Good Hope Country Day School was proud to once again participate in this year’s St. Croix Agricultural Fair, and our students brought creativity, curiosity, and teamwork to the forefront in a truly magical way. A special thank you goes to Jane Coles, whose leadership and enthusiasm continue to champion this meaningful school tradition and inspire students across grade levels to explore the connections between agriculture, science, culture, and art.
In the spirit of Ag Fair Prep Mini Gusto, fourteen middle school students worked together to transform an empty booth into an imaginative and educational space centered around the Orunmila-Orumundga Tree, inspired by a West African fable. In the story, a clever tortoise dreams of a magnificent tree that grows many different fruits and vegetables—symbolizing abundance, community, and the sharing of knowledge. This story became the creative anchor for the entire GHCDS exhibit.
Students from Nursery through Fifth Grade contributed projects focused on tropical fruits, exploring their uses, life cycles, and cultural significance. Their research, poems, and colorful artistic reproductions filled the booth with vibrant learning and creativity.
Our Sixth Grade students showcased their innovative drone technology project, demonstrating how drones are used in modern agriculture to monitor crops and improve farming practices. Meanwhile, Middle School science students displayed an impressive giant DNA model, illustrating their studies of transgenic technology and the science behind how plants can be improved through genetic research.
To bring all of these projects together, the Mini Gusto team designed and engineered a large centerpiece tree representing the legendary fruit tree from the fable. Students also painted a beautiful background inspired by the style of the book’s illustrations, creating a booth that was both educational and visually captivating.
On Friday afternoon, eighth grader Miles Kantowski and sixth grader Caitlin Kuczynski proudly represented GHCDS by presenting the project to the judges. Their thoughtful explanations and enthusiasm helped secure Second Place in our division—a wonderful recognition of the hard work and collaboration that went into the exhibit.
From the youngest learners to middle school innovators, the GHCDS Agricultural Fair booth beautifully reflected the power of hands-on learning, storytelling, science, and teamwork. Congratulations to all of the students who contributed, and thank you again to Jane Coles for guiding and inspiring this outstanding effort!
Thank you to everyone who encouraged their students to participate in Ag Fair individual contests, and to those who had entire classes of children submit their work in our school booth. Here is a list of the award winners from GHCDS. The Award Ceremony is on Sunday, March 15, at 3 pm in the UVI Great Hall.
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS (AKA School booths)
K-12:
1st St. Croix Seventh Day Adventist School
2nd Good Hope Country Day School
Youth Groups:
Participation: Good Hope Country Day 4-H, St. Croix Pony Club
POSTER CONTEST
Elementary Division (grades 4-6):
2nd Place: Leisl Jackson, 4th grade
3rd Place: Hadley Whitworth, 4th grade
Middle School Division (grades 7-9):
1st Place: Isla Watson, 8th grade
High School Division:
2nd Place: Ella Evora, 11th grade
3rd Place (tie): Aniyah Charles, 10th grade
Honorable Mention: Ayden Cintron 12th grade and Allison Joseph 12th grade
POETRY CONTEST
Middle School Division:
Honorable Mention Nora Kammerzelt, 7th grade
High School Division:
1. Malik Southwell, 11th grade Good Hope Country Day School
3. Allison Joseph, 12th grade Good Hope Country Day School
ESSAY CONTEST
High School Division:
2. Scott Roth, 12th grade Good Hope Country Day School
3. Israel Wyche, 12th grade Good Hope Country Day School
FARM ANIMAL FRENZY
Honorable Mention –Good Hope Country Day School Middle School Art
GROOM SQUAD COMPETITION
Special Recognition St. Croix Pony Club (including Ella Chewning)
Aniyah Charles, 10th grade
Good Hope Country Day School
Ella Evora, 11th grade
Good Hope Country Day School
Hadley Whitworth, 4th grade
Good Hope Country Day School
Isla Watson, 8th grade
Good Hope Country Day School
Leisl Jackson, 4th grade
Good Hope Country Day School
