It was a morning charged with pride and promise as the Department of Education hosted the presentation of the 2025 Kimdra Smith-Webster Scholarship on Friday, 5th September. This year’s recipient is none other than Mr. Elvin Hodge, a familiar face to many students at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS), where he has been teaching physics and electronics for the past two years. Now, with a scholarship in hand and a suitcase soon to be packed, Mr. Hodge will be heading off to the United Kingdom to pursue a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Derby.
The scholarship, valued at US$2,500, is awarded annually by the Kimdra Smith-Webster Foundation in honour of its namesake, an Anguillian scientist whose brilliance and dedication to education left an indelible mark. The initiative, launched in 2017 and spearheaded by Kimdra’s brother, Mr. Ken Smith, is more than just financial support—it is a living tribute to Kimdra’s commitment to science, service, and leadership. Fittingly, the presentation took place just days after what would have been Kimdra’s 48th birthday on 1st September.
Ms. Aurjul Wilson, Kimdra’s aunt and a representative of the Foundation, shared warm words during the ceremony, noting the strength of this year’s applicant pool. “On behalf of the Kimdra Smith-Webster Foundation and myself, I wish to extend best wishes and congratulations to Mr. Hodge. Notwithstanding that there were eight applicants this year, the foundation felt very strongly that Mr. Hodge would be the most deserving.”
Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney, also expressed his delight, both for the scholarship and for its newest recipient. His remarks carried a note of appreciation for the Foundation’s enduring commitment. “This is now the eighth scholarship since this initiative was launched. That literally means eight Anguillians have benefited from Kimdra’s family’s generosity over the years.”
Turning to Mr. Hodge directly, Mr. Romney added: “Elvin is soft-spoken, but there is a lot of substance behind him. He has been teaching at the ALHCS and has already given much to education and to his students. We know he will go on to do well, and we wish him every success. The Department of Education will always be there for you, and I know you’ll make us proud.”
For his part, Mr. Hodge expressed humility and determination. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and that I’ve been chosen. I plan to complete my course well and to come back and be beneficial to Anguilla.”
His passion for engineering has deep roots, shaped by both family influences and personal curiosity. “Engineering is something I’m very interested in… I’ve done things relating to electricity, so it felt like the natural choice. I also see opportunities—solar applications, new systems—that I hope to learn about and bring back to improve Anguilla’s electrical infrastructure,” he said.
The young teacher admitted he is bracing himself for more than just academic challenges—there’s also the weather. With a grin he remarked: “I’m going from hot to cold. I’m excited but also got to shape up for it.” To this, Mr. Romney and others assured him that Derby has its charms, and that he’ll not only adapt to the climate but find Anguillian company on campus too.
As the scholarship continues to honour Kimdra Smith-Webster’s legacy, Mr. Hodge steps forward as the eighth and latest beneficiary, carrying both the hopes of his family and the wider Anguillian community.
By Janissa Fleming
