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Barracuda Bulletin: Week of May 8, 2026
- andreamilam
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Senior Spotlights
From now through the end of the year,
we'll be shining the spotlight on our Class of 2026.
Seamus O’Donnell joined the GHS community in fourth grade. He says he appreciates the personal relationships our students are able to build with their teachers.
“Because of the relationships we have with our teachers, it’s easy to approach them whenever you have questions,” says Seamus.
Seamus’s teachers say he’s very passionate about the topics that interest him.
“Seamus is consistently curious,” says Upper Campus science teacher Mr. D. “There’s never a scenario where he can’t come up with a question to further illuminate a subject I’m teaching. He just loves learning; he doesn’t stop. Every time you turn around he’s coming back and wanting more information, which is inspiring.”
Senior class advisor Ms. Rashida says Seamus is persistent in his pursuits.
“He’s very dedicated to his schoolwork,” she says. “He took the initiative to take several AP classes and he works hard to maintain his grades.”
Seamus has enjoyed a variety of experiences through our high school electives and STEAM Week, including Farm to Table, watercolor painting, and scuba diving with the Caribbean Oceanic Restoration and Education Foundation.
“I’ve worked in the service industry for a long time, and the problem-solving and people skills I learned at GHS helped me at work,” says Seamus.
Seamus hopes to enter the field of nuclear engineering. He’s exploring power generation through 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, by working at the V.I. Water and Power Authority.
“I’ve been interested in engineering since I was young, and in recent years as I’ve looked into different engineering fields, I’ve realized that nuclear energy is the path I want to pursue,” says Seamus. “Mr. Bill’s engineering class confirmed my interest in engineering overall, and I learned a bit about nuclear energy in physics and chemistry, which helped solidify my choice.”
Seamus plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he’ll pursue a dual major in nuclear engineering and either electrical or mechanical engineering.
Seamus is our student council president, National Honor Society vice president, and he was part of his class’s senior trip fundraising committee. He’s also been a member of our varsity flag football and varsity volleyball teams. Outside of school, Seamus is the guitar section leader with the Love City Pan Dragons, he previously participated in Kids and the Sea, and he’s the head server at Cafe Roma.
Seamus says he will miss his friends, the island of St. John, and the community.
Isaias Obando is a GHS lifer, having attended since kindergarten. He says he appreciates the individualized attention our students receive from their teachers.
“If they see you slipping, they’ll help you out and give you a chance to get your work done,” says Isai.
Isai’s teachers describe him as confident and say he lightens the mood with his sense of humor.
“He’s so comfortable to be around and his interactions with his classmates are pure joy,” says Upper Campus humanities teacher Mr. Charlie. “He seems really in tune with himself; he knows who he is and I’m grateful for that. Isai is motivated to enjoy learning, and because of his approach, those around him enjoy learning too.”
Isai displays good sportsmanship and teamwork on the athletic field, says Upper Campus math teacher Ms. S.
“You’ll see him making sure everyone is included,” she says. “He wants to see the success of others around him.”
“Isai’s approach to problem-solving is truly impressive,” Ms. S. continues. “He takes time to think, then tries solutions I wouldn’t have considered.”
Isai has explored interests in culinary arts, music, and surfing through our high school electives and STEAM Week opportunities.
“I love being in the kitchen with chef,” he says. “I helped teach the band elective because I play a lot of music outside of school. Surfing was a new experience for me. It was very fun.”
Isai hopes to go into the field of teaching physical education and health, a career path he’s pursuing through 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. Isai is working at GHS with Coach Emma, helping her plan and teach her PE and health classes.
“Mr. Martin always made me feel like I’m good at guiding and teaching,” says Isai. “I help out with local sports teams and I teach music outside of school with my father at our church and other churches. If I could use teaching sports as a way to guide and help young people, then that’s what I’d like to do.”
Isai plans to pursue a degree in physical education and health teaching through University of the Cumberlands’ online program. He’s been a member of our varsity volleyball, basketball, and baseball teams. Outside of school, Isai is active in his church, Estrella de la Mañana. He plays basketball for recreational and traveling teams, and he spearfishes and sells the lobster and conch that he catches.
Isai says he will miss the Gifft Hill School community.
Upcoming Events
COMING UP NEXT
May 12: Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting
May 14: Sports awards
May 20: Lower Campus June/July birthday assembly
May 22: Lower Campus Awesome Authors
May 22: Eighth grade celebration
May 23: Grace & Gratitude Brunch
May 25: Memorial Day, school closed
May 29: Class of 2026 commencement ceremony
May 30: Youth Trailblazers Race
June 3: Lower Campus academic awards assembly
June 3: Kindergarten celebration
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
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS PARENT ASSOCIATION MEETING MAY 12
All GHS parents and guardians are invited to the next Barracuda Boosters Parent Association meeting on Tuesday, May 12, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus. Please contact barracudaboosters@giffthillschool.org with questions.
SPORTS AWARDS MAY 14
We will recognize all of our winter and spring student athletes at our sports awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. at the Upper Campus. Families of student athletes are welcome to attend.
GRACE & GRATITUDE BRUNCH MAY 23
Join us for our Grace & Gratitude Brunch, an event hosted by our Farm to Table Culinary and Back of House students as a "thank you" to their parents who've supported them throughout the school year.
In addition to parents, this event is open to anyone who would like to attend! The brunch will feature a wide array of breakfast foods at various stations and buffets with elements of Caribbean cuisine.
Our Farm to Table events are run by our students. Enjoy dishes from our culinary class which showcases fresh, seasonal produce grown in our gardens and ethically, sustainably sourced local proteins on the menu. Experience exceptional service from our select group of students while mingling with residents and visitors. Click here to buy tickets by May 20.
Questions? Call Andrea at 340-776-1730 or email andreamilam@giffthillschool.org.
YOUTH TRAILBLAZERS RACE MAY 30
GHS will host a Youth Trailblazers Race on Saturday, May 30, at 7:00 a.m. The race is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade and will consist of a 2-mile loop around Lind Point. Scan the QR code on the flyer below or click here to register.
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.
GHS Highlights
LOWER CAMPUS ACADEMIC AWARDS
Kudos to our second graders on their presentation at Wednesday's Lower Campus academic awards assembly! Students took a deep dive into a country of their choosing, collecting information through research and personal interviews on everything from plant and animal life to food, currency, and fun facts, which they shared during their presentation. Job well done, second graders!
ELC PARENTS DAY
Our ELC students were excited to share their classrooms, homemade gifts, and sweet treats with their parents at our ELC Parents Day on Friday morning. It was a sweet morning filled with love, hugs, and joy, and we are so grateful to all of the parents who joined us to celebrate alongside their children.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
From flower bouquets arranged by our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association to a delicious taco lunch provided by Lime Inn and The Grub with Chef Tad, our teachers felt the love all week long! Extra special thanks to everyone who pitched in to make sure our teachers know how much they are appreciated, including GHS's admin team, which delivered homemade cookies and heartfelt handwritten notes to each teacher; several students who brought in homemade treats; Chef Parris, who made a delicious breakfast spread; Celia Leahu, who offered after-school Pilates classes; and Coach Sam, who will take our teachers sailing Friday afternoon. The academic rigor, hands-on learning, and sense of responsibility woven throughout our students' GHS experience are only possible because of our amazing faculty. Thank you, teachers, for all you do for our students!
BARRACUDA BOOSTERS COLLECTING RECIPES FOR COOKBOOK
Our Barracuda Boosters Parent Association is collecting recipes for the creation of a cookbook that will serve as a fundraiser for the association. Parents are invited to share your favorite recipe via Google Form by scanning the QR code below, by emailing Tara Zullo at tez825@gmail.com, or by picking up a paper copy of the form at either campus front office. The Boosters expect the cookbook will be available for sale in the fall.
GHS POP-UP SUMMER VACATION AUCTION
Did you miss our auction in March? Looking for a fun summer getaway? Check out our Pop-Up Summer Vacation Auction! Fabulous stays at The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas in Maui plus Gallows Point Resort, Fiddlewood Cottage, and Anestasi Cottage on St. John are up for bidding. Win an unforgettable summer getaway while supporting student financial aid! Click here to bid today!
Sports Central
SOCCER KUDOS
Congratulations to our elementary soccer team, whose season has concluded. The team won against Seventh Day Adventist School 6 to 0 on April 27, with two goals scored by Hugo Sage, solo goals by E'liel Roberts and Abu Abdulai, one goal by Bayron LaFontaine Medina with an assist by Jediah Lascaris, and one goal by Abu Abdulai with an assist by Hugo Sage.
Kudos to our middle school soccer team which is in third place in the league and made the playoffs! In their match against Antilles Too on April 27, one goal was scored for the Barracudas by Ricardo Garcia Sanchez. Playoffs start the week of May 11.
Congratulations to Kyla Groetzinger, who scored a goal for our varsity soccer team against CAHS on May 5 from a corner kick made by Thomas Nicholas. Varsity soccer's final game is today, Friday, May 8, against CAHS at 4:45 p.m. at IEKHS.
Go, 'Cudas!
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.
Community Corner: News You Can Use
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS OPPORTUNITY AT POWER SWIM MAY 24
The Friends of VINP is seeking volunteers for the Power Swim on May 24. Students who volunteer will receive community service hours for your effort. Those who are interested should contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org or 340-779-4940.
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.
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.
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