Juanita Gardine Educator Cherise Davis Named 2025 State Teacher of the Year

In a ceremony held over the weekend, Cherise Davis was announced as the territory's 2025-2026 State Teacher of the Year. Ms. Davis, the St. Croix District Teacher of the Year, prevailed over Cornell Hanley, Teacher of the Year on St. Thomas. “This is not just a personal achievement for me,” said Ms. Davis, a 3rd grade teacher at the Juanita Gardine K-8 School, upon being announced as the winner. “It's a reflection of all the work that I have done, not only myself, but the support I have received from my administrators.” In a pre-announcement video message, Ms. Davis said that she became a teacher “to create a space where students feel seen, heard and valued, where their questions are welcome, their mistakes are embraced and their growth is celebrated.” She remembers the impact her teachers made on her as a child growing up, and says that it is now her turn to “pay it forward.” “I teach because I want to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Ms. Davis said. “I want to make a di...