Cherise Davis, a third-grade teacher at Juanita Gardine PreK–8 School on St. Croix, has been named the 2025–2026 State Teacher of the Year by the Virgin Islands Education Department. The announcement was made during a ceremony held Saturday at Government House on St. Thomas.
Davis, who also holds the title of St. Croix District Teacher of the Year, was recognized alongside Cornell Hanley, the St. Thomas–St. John District Teacher of the Year. The two were honored as the territory’s top finalists for the prestigious statewide award.
“Ms. Davis represents the very essence of what it means to be an educator — passionate, innovative, resilient and devoted to her students’ success,” said Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington in a statement. “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 ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach.; Sens. 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 leadership and staff of the Education Department, according to the press release.
Both finalists received awards, gifts, and tokens of appreciation during the event in recognition of their work in public education. As the 2025–2026 honoree, Davis will also receive a sponsored cruise vacation, the press release stated.
According to the Education Department, Davis’s selection is a reflection of her commitment to uplifting and inspiring students in the Virgin Islands and the broader impact of her work beyond the classroom, the release stated.
The department expressed its gratitude to the judges, sponsors, and contributors who supported the Teacher of the Year program and its culminating celebration, it said.
“We are public school proud,” the department stated, “and today, we are especially proud of Ms. Cherise Davis. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.”
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