St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry performs at the Annual Opening of School Celebration Service, Sunday, September 11 on St. Croix.
Virgin Islands Department of Education executive officials, St. Croix school administrators and employees in the St. Croix school district made a joyful noise as they commemorated the September 6 opening of the 2016-17 School Year at the Annual Opening of School Celebration Service held Sunday, September 11 at the historic St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church in Estate Grove.
Joined by The Honorable Governor Kenneth E. Mapp, the gathering, now in its second year, aimed to inspire and motivate members of the Education Family and the St. Croix community toward a successful school year. The lively service was filled with singing, interpretive dance, instrumental music, prayers and readings. It was punctuated with a sermon from St. Luke Pastor the Reverend Carlos W. Perkins, who is also a staff member at the Department of Education's Alternative Education program in Estate Princesse.
Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School seventh grader Leah Deterville lifted worshippers' spirits even higher with an angelic vocal presentation of contemporary praise and worship song, "Amazing God" by Chris Tomlin. She was accompanied on the piano by a St. Luke pianist. Following Leah's solo, which was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, Keshawn Hardy, the leading student trumpeter at the St. Croix Educational Complex and longtime member of the prestigious V. I. Youth Ensemble, took to the podium to perform a soulful rendition of the Louis Armstrong classic, "Wonderful World." His performance was also met with much praise and a standing ovation.
Throughout the service, prayers and encouraging readings were offered for students and Department of Education employees. These were presented by retired educators and members of the clergy. A highlight came with a choreographed dance selection by the nine-member St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry--all of whom attend Virgin Islands public schools. They performed interpretative dance movements to Gospel singer J. Moss's 2004 hit, "We Must Praise."
At the start of his sermon, Pastor Perkins graciously welcomed Governor Mapp, Commissioner McCollum and the visiting delegation. He pointed out that it was rare his two worlds--pastoring and education--would meet simultaneously, which made the gathering especially meaningful for him.
His sermon titled, "Wake Up: You Can Do It," was inspired by the biblical account of Joshua and Caleb, two of 12 Israelite spies that were directed to survey the land of Canaan to assess whether or not the Israelites could conquer it. After a 40-day assessment of Canaan, the two men, who would later be enshrined as patriarchs of faith, were the only spies who reported that the Israelites could indeed concur the land, which had been occupied by giants and boasted fortified walls. The other spies fearfully reported that it was impossible for the Israelites to subdue the land of Canaan. Instead, they described the Israelites as 'grasshoppers' compared to those living in Canaan. To this, Pastor Perkins fervently implored congregants to face their giants, or their fears, at all cost. He reminded them to 'wake up; you can do it.' Pastor Perkins also told congregants that if they felt intimidated and inadequate--what a grasshopper would likely feel in a giant's shadow--they should draw on their faith in order to push through the fear and win. He said even if one has to hop like a grasshopper, symbolic of taking things one step at a time, to have success, it was necessary to do so.
Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Ph.D., greeted the congregation warmly and expressed her gratitude of the community's support of public education. She pointed out that transforming the public education system in the Virgin Islands required the participation and commitment of all Virgin Islanders. Commissioner McCollum highlighted the Department's focus for the 2016-17 School Year: student achievement. With that, she took Pastor Perkins's sermon a step further, declaring: "Wake up; we are doing it in public education!" She highlighted the many successes achieved in the Department's maintenance division and the strides the Department of Education is making in many more areas. Before taking her seat, Commissioner McCollum presented Pastor Perkins with a plaque for his support of and service to the Virgin Islands public education system.
During his remarks, Governor Mapp, a lifelong member of the AME Church, reminisced on his childhood at his grandmother's AME church in Christiansted. He encouraged audience members to unite and be supportive of one another, and pledged his continued support of the Department of Education and its objectives.
At the close of the service, heavy rains poured from the skies. If this is any indication, School Year 2016-17 is destined to be showered with blessings and success at every turn.
Commissioner McCollum greets Reverend Carlos W. Perkins of the St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church at the Annual Opening of School Celebration Service on September 11 in St. Croix.
Commissioner McCollum gives remarks.
Governor Mapp, Education officials and congregants sing at Opening of School Celebration Service on September 11 in St. Croix.
Education officials enjoy musical selections at the Opening of School Celebration Service, held Sunday, September 11 at St. Luke AME Church in Estate Grove, St. Croix. Second Row, from left: Cynthia Graham, public relations director; Anthony Thomas, chief of staff; Dionne Donnadelle, territorial director of music. Front Row, from left: Chermaine Hobson, assistant education commissioner and Education Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum.
St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry prepare to perform at the Opening of School Celebration Service on September 11 in St. Croix.
St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry performs.
St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry performs.
St. Luke Liturgical Dance Ministry performs.
Department of Education employees and congregants listen intently during the Opening of School Celebration Service at St. Luke AME Church on St. Croix.
Members of the St. Luke choir perform during Opening of School Celebration Service, held September 11 on St. Croix.
Alfredo Andrews Administrator Joan Claxton sings during congregational hymn at Opening of School Celebration Service at St. Luke AME Church on Sunday, September 11.
Arthur A. Richards Jr. High School 7th grader, Leah Deterville sings "Amazing God" at Opening of School Celebration Service at St. Luke AME Church, September 11 on St. Croix.
Dancer performs solo routine at Opening of School Celebration Service, September 11 on St. Croix.
Dancer performs solo routine at Opening of School Celebration Service, September 11 on St. Croix.
St. Croix Administrator Stephanie Williams greets congregants. Ricardo Richards Assistant Principal Juliette Heddad Miller looks on.
Congregants enjoy Opening of School Celebration Service on St. Croix.
St. Luke choir sings and dances at Opening of School Celebration Service on St. Croix, Sunday, September 11.
Assistant Commissioner Chermaine Hobson, Commissioner Sharon Ann McCollum, Governor Kenneth E. Mapp and St. Croix Deputy Superintendent Vaughn Hewitt enjoy Annual Opening of School Celebration Service, September 11 on St. Croix.
St. Luke Choir performs.
Claude O. Markoe Administrator Dr. Jackson sings congregational hymn at Opening of School Celebration Service, held September 11 in St. Croix.
Congregants cheerfully give offerings.
Juanita Gardine Assistant Principal Anna Gordon, far right, and sister enjoy Opening of School Celebration Service at St. Luke AME Church on St. Croix, Sunday, September 11.
Governor Kenneth E. Mapp arrives at St. Luke AME Church for Opening of School Celebration Service on St. Croix.
Govenor Mapp greets parishioners.
Governor Mapp gives remarks.
Mrs. Ottley-Herman and Central High School Assistant Principal Mr. Mark enjoy Opening of School Celebration Service, September 11 on St. Croix.
Congregants sing at Opening of School Celebration Service on St. Croix.
Pastor Perkins extends prayers to congregants.
Pastor Perkins preaches on the topic, "Wake Up: You Can Do It."
Pastor Perkins preaches on the topic, "Wake Up: You Can Do It."
Pastor Perkins preaches on the topic, "Wake Up: You Can Do It."
Educational Complex students attend Opening of School Celebration Service on St. Croix, Sunday, September 11.
St. Croix Educational Complex student Keshawn Hardy performs Louis Armstrong's "Wonderful World".
Human Resources Assistant Director Zakiyah Solomon attends Opening of School Celebration Service, held September 11 on St. Croix.
Program Manager Sommer Sibilly-Browne greets parishioners at Opening of School Celebration Service, held September 11 on St. Croix.
Governor Kenneth E. Mapp and Education Commissioner Sharon McCollum greet students after their performances.
Scripture and prayers at Opening of School Celebration Service, held September 11 on St. Croix.
2016 V. I. State Teacher Monique Motta (standing) alongside Education officials and Governor Kenneth E. Mapp.
