Marissa Bornn International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Marissa Bornn

International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Every other month, Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) gives out the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award to a high school  student who best embodies the traits of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Nominations are led by students and staff, and finalized with an Peter Gruber International Academy teacher vote. This month's winner is Marissa Bornn!

“Marissa confidently solves problems but also isn't afraid to ask for help. She asks thoughtful questions and collaborates well with others. Marissa also has the ability to interpret music with such grace and beauty through her dance. She is well-deserving of the IB Learner Profile Award.” –Mrs. Liz Elger

“Marissa consistently embodies all of the qualities of an IB learner on a daily basis. She is always willing to help out and has a positive attitude toward anything thrown her way. She handles any adversity with careful consideration and displays a calmness in all of her actions. She always asks for feedback in an effort to make her work as best as possible. It is a pleasure to teach her at VIMSIA!” –Mr. Matt Stocking

“Marissa is a kind, reflective student eager to learn and help others.  She took a risk playing soccer this year, and has shown great growth as a result.  Her passionate devotion to whatever activity she undertakes is an example for all to follow.” –Mr. Joe Elger

“Marissa always has a smile on her face and takes on challenges without a second thought. She is caring, open minded, principled and is able to do what many struggle with; balance all aspects of her life. I have seen this young lady embrace her weaknesses and use them as a jumping off point for reflection and growth.  She demonstrates, through action, what being an IB student is all about.”  –Ms. Jana Ferguson

""Fail and fail often".  In this regard I know you have probably failed to satisfy your father's expectations.  But failure does not come easy to deep thinkers.  And no matter how deep we (teachers) may go, you are always there to see us eye to eye, in that silent way of yours.  Your demeanor and your mind will inspire all those around you that can pause long enough to distinguish a rose from a thorn.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.” –Senor Andy Gever

Amoi Ottley International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Amoi Ottley

International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award Winner

Every other month, Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) gives out the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Award to a high school  student who best embodies the traits of the IB Learner Profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Nominations are led by students and staff, and finalized with an Peter Gruber International Academy teacher vote. 

Amoi Ottley, a senior student won at yesterday's ceremony.  The award was presented to him by two of his peers creating a heart-warming scene. 

“In the last year, Amoi has become a true leader and an example for other students. He is strong willed and stands up for what he believes in while looking out for his classmates, peers and teammates and is a positive member of our community. His maintaining of a positive attitude consistently after the storms, and throughout the school year is particularly admirable especially when he was one of the hardest hit.”
–fellow PGIA classmate and teammate

“Amoi is a respectful young man that always keeps me smiling.  Although I do not have him as a student this year, when we do interact I enjoy listening to him.  I admire Amoi for the way he handled himself after the hurricanes.  I am impressed that he was able to overcome the devastation and still remain grateful and consistent in his school work and sports.  Congratulations Amoi!  I can't think of anyone else who deserves this award more than you.”
–Ms. Weichman

“Amoi has discovered this year what the growth mindset is all about.  With the knowledge that the only type of failure is in not trying, he has been working harder than ever to achieve his goals.  It has been a real pleasure to watch you grow, Amoi.  Can't wait to see how far you will go.” –Senor Gever

“Amoi is an incredible young man on so many levels. He is coachable, hard-working, determined, inspiring, and full of grit. One day, we will all be able to say, "I knew Amoi when...". Amoi is the walking example of a growth mindset with the brightest of futures ahead of him.” –Mrs. Elger

“Amoi is an excellent leader on and off the soccer field. On the field, he pushes his teammates to do the best they can and it lifts everyone's spirit. Off the field, Amoi is a hardworking student. Whenever others are off-track, he likes to remind them to get back on task.” –fellow PGIA classmate and teammate

“Amoi brings a mixture of hard work with a playful attitude to the classroom which brightens our community and also sets a good example for those around him.” –Ms. Silva

IB Learner Profile - Maya Ethridge

Congratulations to 9th grader Maya Ethridge, this month's IB Learner Profile winner.  The IB Learner Profile Award is given to a student who embodies IB Learner traits on a daily basis.  

Maya Ethridge and Ms. Elger

“Maya is bright, engaging, perceptive, inquisitive, judicious, thoughtful, spirited, and caring. She is a conscientious student, balancing academic and social commitments beautifully. Maya is reflective; she is mindful of her own actions, and she is mindful of how the actions of others impact her classmates. She sees the best in everyone, and she wants to do just in the world. In fact, one day, I am convinced Maya will make the world a much better place - she already has at the PGIA!”

— Mrs. Elger, MYP Math Coordinator & College Counselor