The Virgin Islands Education Department’s Division of Sports and Athletics hosted its territorial Sports and Athletics Awards Ceremony Friday evening at the St. Croix Educational Complex.
The event, held annually, celebrates the achievements of student athletes across the territory and honors the most valuable players from the highest-ranked teams from public schools on St. Croix.
Parents, teachers, coaches, and community members filled the auditorium, applauding the young athletes whose dedication and determination made them stand out during the season.
Some of the top-performing schools recognized included Alfredo Andrews Elementary, Eulalie Rivera K-8, Lew Muckle PreK-6, Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8, Ricardo Richards Elementary, John H. Woodson Junior High, St. Croix Central High, and St. Croix Educational Complex. The island’s junior and varsity cheerleading teams also earned special recognition.
Click here to view a full list of the winners.
Among the evening’s honorees was Dana Philogene-Victor, awarded Coach of the Year for her exceptional leadership and commitment to cheerleading programs on the island. Beaming with pride, Philogene-Victor said the recognition was both humbling and rewarding after a year of hard work with her squads.
Philogene-Victor coaches the cheerleading team at St. Croix Educational Complex, which made waves this year at the National High School Cheerleading Championship held at Disney. It was only their second year competing, and they returned home with the silver medal — a feat that left both the team and their coach elated.
“We were surprised and thrilled,” Philogene-Victor shared. “It was such a big accomplishment. We’re already back at practice preparing for next year.”
Her dedication doesn’t stop at the high school level. Philogene-Victor also coaches at Lew Muckle Elementary, where she oversees a younger “baby squad.” The two teams often work together and participate in community events like parades, showing a unified spirit that spans across age groups.
Philogene-Victor offered heartfelt advice when asked what drives her success: “Do it from your heart. Be passionate, be genuine, and work hard. My athletes are committed, and even when we hit bumps, we work through them. Communication is everything.”
Also recognized that evening was 12-year-old Randy Lockhart of Ricardo Richards Elementary School, who was named Elementary School MVP of the Year. Randy, who plays volleyball, basketball, and football, accepted the honor with quiet confidence.
When asked if he expected to win, Randy smiled and answered simply, “Yes.”
His approach to athletics is grounded in steady practice and focus. “You take your time before you serve the ball,” he explained, speaking about volleyball. “And you just do your best.”
That simple philosophy — “do your best”— sums up Randy’s commitment to sport and echoes the spirit of the evening: one of perseverance, growth, and wholehearted effort.
The awards ceremony will continue Tuesday on St. Thomas, where the Education Department will honor more student-athletes and coaches across the district.
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