There was no way the two students of the St George’s Secondary School being recognised for the month of April could have been separated and as such the coordinators and selectors have submitted both Cheyenne N. Smith and Makaio Garrin for this Virgin Islands News Online’s special feature. Photo: Provided

Cheyenne N. Smith's career goal is to be a Veterinarian. She loves animals, in particular, dogs. Her goal is to help care for the overall health and well-being of animals. Cheyenne despises the cruelty and ill-treatment of all animals. Photo: Provided

In 2014, Makaio Garrin was awarded the Victor’s Trophy for St George’s Secondary School’s Day of Sports. This year he won the School’s mini-marathon which was held on March 27, 2015. Sports Day followed on April 1, 2015, and Makaio participated in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 4x100m relay and tug of war. At the end of the day he had won four individual gold medals and two silver medals in team events. Photo: Provided

Makaio Garrin

This promising young man, now 15 years of age, was born in St Thomas, USVI and is currently a fourth form student at the St George's Secondary School. He enjoys attending school given its safe, secure, quiet and comfortable environment.

Makaio noted that the classes are small and they create a family feeling among the students. His favorite subjects are Information Technology (IT), Music and Accounts. He actively attends and participates in various school activities such as ceremonies, coastal cleanups, and walk-a-thons.  

Makaio also attends church regularly and is involved in a number of church and youth activities. He enjoys swimming, playing video games and playing the guitar. His favorite activity is track and field, and he trains with the Top Notch Track Club.

In 2014, he was awarded the Victor’s Trophy for St George’s Secondary School’s Day of Sports. This year he won the School’s mini-marathon which was held on March 27, 2015. Sports Day followed on April 1, 2015, and Makaio participated in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 4x100m relay and tug of war. At the end of the day he had won four individual gold medals and two silver medals in team events. 

It was a proud moment for Makaio, his school, his parents and his coaches when he received the 2015 St George's Secondary Division 17 and Under Boy’s Divisional Champion Trophy and the 2015 Victor’s Trophy for a second consecutive time.

As the School continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary as a secondary educational institution in the Virgin Islands, Makaio is honoured to have been selected as the student of the month of April. His goal is to continue to do his best and to be a positive role model for other students. While he is uncertain what career path he will take, he encourages his school mates to always strive do their best and to be a success, despite any challenges that they may face.

Cheyenne N. Smith

A 16 year old fourth form student of the St George’s Secondary School, Cheyenne N. Smith was transferred from the Elmore Stoutt High School in September, 2014. Her subjects of study are English, Mathematics, Physics, Human and Social Biology, Art, Social Studies, History and Principles of Accounts. Cheyenne is also a Class Prefect.  As a Prefect, she is responsible for assisting with monitoring her class and leading class assemblies.

Cheyenne’s career goal is to be a Veterinarian. She loves animals, in particular, dogs. Her goal is to help care for the overall health and well-being of animals. Cheyenne despises the cruelty and ill-treatment of all animals. 

This fourth form student loves to draw; she loves to paint and loves music. She plays the guitar and steel pan and takes guitar lessons at the Harrigan School of Music.

Outside of her school environment, Cheyenne actively participates in the Zion Hill Methodist Youth Fellowship and is a member of the Zion Hill Steel Orchestra. She recently participated in the 2015 Methodist Youth Week and assisted her fellow Zone 1 team members in winning the Chopped competition; which formed part of the week of activities.

The highlight of Cheyenne’s student life is her six (6) month stint at the Sarah Bonnell School for Girls in Stratford, England from January to June, 2012. At Sarah Bonnell, she made new friends with whom she stays in touch. More interestingly, at this school she was introduced to such foreign languages as Japanese and French.

Cheyenne is now settled in her new school environment.  She appreciates the school’s security and the warmth of the St George’s family which helps to further nurture her learning experience.

This 16 year old is outgoing, outspoken at times, makes friends easily and is a true friend to all her friends. She genuinely cares for her fellowman.

Cheyenne believes in being honest and true to self.