Director of the HLSCC Institute of Education, Mrs Sandy M. Harrigan-Underhill, in a press release on July 19, 2022, said she is very grateful for this partnership opportunity which will benefit educators in their training and professional development and to be able to honour the legacy of the late Reverend Edris O’Neal.

She continued, “I am especially happy to be able to announce this partnership in commemoration of her birthday. On behalf of HLSCC, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms Abigail O’Neal and her family for this worthwhile initiative.”

Edris O'Neal was a former teacher with advanced degree in Education Administration

Ms Abigail O’Neal, the daughter of the late Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE explained that while her mother was known as a teacher in her early career, many persons do not know that her mother’s advanced degree was in Education Administration.

She said, “The HLSCC Institute of Education has a long-term plan for the Territory to become a regional centre of excellence – one that I am glad to support. Educating our educators, our students and our people remain the best way to build a better future. I know this is a cause that my mother would be happy for her name to be associated with.”

Ms Abigail O’Neal, left, the daughter of the late Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE explained that while her mother was known as a teacher in her early career, many persons do not know that her mother’s advanced degree was in Education Administration.

Birthday honour!

Ms O’Neal continued, “I am delighted that we can honour my mother in this way today on 19th July 2022 on what would have been her 80th birthday. I intend to grow these contributions as the Institute grows so that one day, we not only offer the Rev. Edris O’Neal, OBE grant on an annual basis, but an annual full scholarship for a bachelor’s degree.”

The late Reverend O'Neal was the wife of the Virgin Islands' first Premier, Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE.

The HLSCC Institute of Education works closely with the Territory’s schools - both public and private - through the Ministry of Education, to obtain data that will inform decisions about the Territory’s Education Training needs. Its mission is to develop effective educators who demonstrate progressive ideals, through research-driven innovative and reflective practice, that inculcate critical thinking skills and encourage capabilities for life-long learning in students.

For more information regarding the HLSCC Institute of Education and the Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE Grants and Scholarships, please contact Mrs. Sandy Underhill via email at sunderhill@hlscc.edu.vg or Ms Devia Smith via email at dmsmith@hlscc.edu.vg or via telephone at (284) 842-7040.