Virgin Islander Rafael Hodge, a 2025 graduate of West Cabarrus High School in Concord, North Carolina, has been awarded the CMiC/Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship by the ACE Mentor Program of America for outstanding leadership and development, a press release announced.
The scholarship, presented on behalf of CMiC — a leading provider of construction software — is one of the program’s top national honors, recognizing exceptional high school students pursuing careers in architecture, construction, and engineering, according to the press release.
Hodge, who was born in St. Thomas and attended Antilles School before relocating to North Carolina, was selected from more than 225 students participating in the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte. Each ACE affiliate may nominate only one student per year for the scholarship, which is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, dedication to their field, and make significant contributions to the program, the press release stated.
“ACE was a place where I learned about architecture and how important it is for the community that others and I live in,” Hodge said. “It made me realize the important job I will have, and it filled me with pride for it.”
Hodge participated in the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte for three years, receiving multiple honors for leadership and character. During the 2024–25 program year, his team won the award for Best Construction Concept. His selection as a scholarship recipient followed a competitive national review of students nominated from more than 75 ACE affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, the release stated.
In addition to his work with ACE, Hodge served for two years on the ten-member National Kappa League Board of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He graduated in May from the International Baccalaureate program at West Cabarrus High School and will attend Hampton University in the fall to pursue a five-year Master of Architecture degree. The program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, it said.
“I am honored as a Virgin Islander to receive the CMiC/Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship from the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering program which will assist me in achieving my dream of helping people in need by building affordable housing for the poor, and removing hostile or inaccessible architecture in our community,” Hodge said.

Cancer Support VI is putting a bold spotlight on men’s health this June with a monthlong campaign focused on advocacy, awareness, and access to care for cancers that predominantly affect men.
Titled “Community Outreach & Collaboration for Men’s Health: Advocacy. Awareness. Action,” the initiative brings together local physicians, businesses, and community groups to encourage early detection, routine screenings, and open conversations about wellness topics that are too often overlooked among men in the Virgin Islands.
To double the impact, CSVI has launched a $12,500 matching donor challenge, with support from J. Benton Construction, Baker Magras & Associates, and an anonymous contributor. The goal is to raise $25,000 throughout the month, with every dollar going toward patient support, financial assistance, and education initiatives in the territory.
“This campaign is about more than awareness — it’s about taking action and closing the empathy gap,” said CSVI Director Barb Michaud. “By reaching deeper into the community, especially into male-dominated workplaces and organizations, we’re helping men understand the importance of routine screenings and early intervention.”
Throughout June, CSVI will partner with the V.I. Health Department to distribute educational materials, appear at health fairs on all three islands, and promote cancer screenings in collaboration with local physicians and oncologists. Survivor stories and physician spotlights will be shared across digital platforms to highlight the power of early detection and the importance of advocacy.
On Thursday, June 13, CSVI encourages the community to take part in “Wear BLUE Day” to show support and spark conversations around men’s health.
CSVI is also working directly with businesses, fraternities, civic groups, and faith-based organizations to share information through trusted channels, ensuring critical health messages reach men across the territory.
Cancer Support VI is a locally focused nonprofit that provides financial support and patient advocacy to individuals facing cancer in the Virgin Islands. Through its 100% model, every dollar raised remains in the territory to assist patients and families directly.
To donate, get involved, or learn more, visit www.cancersupportvi.org.