The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) once again brought the community together for its 33rd Annual Afternoon on the Green event held earlier this month. Celebrating local culture, cuisine, and education, the lively “friendraiser”—raised funds for student scholarships. This year’s event saw three outstanding high school students awarded scholarships to attend UVI, along with numerous talented cooks recognized for their culinary excellence.
"Afternoon on the Green is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a showcase of the incredible talent, generosity, and spirit of our Virgin Islands community," said UVI Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Michael Morsberger. "It is inspiring to see the community rally behind our students, ensuring that education remains accessible, and opportunities continue to grow."
Se’Niya-Monae Hodge and Jibelys Rivera, seniors at Charlotte Amalie High School, and V’Manie Rochester, a senior at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, were awarded the Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Volunteer Scholarship to attend UVI in the fall. Hodge aims to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology, Rivera plans to pursue a degree in nursing, and Rochester intends to study finance. The Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Volunteer Scholarship fund was created in honor of local businessman and Chairman of the UVI Research and Technology Park Board, Edward Thomas, Sr., to aid students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
"For the first time ever, in response to a record 28 scholarship applications received this year, we introduced a third scholarship to accommodate the increased interest. We are thrilled to congratulate the three scholarship recipients and eagerly look forward to welcoming them to UVI this Fall,” said Sophia Johnson, Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations.
In the cooking competition, Leida B. Isaac won the overall people’s choice award for her roast pork entry, earning a MiFi device and one year of service, courtesy of Viya. Other winners were recognized in various categories:
Main Dishes
1st Place: Carolyn Jackson – Beef Pates
2nd Place: Prudencia Freeman – Cauliflower Turkey Lasagna
3rd Place: Javauni David – Barbeque Chicken
Seafood
1st Place: Stedmann Hodge – Pan Seared Salmon
2nd Place: Lois Rivera – Shrimp Fried Rice
3rd Place: Carolyn Jackson – Saltfish Pates
Vegetarian Dishes
1st Place: Queen Bee Ital Palace – Lentil Balls
Soups
1st Place: Stedmann Hodge - Red Peas Soup w/ Pork
2nd Place: UVI Cafeteria – Goat Water
Side Dishes
1st Place: Desmond Wallace – Banana Fritters
2nd Place: Janice Sprauve - Potato Stuffing
3rd Place: Sunset Bar & Grille – Johnny Cake
Bread
1st Place: Carmen Williams – Dumb Bread w/Cheese
2nd Place: Carmen Williams – Dumb Bread w/Cheese (Wheat)
Desserts & Sweets
1st Place (tied): Julie Dukes – Vienna Cake
Lena Steele Williams - Lena’s Love That Cheesecake
2nd Place: Katrina Culpepper - Rainbow Cake
3rd Place (tied): Ayishih Bellew - Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Dian Greaux-Levons - Passion Fruit Cake
Native Drinks
1st Place: Devery Phipps– Sorrel Blend
2nd Place: Charlene Adams – Peanut Punch
3rd Place (tied): Desha Brathwaite - Fruit Punch
Iysha Frett - Iced Tea
Julia James - Gooseberry Drink
Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, chairman of the planning committee, expressed his gratitude for the community’s involvement, exclaiming, "Afternoon on the Green thrives on community participation. We deeply appreciate the cooks, volunteers, and organizations that came together to make this event a success with the kind of enthusiasm that could power an entire island. This year’s turnout demonstrated the strength of our Virgin Islands family—proof that when we all come together, not even an obstacle could stop us!"
This year’s generous sponsors included Indelible Solutions, Healthcare & Emergency Solutions, Viya, VI Council on the Arts, Cost U Less, WTJX, First Bank, P3, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the VI Board of Education, the Virgin Islands National Guard, VI Department of Health Division of Maternal & Child Health, Tradewinds Chiropractic, Tropical Shipping, Fabien’s Trucking, Bellows International, West Indies Company, Holsum, Price Smart and the VI Waste Management Authority.
For more information about Afternoon on the Green, visit aog.uvi.edu.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
