A young Virgin Islander's recent triumph at a recent regional sporting event was lauded by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. as a fitting demonstration of VI excellence during Virgin Islands Heritage Month.

Virgin Islands Olympian Kruz Schemberi-McCord, 18, won gold at the Junior Pan American Championships, competing in the Men's U20 Individual Epee category. This is his second gold at this event, having placed first among the field at the Junior Pan American Championships in Brazil last year.

“Our history is alive and our contributions continue to shape the world,” said Governor Bryan, as he thanked Mr. Schembri-McCord for “raising that VI flag really high.”

Governor Bryan connected the young fencer's representation of the Virgin Islands on the world stage – which included an Olympic Games debut last summer – with the rich legacy left by Virgin Islanders who came before him. From Alexander Hamilton, to David Hamilton Jackson, to Alton Adams, to Dr. George F. Tyson, “we honor the past, take pride in our present and look forward with confidence,” the governor remarked.