Havana Nights Wins Big at RTPark

At Havanna Nights, the annual fundraising gala for Project Promise, Crucian generosity was on display inside the RTPark. (Yellow Cedar)

Project Promise danced into the Winner’s Circle wearing the garland of roses as Resa O’Reilly Shearn’s ground-breaking organization, Project Promise, which strives to save and enhance the future integrity of at-risk youth, once again pulled off a victorious night of music, dancing, fantastic food, and a packed crowd that cozied up to one another to meet and greet in the warm tradition of St. Croix camaraderie..  

There really is no event that both celebrates and brings out the thoughtfulness, and the giving attitude of Crucian people  like Havana Nights. When you walk among the crowd of well-dressed invitees, you can feel the electricity of their heartfelt contributions to the just causes that make life here on STX so valuable to its residents. There are no people on this planet like Crucians. Their sense of gentility is a model for all communities to follow. And the people of Project Promise do so exemplify that wonderful virtue. It is hard to not shout the praises of Resa’s accomplishments with at-risk youth. Her ingenious programs, her gentle approach to their problems, her steadfast desire to bring the best out in each child, stands her at the top of her profession.  

Most at-risk youth in St. Croix face numerous challenges. They are living in poverty, doing poorly in school, and lack positive role models and the tools to make good decisions. Many have completely lost hope and have turned to risky behaviors. Many of these problems feed into each other. Project Promise is dedicated to bringing about positive change in their world. The Project Promise vision is to give these at-risk youth the tools and support they need to live healthier lives. Their objectives are to enhance each child’s decision-making skills, enable them to discover their vocational interests, and ultimately integrate them into society and the Crucian economy. The goal of Project Promise is to inspire a future of excellence and success for each youth that comes to their doorsteps. 

From life coaching and personal wellness to academic tutoring, community service, cultural programs, and family services, Project Promise gives the at-risk youth of St. Croix an opportunity for positive change in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment, by introducing them to our islands’ natural resources, our history and culture, and our most valuable resource, the at-risk youth themselves.

Project Promises’ Excellence & Leadership Recognition Program is designed to acknowledge and recognize three outstanding public high school seniors, one senior from each high school who have gone above and beyond, despite all odds. The Excellence & Leadership Recognition Award is presented annually to students who demonstrated leadership qualities during their high school years. The Excellence & Leadership Recognition Awards is an extension of Project Promise’s commitment and dedication to the youth of St. Croix. Any public high school senior who has maintained a 3.2 GPA or higher is eligible. Any public high school senior who has demonstrated integrity even in the face of adversity is also eligible. This includes students who have proven to be excellent role models, willing to go above and beyond to serve others, as well as students who have shown themselves to be committed, dedicated and diligent in working toward a positive future.

This year’s awardees who received recognition at Havana Nights were as  follows:

N’ziera Gordon, from Central High School. N’ziera is currently a senior at Central and holds a cumulative GPA of 94.704%. N’ziera is a part of the National Honor Society, and the National Honor Society for CTECH. N’ziera made her acting debut in the local production, “Bulletproof.” In her spare time she enjoys being a St. Croix Majorette. Her plan is to become a Pediatrician.  

Tiera Polanco, from St. Croix Educational Complex. Tiera is a senior attending St. Croix Educational Complex and holds a cumulative GPA of 91.893%. Tiera is a Science and Math quiz Bowl Member, and a Science Honor Society Member. She is in the Close-Up Program, the National Youth Leadership Forum and Ladies of Distinction. She aspires to be a Computer Engineer with a background in Aerospace Engineering.

Malachi Sealey from St Croix Career & Technical Education Center. Malachi is currently a senior at St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) and his current cumulative GPA is 82%. Malachi enjoys playing sports, particularly Basketball and Baseball. He is currently a  Member of the National Technical Honor Society. After graduation, he plans to join the military and eventually study Computer Engineering.

And so the evening’s program of Havana Nights went on, under the twinkling tent lights, in the grandest of styles. The food by Teddy’s Catering was all so scrumptious. Who could resist his take on Cuban specialties: Teddy’s Chicken Mojo was off the gastronomical charts, as was his Cubano Roast Pork and that phenomenal Salmon with Creme Thai sauce. Wow! What a spread. It took the entire A-list crowd on a quick, first-class night flight right back to the Hemingway haunts in old Havana.

And the music by Eddie Russell & Friends transported the attendees back to the land of the great Celia Cruz from the very moment they entered the well-manicured grounds and walked into the spread of pitched white tents that were laid out across the front yard of the ultra-sleek, modern white buildings that make up RTPark. 

Oh yes, it was another night to remember. Another “way-kool” night under the stars on STX. Another night when Crucians can be proud of their many philanthropic accomplishments. And be proud of opening their hearts and pocketbooks to those who are in need, to those at-risk youths who deserve our attention and affection.