Osbert Potter, Lt. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, walked into Mrs. Rissa Fabio-Parilla’s Freedom Schools classroom at Juanita Gardine campus on Thursday, July 21, 2016 to a rousing welcome from students who had spent the last four-weeks learning, expressing their talent and picking up new skills.
The students, joined by staff went through a good morning chant to welcome Lt. Governor Potter who stood and smiled during their upbeat performance. He was invited to read to the students as part of a guest reader component of the Freedom Schools program, and the Lt. Governor appearance was special since he initiated the program this summer in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas-John districts. Lt. Gov. Potter also read to students at the Claude O. Markoe School site on July 22 where he was greeted with a similar ceremony. He began his Freedom Schools tours in the St. Thomas-John district, visiting programs at Lockhart Elementary on July 18, Muller Elementary on July 19 and Julius E. Sprauve Elementary on St. John, July 20.
That day’s Harambee agenda included, the Hallelujah song, read aloud (by Lt. Governor Potter), a motivational song, cheers and chants, recognitions, a moment of silence and announcements.
Lt. Governor Potter first read the book He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands followed by The Peace Book to the combined 25 kindergarten to 3rd grades students participating in Freedom School at Gardine. A relaxed Lt. Gov. Potter joked and asked the students questions relative to the books he read. One student asked why he read two books. “Because I wanted to spend more time with you,” the Lt. Governor Potter replied instantly. The students closed out their day with a field trip to Estate Whim Museum.
