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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of May 30
- andreamilam
- Jun 2
- 7 min read
Senior Spotlight
From now through the end of the year,
we’ll be shining a spotlight on each member of our Class of 2025.
Salutatorian Justin Richards has been part of the GHS community since he was in second grade. He says he appreciates that everyone can find their “sweet spot” in the school community.
“You always feel included,” he says. “You don’t have to try to fit in because it’s going to happen automatically. People are accepting here.”
Justin says he’s enjoyed the field trips and different hands-on activities he’s been able to experience at GHS. He’s traveled around the territory with our basketball team and to St. Louis for the 2023 National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference.
Senior class advisor Mr. Bill says Justin is a natural leader.
“He carries himself with dignity, respect, charisma, and a great sense of humor,” says Mr. Bill. “He’s an amazing athlete. He rallies his peers both in the classroom setting and on the court. He’s an avid scuba diver with a love of the ocean.”
Justin is exploring this interest through his senior capstone with Low Key Watersports.
“I grew up on the ocean, I love being on the ocean, and I want my future to be on the ocean,” says Justin.
He’s explored his love of the ocean during our twice-yearly STEAM Weeks, which gave him the opportunity to earn his dive certification.
Justin says he’ll miss his teachers, his classmates, and the community mindset that’s promoted at GHS. His favorite memory is traveling to St. Croix with the basketball team. During his time at GHS, Justin played middle school and varsity basketball, varsity volleyball, varsity flag football, and middle school soccer. He earned the title of St. Thomas-St. John all-star basketball player as an 11th grader. He’s also been part of our IDEA Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. He’s played with the St. John Force and St. Thomas Process basketball teams and he’s been a member of the Love City Pan Dragons.
Justin will attend the University of the Virgin Islands where he’ll study marine biology. He also plans to pursue his captain’s license with the goal of one day owning his own diving and charter boat company in the Virgin Islands.
Upcoming Events
CLASS OF 2025 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY THIS EVENING
We will honor the Class of 2025 as they conclude their high school journey with a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 30, at 5:00 p.m. Graduation at GHS is more than a milestone — it is a heartfelt celebration of the school’s close-knit community and the meaningful relationships GHS teachers build with their students. This uplifting ceremony will honor the unique accomplishments of each graduate while inspiring hope for the future. Our commencement ceremony is open to the public. Those who are unable to attend in person can tune in to our live stream on our Facebook page.
LOWER CAMPUS END-OF-YEAR COUNTDOWN
Students at the Lower Campus will celebrate the approaching end of the school year with an end-of-year countdown starting Monday, June 2. Details are in the graphic below. All clothing must be school-appropriate.
MAY ACADEMIC AWARDS ASSEMBLY/KINDERGARTEN MOVING UP JUNE 4
The final Lower Campus academic awards assembly of the year is set for Wednesday, June 4, at 8:45 a.m., when we'll award our Lower Campus students who met their May academic goals at the Lower Campus great room. At this assembly, we'll also celebrate our kindergarteners' move up to first grade. Parents and guardians of kindergarten students are welcome to attend in person, as are parents and guardians of students who will be receiving reading and math awards. Please note that those attending the assembly 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.
ALL CLUBS, ACADEMIC SUPPORT TO END JUNE 6
Third trimester clubs at both the Lower and Upper Campus and academic support at the Upper Campus will end June 6 in preparation for the end of the school year.
CRUZ BAY BUS TO RUN FOR UC STUDENTS AT EARLY DISMISSAL DURING FINALS WEEK
Upper Campus students will take their finals on June 10, 11, and 12, and on these days, dismissal is at 1:00 p.m. Varlack Ventures has agreed to run a Cruz Bay bus for the 1:00 p.m. dismissal June 10-12. Both buses will run as usual at the Lower Campus through the end of the school year. Thank you, Varlack!
LOWER CAMPUS TALENT SHOW JUNE 11
Our Lower Campus talent show is set for June 11 at 9:00 a.m. All parents and guardians of students who will be performing are welcome to attend. Please note that those attending the show may not park until after 8:45 a.m. Please do not park across the street by the yellow house and along that stretch of road, as it is private property.
FAMILY BEACH DAY JUNE 13
All GHS families are invited to our annual Family Beach Day celebration on Friday, June 13, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Pavilion #1 on the left at Hawksnest Beach. Fruit will be provided and potluck items are encouraged. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. Thank you to the Barracuda Boosters Parent Association for hosting Family Beach Day!
GHS Highlights
SENIOR CAPSTONE TOUR
This week, our senior class toured one another's capstone sites, where they spent the last weeks of their high school careers gaining real-world experience in fields that interest them. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Shani's Beauty Salon, Low Key Watersports, Islandia Real Estate, Bajo El Sol Gallery & Art Bar, and Caribbean Solar Company for making a difference in the lives of our students. Are you a professional or business owner who'd like to take part in this inspiring program next year? Please contact Head of School Liz Kinsella at lizkinsella@giffthillschool.org to discuss this amazing opportunity.
HISTORICAL TREASURE HUNT
We'd like to say a big thank you to the St. John Historical Society for helping our students see the history that's all around us with a Cruz Bay Historical Hunt yesterday! Thanks also go out to Irie Pops for helping our students cool down with a sweet treat at the end of the hunt.
Sports Central
SPRING SPORTS SEASON HAS CONCLUDED
The spring sports season, and the 2024-2025 athletic year, have come to an end. All athletes should please return your uniforms as soon as possible in order to avoid an additional charge.
RUNNING CLUB TRAILBLAZERS RACE NOW SET FOR MAY 31
Running club's trailblazers race will now be held Saturday, May 31, at 7:00 a.m. Registration is at 6:45 a.m. with a post-race party from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. The route will follow the Lind Point loop starting and finishing at the VINP visitors center, with runners going around the hill rather than up the stairs. Runners will sign waivers and St. John Rescue will be on call. Please click here to register. The last running club practice will take place May 27.
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
UVI ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE TODAY
The University of the Virgin Islands' Entrepreneur Business Institute is a free summer program for rising tenth graders through 12th graders that will take place July 6-19. Students will live on campus for two weeks and will be provided with the opportunity to enjoy a pre-college experience and learn about the challenges and advantages of entrepreneurship. Students will engage in team exercises to improve their team-building and project management skills, and will experience mentorship from successful business leaders. Participants will receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the program. Scan the flyer's QR code for more information or to apply.
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR JUNE 13
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health will host a Health & Wellness Fair on June 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Morris F. deCastro Clinic in Cruz Bay. Screenings, physicals, and vaccinations will all be offered for free.
CASTAWAYS SOCCER SUMMER CAMP
Castaways will host three weeks of soccer summer camps, one for ages 7 to 11 and two for ages 8 to 17. Please see flyer below for more details.
CHILDREN'S VILLAGE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Students who'd like to earn community service hours this summer can sign up to volunteer at Children's Village during St. John Celebration. Those who are interested should click here to sign up. Please contact Robin Wallace at robinwallace@giffthillschool.org with any questions.
WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL OFFERING SUMMER PROGRAMS
World Ocean School, which runs the Denis Sullivan program that all GHS eighth graders are fortunate to take part in, offers summer programs for students ages 12-19.
Program at a Glance:
Summer Ambassador Program (Ages 12-15) August 1-8, 2025
Advanced Summer Ambassador Program (Ages 16-19) August 17-26, 2025
No sailing experience required – just curiosity and a willingness to grow!
See flyer below for more details.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR FRIENDS SUMMER TRAIL CREW
The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park summer trail crew work opportunity, which runs from June 9 to August 1, is now open for applications. This paid opportunity is open to those ages 15 to 18. Work consists of maintaining hiking trails and historic sites, working in the Friends nursery, and learning about kayaking, boating, traditional uses of plants, marine ecosystems, and more. Click here to apply online or see Ms. Burks at the Upper Campus front office for an application.
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