The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has announced the winners of the 34th Annual Afternoon on the Green tasting competition, along with the 2026 scholarship recipients, and the post-event Pickleball Tournament winners.
Celebrating Virgin Islands culture, cuisine and community, the annual event held in March brought together residents, businesses and supporters to raise funds for student scholarships. This year, two outstanding high school seniors were awarded scholarships to attend UVI, while eight exceptional participants were recognized for their culinary talents in the event’s cooking competition.
The 2026 Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Volunteer Scholarship recipients are Sheniqua Spencer a senior at Charlotte Amalie High School, and Rosmeiry Romero, a senior at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. Each student has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and will attend UVI in the fall.
The scholarship was established in honor of local businessman and former UVI Research and Technology Park Board Chairman Edward E. Thomas Sr. to support students dedicated to serving their communities.
In the cooking competition, Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove earned the overall People’s Choice Award for their Johnny Cakes.
Winners in each category are as follows:
Main Dishes
Carolyn Jackson – Pork Pates
Seafood
Carolyn Jackson - Saltfish Pates
Vegetarian Dishes
Queen Bee Ital Palace – Peas Balls
Soups
UVI Cafeteria – Goat Water
Side Dishes
Angelyne Dolne – Haitian Black/Brown Rice & Peas
Bread
Josephine Humphreys – Banana Bread
Desserts & Sweets
Natasha Wright – Banana Cake & Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake (tied)
Native Drinks
Tausha Thomas David - Tee’s Pistachio Coquito
Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, chairman of the planning committee, expressed sincere appreciation for the community’s unwavering support while highlighting a vision for continued growth and impact.
“Afternoon on the Green thrives because of the passion, unity, and commitment of our community,” Callwood stated. “As we look ahead, it is that same collective spirit, from our talented cooks to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors, that will continue to elevate this event and showcase the limitless possibilities of what we can achieve together. It is not too late for individuals to join us in supporting our continued efforts to raise vital funding for student scholarships, an investment that will shape futures and strengthen our community for generations to come.”
This year’s event was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and community partners including: Indelible (Premium Sponsor), the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, One Communications, First Bank, Estate Shield VI, the UVI Research and Technology Park, the Virgin Islands National Guard, Tradewinds Chiropractic, WTJX/PBS/NPR, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Board of Education, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, Department of Health – Maternal & Child Health (MCH), West Indies Corporation, Bellows International, Cost U Less, AARP, the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, DaVybe Radio, St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation, CC1 Wines and Spirits, Holsum, PriceSmart, Fabien’s Trucking and Tropical Shipping.
Following Afternoon on the Green, UVI hosted a spirited pickleball tournament with 21 teams competing across beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions. In the gold medal category, the Beginners team Dark Side, represented by Xander Maynard and Omandey Byron, took top honors, while the Intermediate team Kissin in da Kitchen, led by Sam Judd and Renee Migdal, secured first place. In the Advanced division, Eastenders, featuring Chris Brewer and Dan Nicolosi, claimed the gold medal. Silver medal winners included the Beginners team Sweet Pickle represented by Terrance Jacobs and Carol Jacobs, the Intermediate team Water Island Picklers featuring Julia Rhode and Rachael Ackley, and the Advanced team Volley Llamas led by Neil Francis and Geoff Bergeron.
For more information about Afternoon on the Green, visit aog.uvi.edu.
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
