Spring break took on new meaning for students at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Albert A. Sheen Campus, who dedicated part of their break to community service initiatives in Frederiksted titled “Legacy in Bloom” and “Plate It Forward.”
Organized by the UVI Student Government Association (SGA) on St. Croix, the projects brought together students, community volunteers, government agencies and local businesses to support environmental stewardship, historical preservation and community care.
“Instead of stepping away for spring break, our students chose to step forward and serve,” said Franchel Rodriguez, president of the UVI Albert A. Sheen Campus Student Government Association. “These projects represent our commitment to honoring the legacy of our community while uplifting those who need support today. As student leaders, we believe service is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference.”
Rodriguez noted that the projects were intentionally designed to combine environmental stewardship, historical preservation and direct community support, allowing students to contribute in ways that benefit both the physical landscape and the people of Frederiksted.
Cemetery Restoration Honors Community Legacy
The first initiative, Legacy in Bloom, focused on restoration and beautification efforts at the historic Frederiksted Cemetery. Student volunteers worked throughout the day clearing vegetation, removing overgrowth and assisting with general cleanup and landscaping across the cemetery grounds.
Following the restoration efforts, students placed flowers on graves as a gesture of remembrance and respect for generations of Virgin Islanders whose lives helped shape the community.
The cemetery restoration effort also included guidance and coordination from territorial government agencies and environmental partners who assisted with logistics, historic preservation considerations and environmental stewardship during the project.
Students Serve Meals Through “Plate It Forward”
The second initiative, Plate It Forward, took place in partnership with My Brother’s Table in Frederiksted, where UVI SGA members assisted with preparing and serving meals to members of the community.
Te’Anna Williams, SGA senior senator on the Sheen Campus, emphasized the importance of compassion and community care.
“Plate It Forward represents the heart of what service means,” Williams said. “Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is show up for our neighbors with compassion and support. Helping prepare meals and serve members of the community reminded us that leadership is not just about ideas — it’s about action.”
The initiative was supported by contributions from local businesses and community partners who donated food, supplies and volunteer assistance to help serve residents in the Frederiksted community.
Plate It Forward reminded us that leadership begins with service,” said Sanai Wilkinson, a UVI SGA Junior Senator who participated in the initiative. “Working together to prepare and serve meals showed how powerful small acts of care can be when students and community members come together. It was an opportunity to give back while reinforcing the values of compassion and responsibility that guide us as students at UVI.
“We are incredibly grateful to the government agencies, businesses and community partners who stood alongside our students to make these service projects possible,” said Rodriguez. “Their support showed our students that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, real impact can happen. It reminded us that service is not something we do alone — it’s something we build together.”
“We are grateful to the many community partners, government agencies, businesses and volunteers who stepped forward to assist the UVI Student Government Association on St. Croix,” said Dr. Kenny Hendrickson, Interim Dean of Students for the Albert A. Sheen Campus. “Through initiatives like Legacy in Bloom and Plate It Forward, students, government agencies and community partners came together in a spirit of restoration and compassion to support the Frederiksted community.”
“These service projects embody the spirit of Buccaneer pride and the values we strive to instill in our students,” said Michael Bell, director of Student Life and Leadership Development at UVI. “When students take the initiative to lead meaningful service efforts like these, they strengthen our community while also developing the leadership skills and civic responsibility that will guide them throughout their lives.”
The initiatives reflect the mission of the University of the Virgin Islands — the Caribbean’s only Historically Black College and University — and its tradition of leadership, service and community engagement.
Media inquiries should be directed to the University of the Virgin Islands Office of Public Relations at pr@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1059.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public, co-educational, land-grant institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, UVI is the only Historically Black College and University outside the mainland United States. The University is dedicated to student success and committed to educating and empowering students through an environment that promotes creativity, innovation, excellence in teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
