After becoming a fan favorite on the TLC show’s first season — and starring in its spinoff, “Return to Amish” — Mary went on to amass 35,000 Instagram followers, for whom she would regularly livestream before her illness took a bad turn.
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“Lotta talking going on!”
The Virgin Islands Department of Education proudly announces Cherise Davis, a passionate and dedicated third-grade teacher at Juanita Gardine PreK-8 School, as the 2025–2026 State Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a heartwarming and inspiring ceremony held on Saturday, June 7, at Government House on St. Thomas.
Ms. Davis, the St. Croix District Teacher of the Year, was celebrated alongside Mr. Cornell Hanley, the St. Thomas–St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the Territory’s top finalists for this prestigious honor. Both educators have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their students, their schools, and the broader mission of public education in the Virgin Islands.
Commissioner of Education, Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, offered heartfelt congratulations, stating, “Ms. Davis represents the very essence of what it means to be an educator, passionate, innovative, resilient, and devoted to her students’ success. We are honored to recognize her as the 2025–2026 State Teacher of the Year and are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make each and every day.”
The evening was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands; Senators Avery Lewis and Ray Fonseca of the 36th Legislature; members of the Governor’s Cabinet and senior staff; members of the Virgin Islands Board of Education; and the senior leadership team and employees of the Virgin Islands Department of Education.
During the ceremony, both finalists were showered with well-deserved accolades, special awards, meaningful gifts, and tokens of appreciation for their phenomenal work in the classroom. As this year’s State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Davis will also enjoy a sponsored cruise vacation.
Ms. Davis’s recognition as State Teacher of the Year is a celebration of her tireless efforts to uplift, educate, and inspire the young minds of the Virgin Islands. Her impact reaches far beyond her third-grade classroom, serving as a powerful reminder that teachers are the heartbeat of our schools and the architects of our future.
The VIDE extends its deepest gratitude to the judges, sponsors, supporters, contributors, and all who helped make this memorable celebration possible.
At the Virgin Islands Department of Education, we are public school proud and today, we are especially proud of Ms. Cherise Davis. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!
