As part of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands (ESVI) 60th Anniversary celebration, ESVI introduces “Civics Matters.” Civics Matters is an exciting and engaging quiz show, produced by the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, exclusively for Virgin Islands’ high school students. The show aims to test their knowledge of various social, political, and historical topics.
“ESVI felt that we needed to do more to help students understand their civic obligations and the importance of not just registering to vote, but to prepare them to be better citizens. This helps them to expand their knowledge of civics and history across the territory, the nation and globally,” stated Board of Elections Education Chairwoman Lisa Harris-Moorhead. “Our goal is to Empower, Engage, Evolve the Students with this Civic Awareness program,” stated Supervisor of Elections Caroline F. Fawkes.
The Civics Matter Preliminary Round was held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, on St. Croix and Wednesday, 20, 2023 on St. Thomas. Schools participating from are as follows:
| St. Croix District | St. Thomas/St. John District |
|---|---|
| Good Hope Country Day School | Antilles School |
| St. Croix Educational Complex High School | Church of God Academy |
| St. Croix Central High School | Charlotte Amalie High School |
| Free Will Baptist School | Ivanna Eudora Kean High School |
| St. Joseph High School | All Saints Cathedral School |
| St. Thomas – St. John Seventh Day Adventist School |
Civics Matters Preliminary Round showcased so much more than we could imagine – brilliance, courage, team spirit! ESVI trusts that the preparation has taught our students more about our Virgin Islands home, our Caribbean neighbors, and our Nation. Five (5) of our teams had to compete in a Preliminary Run-off. Even after adding bonus points, the Preliminary Round had ties in both Districts. On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Free Will Baptist School, and St. Croix Educational Complex High School reappeared in St. Croix, and on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, All Saints Cathedral School, Charlotte Amalie High School, and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School reappeared in St. Thomas.
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus Great Hall, The Election System of the Virgin Islands will host the 2023 Civics Matters Championship between our finalists from the Charlotte Amalie High School and the St. Croix Educational Complex High School. These two schools persevered through a tightly contested preliminary round and run-off. Team members from the St. Charlotte Amalie High School include Ajeune Willett Tyson, Micah Crawford, Abigail Jaboin, and Nemaia Lubruin. Their coaches are Ms. Natasha Penn and Ms. Eleanor Francois. Team Members from the St. Croix Educational Complex include Yadayyah Leo, Xaire Simmons, A’Nyra Richards, and Safiya Prasad. Their coaches are Ms. Diana Garcia and Ms. Nichelle Stanley. See attached photographs.
The students were amazing. Forty-four students put in the extra work of preparing for our “Civics Matters” Quiz Bowl. Their performance was exemplary. ESVI congratulate the students for helping us demonstrate Civics Matters. These students have helped to focus our community’s attention on the essential role civics plays in developing more informed Virgin Islands citizens who will shape our local community, as well as the global community.
In closing Education Chairwoman Lisa Harris-Moorhead stated, “We are extremely grateful to the Coaches who added to their responsibilities and accepted the additional task of motivating and guiding our students. Thank you for serving as ambassadors of Civics Matters!”
Contact the Office of the Supervisor of Elections at (340) 773-1021 or visit www.vivote.gov for current election news and updates.
