overall, not just as a student but as a human being. He’s very genuine.”
Dax says perseverance helped him earn the title of Valedictorian.
“Even when other people around me didn’t want to do their work, I just kept pushing,” he says. “Always push yourself through the hard things, because it will prepare you for your future.”
Dax’s favorite experiences in our high school electives and STEAM Week offerings were Farm to Table dinners and making pottery kick wheels, which he and his classmates then used to create their own ceramic works.
“I was interested in cooking before Farm to Table, but it pushed me beyond my comfort zone and exposed me to a lot of different cuisines and experiences,” Dax says. “I really liked showing off what we can do at the events.”
Dax explored his interest in engineering and renewable energy technology during his capstone, a four-week immersion in the professional world during which our students have the opportunity to experience a career they’re interested in pursuing, working with Caribbean Solar Company.
“I’m interested in the technology behind solar power and green energy and how it all works,” says Dax. “I think green energy is important. I want to study environmental engineering because it’s a great way to learn how to lessen our impact.”
After graduation, Dax plans to attend the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, where he’ll study sustainable innovation.
Dax has been a member of student council, NHS, and our Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Club. He also served as chairperson and treasurer of his Class of 2026’s fundraising committee.
Outside of school, Dax is the tenor section leader for the Love City Pan Dragons. He also performs on pan at weddings and private events, and is employed by Caribbean Solar after a successful capstone experience.
Dax says he will miss “just knowing everybody and walking through the hallways saying hi to people you know.”
Gifft Hill School Class of 2026 Salutatorian Nadjah Jn Phillip joined the GHS community in fourth grade. She says she appreciates that our teachers care for their students on a deeper level.
“They care about our emotional well-being,” says Nadjah. “They invest a lot of personal time into the students.”
Nadjah’s teachers describe her as eloquent and poised.
“She is learning to harness all of her passion, whether for academics or societal topics, and I believe she’s maturing into a place where she’ll be able to accomplish something more amazing that we can even imagine,” says Upper Campus math teacher Ms. Veronica. “She took all of her free time from March of last year through now to enroll in every AP class she could. She has owned her academics and stayed the course.”
Senior class advisor Ms. Rashida says Nadjah is a natural born leader.
“I can see her making great changes in the world,” she says.
“She is a curious student and an exceptional leader, always asking great questions and holding her peers accountable,” adds Upper Campus science teacher Mr. Bill.
Nadjah attributes her success in earning the title of Salutatorian to her mother.
“She continues to sacrifice a lot for her children, and seeing that growing up has allowed me to have a strong moral compass and work ethic,” says Nadjah. “Seeing how hard she works every single day has pushed me to want to do better for her. I appreciate everything she has done for me.”
Nadjah enjoyed a variety of experiences through our high school electives and STEAM Week offerings, including art, survival, and an intro to accounting course that set her on her future career path.
“Having the intro to accounting class freshman year pushed me into the field of accounting,” says Nadjah. “I enjoyed art because it allowed me to calm my mind and step out of my comfort zone. And I enjoyed the teamwork during the survival STEAM Week.”
Nadjah explored her interest in accounting through her capstone, a four-week immersion in the professional world during which our students have the opportunity to experience a career they’re interested in pursuing, working with St. John accountant Cassandra Moore.
After graduation, Nadjah plans to attend Morgan State University's Honors College where she’ll study accounting and education.
Nadjah attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference twice, an experience that led to her co-founding our Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability Club. She’s been a member of student council and served two years as NHS president. Nadjah has also been a member of our volleyball team.
Outside of school, Nadjah has played volleyball with the Island Mixx Youth Volleyball Team. She published original works through Society 340 and St. John School of the Arts’ Hear Every Voice program and performs with the St. John School of the Arts’ Expressive Pantomime group. Nadjah also tutors for the Boys and Girls Club, volunteers with the Dynamic Dancers, and she works at Shambles.
Nadjah says she will miss her teachers and classmates as well as the environment, culture, and sense of familiarity and community at Gifft Hill School.
Upcoming Events
COMING UP NEXT
June 4-8: Upper Campus final exams, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
June 8: Final grades close
June 8: Lower Campus talent show
June 8: Lower Campus field day
June 9: Fifth grade promotion
June 9: Family beach day
UPPER CAMPUS FINAL EXAMS JUNE 4-8
Upper Campus final exams will take place on Thursday, June 4, Friday, June 5, and Monday, June 8. Upper Campus students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. on these days and there will be bus service.
Students took two exams on Thursday and Friday, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a half-hour snack break in between. On Monday, students will take one exam then use the rest of the time to clean out their lockers, prepare for summer reading, and take care of other end-of-year tasks.
LOWER CAMPUS TALENT SHOW JUNE 8
Our Lower Campus talent show is set for June 8 from 9:00-11:15 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please note that those attending the show may not park until after 8:30 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property. This event will be live streamed on our Facebook page.
END OF SCHOOL BEACH DAY JUNE 9
All GHS families are invited to our end of school beach day, hosted by the Barracuda Boosters Parent Association on Tuesday, June 9, from 9:30 am. to 12:30 p.m. at Oppenheimer Beach. Fruit, veggies, pastries, and water will be provided and pot luck items are encouraged. Families are also invited to bring gently used GHS uniforms to swap out with other families.
SUMMER VOLLEYBALL CLINIC JUNE 27
GHS will host a free summer volleyball clinic for middle and high school students with coach Nikki Hackenberg on June 27 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Trayser Field. Spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here or scan the QR code on the flyer below to sign your child up for this clinic.
SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE IN WEEKS 3 & 4 OF GHS SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP
A few spots are still available for weeks 3 and 4 of GHS's Summer Adventure Camp. Please see flyer below for more details and click here to register your child.
GHS Highlights
KINDERGARTEN PROMOTION
Kudos to our kindergarteners, who were officially promoted to first grade this week in a heartfelt ceremony that included musical performances by the class and a spotlight on the unique attributes each student brings to the class. Congratulations, Class of 2038!
FIFTH GRADE VISITS UPPER CAMPUS
We welcomed our soon-to-be-sixth-graders to the Upper Campus this week with an enthusiastic clap-in before fifth graders toured the property with outgoing UC Principal Ms. McGuire and incoming UC Principal Mr. Corey. We are excited to watch these students take the next step in their Gifft Hill School journey and begin their middle school experience next year!
DONUTS WITH DADS
Our toddlers were thrilled to share their classroom with their dads, who came in Friday morning for the class's Donuts with Dads event. Students made a special piece of art for their dads and shared donuts, fruit, and playtime. Thank you to the dads and father figures who showed up for our toddlers!
CAR SEAT DONATION
Thank you to Island Health & Wellness for purchasing car seats for our van, allowing our youngest students to travel in safety and style! And thank you to our preschool models (not buckled in because they were only posing for photos) who looked extra spiffy thanks to fancy dress day at the Lower Campus.
Sports Central
SPRING SPORTS SEASON COMING TO AN END
As the spring sports season concludes, we'd like to remind all athletes to please return your uniforms.
Dates to Remember
See below for important dates to remember over the next two months. View the full school year calendar by clicking here.
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
CREATIVE ARTS & LITERACY WORKSHOP PARENT & FAMILY ORIENTATION JUNE 6
Negus Education World Specialists will host a parent and family orientation on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. At this orientation, information will be shared on the sixth annual St. John Outdoor Love City Learning Summer Creative Arts & Literacy Workshop. Visit www.neguseducation.com for more details.
UVI SUMMER CAMP NOW ENROLLING
Negus Education World Specialists will host a parent and family orientation on Saturday, June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. At this orientation, information will be shared on the sixth annual St. John Outdoor Love City Learning Summer Creative Arts & Literacy Workshop. Visit www.neguseducation.com for more details.
SUMMER BAND ENRICHMENT PROGRAM NOW ENROLLING
Dr. Peet's Music Suite summer band enrichment program, which will run from June 15-July 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is now enrolling. The program is open to ages 9-16. See flyer below for more information.
FRIENDS OF VINP SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is offering summer job opportunities for high schoolers. The summer trail crew is an opportunity for V.I. high schoolers interested in nature and conservation, getting outdoors, and learning lifelong skills. The summer camp coordinator position is open to anyone ages 16 and up who's interested in assisting with youth summer camp eco lessons and swim lessons at Cinnamon Bay in June and July from Monday through Friday. See flyers below or visit www.friendsvinp.org for more details.
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.
PLAY LIKE A GIRL LEADERSHIP LAB JULY 7-24
The Play Like a Girl AI Leadership Lab is a free, virtual summer program for 8th and 9th grade girls. Over three weekly sessions, girls work in small mentor-led teams to explore AI, design a real solution to a challenge facing girls in STEM, and present their work at a live showcase. Participants will join a small team of girls and two women mentors, explore how AI is shaping careers and industries, design an AI-powered solution to a real problem, and present at the final AI for Good Showcase and compete for prizes. GHS's own coach Emma is serving as a volunteer to launch and design the program and will oversee a small group. Click here for more information or to register.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
CRUZ BAY FAMILY PRACTICE BACK TO SCHOOL PHYSICALS AND VACCINATION CLINIC JUNE 13
The Cruz Bay Family Practice will host a back-to-school physicals and vaccination clinic on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 340-775-2303 to make an appointment.
FREE DOH PHYSICALS AND VACCINATIONS JUNE 23-25
The V.I. Department of Health will offer free back-to-school physicals and vaccinations for children ages 4 and up June 23-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Morris F. DeCastro Clinic in Cruz Bay. See flyer for more details.
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