DP Art Show - Gallery Event for Seniors

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The PGIA International Baccalaureate DP Visual Art class hosted their Exhibition on April 20th, 2018.  Silas Wisehart, Leah Gaskin and Nalani Figueroa's work showcased their exploration of works over the course of the two year DP Program.  The creations from these young artists are stunning.  Enjoy.

REAL

Graphic media, created with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. The photo is of me and is teacher-taken. The word clouds on the caution tape were formed with WordArt.com, a website that creates word clouds in custom shapes. The words in the background are a combination of quotes from rappers NF, Witt Lowry, and Logic, and sayings that I came up with.

This piece strives to discuss the general topics that are swept under the rug by mainstream media (depression, anxiety, suicide, etc.) The caution tape represents the wall that the media puts up against these topics, and I ironically placed the topics on the caution tape. The quotes in the background describe these issues that I put on the caution tape, especially focusing on depression and suicide. My inspiration for this project was from rappers NF, Witt Lowry, and Logic’s lyrics.

Senior - Leah Gaskin

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I Walk.Acrylic Paint on Canvas6 x 6 cmThe bible tells a story where Jesus walks on water in the middle of a storm and through faith and trust someone can walk with him. We each are walking through our own storms and could use a little faith.  T…

I Walk.

Acrylic Paint on Canvas

6 x 6 cm

The bible tells a story where Jesus walks on water in the middle of a storm and through faith and trust someone can walk with him. We each are walking through our own storms and could use a little faith.  This abstract piece has darker tones, bold lines, and isn’t clear as to what it is. Our lives never show a clear picture. This piece is to remind us that although we may have our little or big storms, through faith and trust you can overcome anything.  

2018 Graduation Keynote Speaker Announced, Caroline Adams Miller

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is proud to announce this year's keynote speaker, Caroline Adams Miller. 

For three decades, Caroline has been a pioneer with her groundbreaking work in the areas of goal setting, grit, happiness and success. She is recognized as one of the world’s leading positive psychology experts on this research and how it can be applied to one’s life for maximum transformation and growth. Caroline helps people identify, come up with a plan for, and persist in pursuing their toughest goals — leading to their success, happiness and flourishing, while inspiring those around them. Achieving hard, meaningful goals is one of the most rewarding things we can do in both our personal and professional lives. Although she didn’t have a word for it at the time, Caroline used "grit" to help overcome her personal battle with bulimia. Today, she helps others develop the traits they need to get to the finish line.

In her keynote presentations and workshops, Caroline blends personal experience, real life examples and cutting-edge research in positive psychology, to come up with practical applications that create fresh awareness of how to cultivate change. Caroline leaves her audiences with tangible takeaways and actions they can use to create their own happiness and success. Angela Duckworth, winner of the 2013 MacArthur Genius grant for her research on grit, said of Caroline: “I don't know anybody who has thought more than [Caroline] about how to apply the scientific research on grit and achievement to our own lives!" Caroline’s TEDx Talk “The Moments That Make Champions” explores the three things that we can choose to do differently to improve our chances of developing grit.

 

How Fun is VIMSIA's Environmental Systems and Societies Class?

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Extremely fun! Under the direction of Peter Gruber International Academy instructor Alex Silva, the 11th grade Environmental Systems and Societies class performed a field investigation at Secret Harbor. These photos feature the students swimming thirty meters transects, stopping every four meters to assess the composition of the seabed. Our results found that sea grass and corals only begin to appear twenty meters from shore, possibly due to the influence of human activity in shallower waters. 

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8th Grade Hurricane Blogs

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy 8th grade students created websites in groups using a free website generator called wix.com to make informative blogs about hurricanes in the Virgin Islands, under the direction of MYP Teacher Jamie Truax. 

"On these sites, the 8th graders shared personal stories, as well as information about past hurricanes. I am so proud of the hard work they put into these in just 4 short weeks. Check them out when you have a few minutes!" says Truax.

Truax explained that at times, the kids struggled emotionally because it brought up feelings that they may have bottled away for a while. They also struggled with some technology aspects, such as everyone in the group seeing the same screen, web layout, things not saving, etc. 

"Some students didn't feel comfortable at all sharing their personal hurricane stories which is why I let them choose between writing their experience with the hurricanes or writing a history of hurricanes in St Thomas. Most students who ended up sharing their experience said it was difficult to reflect back on, but they were eager to share their experience of what happened with others because many people who don't live in the Virgin Islands don't know what we went through." added Truax.

Saskia, Thomas, N'Jheri, and Bianca's site  https://saskiac8.wixsite.com/website

Layla, Rohan, Leah, and Anna's site https://laylar7.wixsite.com/hurricanes/about

Ava Jayne, Tyler, and Maia's site https://avajaynep.wixsite.com/mysite

Helen, Eliza, Aidan, and  Ka'eo's site https://helenr36.wixsite.com/website-1

Amir, Tianna, and Sakari's site https://sakaric.wixsite.com/hurricane-history

Audrianna, Vidhika, and Diego's site https://vidhikak.wixsite.com/hurricaneedu

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

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THANK YOU VIMSIA PARENTS AND PTA!

THANK YOU VIMSIA PARENTS AND PTA!

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On behalf of the entire Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) faculty and staff, we’d like to thank the VIMSIA parents and PTA for the amazing Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and all their hard work. What a wonderful spread of delicious appetizers, entrees and tasty desserts.

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"VIMSIA parents are the best, everything was so great! Thanks so much to you and the PTA for this awesome lunch." – Matthew Enright

“OMG - this food is amazing!  So unbelievably good!  Our parents rock.” – Peggy Hunt

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“Amazingly generous and delicious. Thank you” – Chet Passerella

“I'm so full and happy!! Thanks PTA- and I love my purple rose!!” – Jamie Truax

“Muchas gracias! Toda la comida estaba deliciosa and the roses, what a nice gesture!” – Camilla Serrano

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“Thank you Parents for the love, time and effort you put into making us such a scrumptious lunch!  What a treat!” – Simone Summer

“So delicious!  Thank you!” – Jana Ferguson

“Extremely yummy, made from scratch and a diverse spread. Much gratitude from me and my belly.” – Kelly Butler

“Mhmm thanks. It was so yummy yum yum !!” – Estefany Ledee

"I was blown away by the great variety of delicious food, the roses, and the thoughtful notes from parents. Thank you to all our parent community!" - Melissa Bump

"Exceptional spread of delights! Thank you VIMSIA parents" - Mandy Boyle

"Very grateful, thank you!" - Gloria Zakers

"As evidenced by all the deliciousness presented today the recipes would be greatly received.  Many thanks to our parents for a wonderful spread!" - Caroline Morrison

 

VIMSIA Archer FIGHTS FOR OLYMPIC TICKET

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Karen Gauriloff a junior at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) is headed to Guatemala to participate in the Guatemala Archery Tournament along with teammate Joshua Derrickson.

After five years of playing around with a bow and arrow, Gauriloff decided to take up archery competitively only one and a half years ago. Under the direction of Anne Abernathy “Grandma Luge”, a luge athlete from the United States Virgin Islands and the oldest female athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics, Gauriloff has trained extensively practicing four hours a day building strength, stamina and working on consistency – a key factor to scoring in archery.

“There are three main parts to the competition” says Gauriloff. “First there is the qualification round, second is Match Play where you must compete against another archer, and lastly the Mixed Team round” which Gauriloff and Derrickson will compete in together. Feeling both excited and nervous, Gauriloff enters the competition setting her goal to score 500 points out of a possible 720 points.

It is an archery tradition for archers to trade pins with their competitors as a sign of good sportsmanship. Thanks to the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, Gauriloff is headed to Gautemala with USVI pins, towels, bags and t-shirts to represent her home. “I’m looking forward to adding to my pin collection, I have twenty so far” added Gauriloff.

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If Gauriloff moves on, she may have a chance at representing the US Virgin Islands at the youth Olympics. Currently an eleventh grade student, through hard work and dedication Gauriloff managed to graduate a year early from VIMSIA and will attend Allegheny College, PA this Fall. The VIMSIA community wishes Gauriloff the best of luck!

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VIMSIA Signing Day

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On Tuesday, April 24 VIMSIA celebrated our Seniors' commitment to higher education with our fourth annual Signing Day event.  This event is a product of Former First Lady Michele Obama's Reach Higher Initiative that focuses on promoting higher education for all students.  

This year's Senior class had quite the year having endured two Category 5 hurricanes and all of the unforeseen challenges that came afterward.  They showed perseverance, grit and strength of character despite it all.  The VIMSIA school community could not be more proud!   

Please join us in congratulating our students on their acceptances to over 40 colleges and universities across the country!  While some students have committed, others are still in the decision making process.  We wish them nothing but the absolute best as they venture out into the world!   

Ver’Nele Callwood, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.

Nalani Figueroa, who is deciding between University of the Virgin Islands and Barry University. 

Leah-Maria Gaskin, who has been accepted to attend Baldwin Wallace University.

Karen Gauriloff, graduating from VIMSIA one year early, will attend Allegheny College.

Candice LaPlace, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.  

Joshua LaPlace, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.  

Vanshika Lulla, who plans to attend George Washington University

Amoi Ottley, who has been accepted to Bryant University.

Kobe Potter, who is deciding between Elon University and American University.

T’Leah Serieux, who plans to attend the University of the Virgin Islands.

Silas Wisehart, who has been accepted to Binghamton University and the University of Montana.  

Hannah Ballas, who is planning to attend Trinity University.

Grant Farrell, who is deciding between Emmanuel College and Spartanburg Methodist College

Elisabeth Goldberg, who is planning to attend University of Alabama.

Seidon Nemeth, who is deciding between Academy of Art University, Lawrence Technological University, Savannah College of Art and Design, and University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

Anya Vizzielo, who is deciding between Savannah College of Art and Design and University of Suffolk in the UK.  

Darby Williams, who is deciding between New York University and University of Michigan.

#NotAtMySchool

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The upper hallway of the Peter Gruber International Academy house has a new art installation done by 3 creative PGIA ladies and is very inspiring! 

#NOTATMYSCHOOL is a nation-wide movement where students stand up against the things they do not want in their schools. Our kids agreed that things like discrimination, unkindness and drugs have no place at VIMSIA. We conducted an anonymous survey to find out what PGIA students wanted to keep out of our school. These signs represent their answers, and our students signed their names on the things they want to stand up against. 

The faculty and staff at Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy is extremely proud of our students. Thanks to Evelynn, Hannah and Layla R, who worked really hard yesterday to complete this wall project. 
 

VIMSIA Participates in the Congressional Art Awards Reception

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Congratulations to Karen Gauriloff and Syna Sharma who entered pieces into this show!

You are invited to the upcoming Congressional Art and Awards Reception, this Friday, May 4th at VI Council on the Arts @ 5:30pm. This reception will showcase the great art work created by several of our talented High School Students. We will also be announcing this year’s overall winner whose art will hang in the Cannon Tunnel that leads to the US Capitol Building for the next year to be viewed by the thousands of people that pass through that hallway on a daily basis. This event is open to the public so feel free to bring a friend. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. See you there!

First All-Girls Soccer League on Island

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New newly formed Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy's Elementary All-girls soccer team, played in a historic event last Friday! The game was played at 4 pm and our girls won 5-1 against All Saints. Aurora Rodriguez had 2 (two) goals, Joniah Julien, Devin DeGannes, and Cassidy Caines, all contributed with one goal.

Director's Take: Making of Beauty and the Beast

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Beauty and the Beast has been both a huge undertaking and a labor of love however I believe you will all appreciate the end result. There have been many challenges along with much growth, development and rewards made over these past few months. 

Our young actors, crew and directors have had a crash course since Irma and Maria in what it takes to put on a full pledged musical. Commitment, responsibility, collaboration, sacrifice, determination and  true grit  to get the job done. All skills that they can use throughout their lives and be successful in all of their future endeavors.

Just as importantly, I believe they  have had moments of fun and a lot of enjoyment during  this entire process and great satisfaction in knowing that they are now ready to present, for your viewing pleasure, VIMSIA's version of Beauty and the Beast....

Hope you enjoy the show

C.A.Passerella

Making College Connections At BEANS Tour

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Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) Admissions Director and College Counselor, Kara Ebe, spent this past week at the Boston/Extended Area Network of Schools (BEANS) tour featuring Brandeis University, College of the Holy Cross, Emerson College, Simmons College, and WPI!

The BEANS Tour provides counselors with the opportunity to explore five outstanding colleges with your colleagues from around the world. Counselors will meet with admissions representatives, current students, faculty, and explore the cities of Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts!

 “This is a tour of five schools which provides you with a unique opportunity to see different schools and engage directly with their admissions directors and faculty then take it back to your students to share” said Ebe. Everyday attendees visited one of the five schools for an admissions overview –detailing requirements, a tour of the campus, an opportunity to engage with or hear a student led panel and a professional development session.

The host institutions determine the final participants based upon a numbers of factors—among them are geographic diversity. Because BEANS is a fly-in program, the committee typically looks for counselors from areas outside of New England, New York, and New Jersey. Additionally, they look to provide opportunities to colleagues from secondary schools that have not recently been represented at BEANS. 

Ebe was flattered by the encouraging and supportive reception from the BEANS Tour participants in response to the recent hurricanes. “Everyone of course asked about the hurricanes, but people are just so intrigued about us -especially those that didn't know we're IB. Immediately once they heard we're IB they started to inquire about VIMSIA and were impressed by what we have to offer” explained Ebe. “We haven't missed a beat with the rigor of what we offer our students, not only academically but now we have these student who are super resilient because of what they've been through” Ebe added.

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New Girl Scout Troop Formed at VIMSIA

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"I vividly remember attending my Brownie meetings, saying the Girl Scout pledge with three fingers held high and of course earning badges" said Pam Engle, parent at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA), who recently started Girl Scout Over Seas Troop #44511 on the East End. "I still have my old Brownie vest with badges and pins and can't wait to get my daughter started and help empower young girls on island" she added.

The troop will meet every other week beginning in May and is open to girls in the community from K-5. "The support from not only the school but the community has been amazing! I was worried we wouldn't have enough parent volunteers but was proven wrong. We’ve already received various parent sign-ups - I guess many moms were also Girl Scouts and want to pass the opportunity or tradition down to their daughters" explain Engle.

Through the Girl Scout program —a variety of fun and challenging activities, like earning badges, selling cookies, going on exciting trips, exploring the outdoors, and doing community service projects. At Girl Scouts, girls will have the opportunity to lead their own adventure , and work with other girls to pick and choose the exciting, hands-on activities they want to do. The idea is to learn by doing! 

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Montessori-Girl-Scouts-818526068332098/?ref=bookmarks

Sign Up Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPQyL3-2NwEuOoZNbUiaNR48eSWuCDLwk12uBmGQhn89eEvQ/viewform

Library Receives New Books From Green Acres School

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Lexi Harris representing both VIMSIA and Green Acres School

Lexi Harris representing both VIMSIA and Green Acres School

Like many of our students, fourth grader Lexi Harris temporarily moved stateside after Irma and Maria hit the Virgin Islands.  She joined one of her cousins at Green Acres School in North Bethesda, MD.  Every year Green Acres School organizes a book drive for a cause, and after hearing from Lexi about damages to our school and island they chose our library as this year’s recipient!  Lexi’s teacher Allison Stearn led the efforts. They packed up four large boxes of specially chosen books, and the Harris’ company Impact Construction took care of the shipping.  Each book contains a unique student-made bookmark, many with the phrase “with love from Green Acres School” on one side, artwork on the other.  We are so grateful to the students, staff, and families of Green Acres School!

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Shane DeGannes Appointed National Coach of the Virgin Islands Junior Track Team

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Coach DeGannes and silver medal winner Evan Jones

Coach DeGannes and silver medal winner Evan Jones

Congratulations to Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy’s (VIMSIA) Shane DeGannes, School Nurse and Athletic Director, who was recently appointed the National Coach for the Virgin Islands Junior Track and Field team by the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation. “I’m excited and honored to be named the National Coach for our Junior team. I’ve been working for the past seven years trying to get the community to believe that I’m here for the sport of Track and Field and Cross Country and I think it has finally been validated by the Federation by sending me with the National Team” exclaimed DeGannes.

DeGannes was honored and thrilled when asked to accompany the dedicated members of the Junior Track and Field team along with two other Virgin Islands coaches to the Flow Carifta Games hosted in the Bahamas. Evan Jones and Talisse Thompson, a VIMSIA “lifer”, both trained with DeGannes with Evan placing in the top three. Jones won the silver medal in the boys under twenty 1500m run. “I’m stoked to have coached him” DeGannes commented, adding that “we haven’t won a medal since 2010 and it was time!”

Three runners from St. Croix and four from St. Thomas represented the Virgin Islands in the Flow Carifta Games. DeGannes recently developed his own club for runners called the St. Thomas Track Club. Both Evan and Talisse ran representing St. Thomas Track Club.

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Applauds VIMSIA

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Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a Montessori graduate, chose to visit Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) today to not only discuss topics related to women in government but to talk to the students of VIMSIA about the power of peaceful protest.

As the only registered school on island to participate in the National School Walkout, students asked Plaskett what Congress’ reaction had been to the March for our Lives movement and whether or not it had sparked any changes in opinions after all the demonstrations. “What you have to understand is that the March took place right before the members went away for Easter break, so we have not returned back to congress since the march happened” answered Plaskett. “What I can tell you is that I went to the one that was in Washington and I saw a lot of members there, and at that march all the young people -like yourself- had stickers on them with the year that they would be able to vote as well as people registering all the young people who were old enough to vote to be able to vote” said Plaskett. Many members of Congress who want gun laws changed made the conscious decision to not get involved, and to not let the movement be taken over by lawmakers or by old people, and in turn pollute the message. “This is a young people’s movement and for it to be effective it had to be their movement and their voice” said Plaskett. Students were urged to not get discouraged and to continue voicing their concerns with whatever means possible as change will take some time.

Plaskett released an official statement further explaining why she chose to visit VIMSIA. “Of course I have a personal affinity to the Montessori program and the way it educates young people, but also there are several things about this Montessori school that I think are very important” said Plaskett. “The first is that you really -in a private school setting- have been great about creating a diverse community that’s not just diverse ethnically but socioeconomically and I think that’s a very good model that so many of us should look at throughout this community. The second of course is that VIMSIA is one hundred percent solar which is awesome and a very good model for us to use here in the Virgin Islands” Plaskett stated.

Students were applauded by Plaskett for setting the tone and leading the way in the Virgin Islands with the National School Walkout and the issues surrounding gun violence. “What is more important than marches is what happens after a march, it’s not helpful to march and then not do anything afterwards” said Plaskett. Adding that “while you were able to voice your opinions on the issues of violence in your communities, what is going to be more important is to follow up on what you’re going to do in the communities to support those changes.” Students continue to take leadership roles with safety and environmentally friendly initiatives putting VIMSIA on the map as one of the leading schools in the territory.

 

American Red Cross Pillow Case Project

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Volunteers from the American Red Cross visited the Upper Elementary Classes at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) to present the Pillow Case Project, an initiative geared towards disaster readiness.

Originally started in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, the project was sparked by the actions of college students who were forced to evacuate their dorms with personal belongings and had no suitcases available… only their pillow cases.

Each student received a pillow case purchased and sponsored by Disney and distributed by the American Red Cross’ School Safety Program. Scenarios such as house fires and natural disasters were discussed at length and students were taught the correct emergency readiness steps.

Volunteers placed emphasis on the fact that students are capable of having individual power with emergency situation and feel prepared by taking personal and safety items with them such as a stuffed animal, first aid kit, MRE, medicines, toiletries, snacks, change of clothes, etc. A representative from the American Red Cross informed VIMSIA that after hurricanes Irma and Maria many children on island mentioned that their parents did not take the warnings seriously and as a result the children ended up with no food or shelter leaving them worried and disappointed.

Anthill CollectivE Mural

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Anthill Collective generously offered to paint an amazing graffiti mural in the Music Room at the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA). Scottie Raymond, Brian Clark and Jared Mattes, artists from Anthill Collective, are on St. Thomas for a few days and have chosen to paint three murals, possibly four if time permits. They are working closely with the Youth Development Academy and will be painting at Mandela Circle. VIMSIA was fortunate enough to be picked as one of these places.

The Anthill Collective is based out of Vermont and its artists have been working together for the last five years, travelling all over the world spreading color and art. The Anthill Collective, named after the fact that ants are notoriously much stronger when the work together, is on a mission to "make things beautiful, spread color to places that would have otherwise been neglected and make it something that people can enjoy" said Raymond, adding that they want "to take art outside of the white cube." All three well renowned artists originally got their start creating graffiti under bridges and on trains, but as they met and worked with various artists around the world their skills progressed and they ended up forming their own company.

With the help of VIMSIA parent Dan Lewin, the Anthill Collective artists made the connection with VIMSIA Art Coordinator Jana Ferguson. It was Ferguson's responsibility to facilitate the project and set up a workshop with the students where they gave input for the mural design -such as featuring VIMSIA's beloved (and recently passed) blue and gold macaw "Sweetie Pie." Grades 7-12 students worked with the artists all day Thursday, helping with layout sketches, rolling paint, and blending and practicing different spray techniques. 

"We love these opportunities because every now and again you get that one kid in a class full of kids that says 'this is my thing,' and we can offer them that without them having to have that scary run away from the police." said Raymond. 

Ferguson was thrilled that Peter Gruber International Academy students were able to participate and take part in this amazing masterpiece. "I want students to experience gratitude for having Anthill Collective travel here to add art to our island. The team wanted to beautify St. Thomas after our Irmaria experiences in order to contribute to our community. The three of them came to donate their time and skills and we just got lucky because of our parent connection” said Ferguson. Adding that she hopes students will "look at art from different avenues - not everyone loves what is considered traditional art - so I hope this opens their eyes to all the different opportunities out there."

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VIMSIA would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Anthill Collective for not only selecting VIMSIA as one of their projects, but for inspiring students and parents.

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