VIDE Teacher of the Year - Ms. Cherise Davis

St. Croix Times Staff

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) announced that Ms. Cherise Davis, a passionate and dedicated third-grade teacher at Juanita Gardine PreK-8 School on St. Croix, was chosen the 2025-2026 State Teacher of the Year. 

The announcement was made during a heartwarming and inspiring ceremony held on Saturday June 7, 2025 at Government House on St. Thomas. 

Ms. Davis, the St. Croix District Teacher of the Year, was celebrated alongside Mr. Cornell Hanley, the St. Thomas-St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the Territory’s top finalists for this prestigious honor. Both educators have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their students, their schools, and the broader mission of public education in the Virgin Islands.

Commissioner of Education, Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington, offered heartfelt congratulations.

“Ms. Davis represents the very essence of what it means to be an educator, passionate, innovative, resilient, and devoted to her students’ success. 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,” remarked Commissioner Wells-Hedrington.

The evening was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests, including The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands; Senators 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 senior leadership team and employees of the Virgin Islands Department of Education. 

During the ceremony, both finalists were showered with well-deserved accolades, special awards, meaningful gifts, and tokens of appreciation for their phenomenal work in the classroom. As this year’s State Teacher of the Year, Ms. Davis will also enjoy a sponsored cruise vacation.