On Saturday, May 17th 2014, the applause of family and friends resonated through the University of the Virgin Islands Sports & Fitness Centre as Ms. Lavida Brooks walked across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands with Magna Cum Laude honours.
Lavida, the daughter of Ms. Rhonda Hobson and Mr. Lynrod Brooks began her tertiary education in June 2010 and quickly established herself as an intrinsically motivated, purpose driven student. It is no surprise then that she was the recipient of several awards including, the Barnett Frank Freshman Class Award for highest GPA in freshman year and the Most Outstanding Senior Biology Major Award. She was also a part of the Minority Access to Research Career Scholars (June 2012 – May 2014), The Golden Key Honour Society and an Upward Bound Tutor (August 2013 – May 2014). Additionally, Lavida had the privilege of delivering oral and poster presentations on her research at the University’s Research Symposia, Emory University’s STEM Symposium and at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in San Jose, California & Nashville, Tennessee. Throughout her four years she consistently distinguished herself as a true academic, earning recognition on the Dean’s List from Fall 2010 to Spring 2014.
Michigan State University has also recognised Lavida’s achievements by awarding her entry into its doctoral programme (Microbiology & Molecular Genetics) and a University Enrichment Fellowship. The latter is the university’s most prestigious graduate fellowship and is awarded to the most outstanding graduate applicants. As such, Lavida will continue her studies at Michigan State University in Fall 2014.
Ms. Brooks’ accomplishments are due in part to her strong support system of family and friends. She extends the utmost gratitude to the Almighty Father for blessing her with the strength and the ability to pursue her course of study. To her mother, grandparents, Richard and Angela Hobson as well as her siblings and uncles she is forever grateful for their unconditional love and unwavering support. Special mention is made of Pastor Carl Richardson and her aunt, Dr. Reva Hobson-Richardson, for being her mentors and guardians during her years in St. Thomas. She is also grateful to the congregation of the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church who kept her before the throne of God during her studies. Finally, she extends appreciation to the staff of the Central Christian School and the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School for their efforts in moulding her and propelling her towards academic success.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
