Inaugural St. Croix Youth Hope Awards to Honor Island’s Young Leaders

The inaugural St. Croix Youth Hope Awards will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 28 at Teddy’s in Christiansted, marking the first time the celebration has been hosted on St. Croix.

Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens announced his partnership with the “I Am Hope Foundation” to bring the awards ceremony to the district, describing the event as an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments and character of the island’s youth.

The Youth Hope Awards recognize children and young people whose efforts, leadership, and community contributions have made a positive impact. Honorees are selected for exemplifying perseverance, responsibility, and a commitment to uplifting others.

The 2026 St. Croix Youth Hope Award recipients are:

• Linroy Forde — Outstanding Youth Award

• Daryl Griffith — Trailblazer Award

• K’Asia O’Bryan — Role Model Award

• Israel Popo — Leadership Award

• Micaiah Jones — Community Impact Award

• Kaela Vialet — Hope Award

• Marley Robinson — Youth Impact Award

• Jamal Rogers Jr. — Youth Inspire Award

• Je’Talia Hanley — Youth Excellence Award

• Juliett & Gracie Reid Ventura — Entrepreneur Award