Dominican Derron Ambrose is UVI’s 2011 top undergraduate

Derron Ambrose (right) with Kadeem Benjamin, who gave the invocation at the commencement exercise

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, Dominican students joined the ranks of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) alumni. This event, which graduated 184 students on the St. Thomas UVI campus, marked the 47th commencement exercise.

Derron Ambrose, a past Dominica Grammar School teacher, was introduced as the illustrious class speaker by UVI’s president, Dr. David Hall. Two local newspapers, Virgin Islands Daily News and The Abis, described him as being “vivacious-anything but quiet”-when he addressed the graduating class on Saturday night. His presentation was truly dynamic-a reminder of his vocal presence as a Sixth Form Sisserou Singer, which he served as for four years.

St. Croix’s newspaper, The Abis, noted that he captivated his classmates with a lively address that emphasized their power and their potential.  Words like, “How many of you feel like you’re charged batteries, full of energy?…With our batteries fully charged we are about to be disconnected from our power source and go out to give more to the world” were aimed at the “Unstoppable Vivacious Individuals” of the graduating class. The most captivating aspect of his speech was the repeated use of the word “Check!” that was echoed by the entire audience.

UVI’s Bulletin Board dubbed him as the “Man on a Mission”, a steadfast young man who is determined to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. A certified Student Peer Educator, Lead Peer Instructor for the Science 100 course, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, the Psi Chi International Honor Society, the Psychology Student Association, Environmental Association of St. Thomas and St. John, and Vice President of Dominicans at UVI Association, Ambrose, who was named Student Employee of the Year in 2010, takes a purposeful approach to all he does. Additionally, he completed intense training in certified emergency response with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA).

His hard work truly paid off on Saturday night when he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as the valedictorian, graduating from UVI with the highest grade point average. Beaming with pride in the crowd was his wife, Mahogany, who held up a sign which read, “Congrats! I Love You Derron Ambrose. God Had It Planned All Along.” In 2010, she was UVI’s top achiever, when she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology.

The Abis referred to Ambrose and his wife as “the young academic power couple”, having accomplished their goals together as a result of lots of prayer, focusing on family and consistently doing more than what is required.

On the St. Thomas UVI campus, the other Dominicans who graduated are listed below.

School of Business: Bachelors of Arts degree
–   Chelsy Angol**
–  Kadeem I. Benjamin (gave the invocation)
–  Melissa Baron ***
–   Nyka Carina Etienne *
–   Josephine P. Riviere

School of Education: Bachelor of Arts degree
–   Kendra Fontaine Barzey

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Bachelor of Arts degree
–    Estelle Johnetta Andrew (gave the benediction)
–    Jacinta M. Sablon

College of Science and Mathematics: Bachelor of Science degree
–    Johnasha Donna Stuart***
–    Ezra Williams-Daniel **

*** summa cum laude (highest honors)
** magna cum laude (high honors)
*  cum laude (honors)

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64 Comments

  1. Blckgy
    September 27, 2012

    is this the same guy who used to yell “fire and brimstone will reign on your soul” to us in first form as a teacher? i hope so… great to see him doing well. big educational influence on me.

  2. COR 23
    May 20, 2011

    congrats Derron, always known u as an achiever,continue to do the great job and praising the most High

  3. Rosemary
    May 20, 2011

    Congrats my son! the Merrifields and Moses salut you on your achievement! Luv u son!

  4. Mom de in VI
    May 20, 2011

    Husband and Wife Dynamic-Duo! Wow! Congrats Ambroses! Keep soaring!

  5. Rock City
    May 20, 2011

    CONGRATES MR. AMBROSE WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU BEING A DOMINICA IN ST. THOMAS YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD .

  6. Aunty Sylma
    May 19, 2011

    To God be the glory great things He has done. Dewo you have made us all proud. This is a clear indication of the Holy Spirit working in your life. You have been raised in a very humble and loving home where moral and christian values were the key factors in your upbringing. According to the bible: Train up a child in the way that he should go so that when he grows old, he will not depart from it. Dewo your are a fine example of this biblical principle. Continue to be a lamp to others, by your inspiration , prayers and dedication to the Most High God. To Mahogony, darling, I say God knew exactly what He was doing when he chose you to be Derron’s wife. It could only be you and no one else. As the wise saying goes behind every good man, is a great lady. Mahogony, you can attest to that. To all the other students especially Pearl Riviere, my loving friend, I say “Hats off to you guys, keep making Dominica proud.” May the name of the Lord be praise and adored , now and forever more.

    • Mom de in VI
      May 20, 2011

      To God be the glory indeed!

    • keken
      May 31, 2011

      aunty sylma u said it right. im so proud derron is such an inspiration, he always was a gr8 big cousin to look up too!! im soooo happy to hear that, it made me cry and i miss my family back home more than ever. i wish to follow in his footsteps make our family proud and thank you also for all ur help u always showed great interest in our education love yaaa

  7. Dr.Finger
    May 19, 2011

    SMA will always stand for Smartest Men Alive! St. Mary’s Men Go Forth Again To Praise Thee Evermore. Keep on trucking my fellow school mates. Forward ever, backwards NEVER!

  8. SMA past student
    May 19, 2011

    I spoke to “Dr. Ambrose” sometime ago. He told me that St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) was the institution that set the stage for his pursuit of education. He mentioned role-model teachers like his all time mentor, the late Dr. Grell; Mr. Elwin, Mrs. Toulon, Bro. Wakeham, Mr. Sorahaindo and a few others. You teachers must have surely did a superb job!

    CONGRATS Dr. Ambrose, you have made SMA and Sisserou Singers proud. Dominica certainly produces top students who continue to put the Nature Isle on the map!

    Ora et labora (pray and work)!

  9. smiley
    May 19, 2011

    Congrats Derron and all the other graduates, Keep reaching for the stars.

  10. Joseph
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats sis.You made us proud. Continue the good words.

  11. NEWTOWN BRAINS SHINNING
    May 18, 2011

    DERRON I was quite happy upon reading about your accomplishments. However am not at all surprised at it at all. from a very early period in your life I did recognize something super special about you and the fact that you are so close to your church/God this provides the source for all your talent.
    Derron you are indeed a treasure not only to you community of NEWTOWN but DA and the wider world.

    I DO WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AND MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU CONTINUOUSLY.

    THERE IS GREAT HOPE FOR OUR YOUTHS AND THIS MAN IS INDEED A ROLE MODEL FOR SO MANY OF US!

    A STAR IS BORN !

  12. j
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats Ambie boy you made it to the top continue making us proud!!! You were a great teacher and coworker …………intelligent and had a great sense of humor …KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! and may the Good lord continue to bless you and you darling wife.

  13. uhhmmmmm
    May 18, 2011

    congrats to all!

    on another note, the name of the St. Croix paper is the “AVIS” not “Abis”

  14. Proud Dominica student at UVI
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats Mr. Ambrose …all the best to you as u embark further on you journey… I had fun times with u in Lab and enjoy our M&M moments….You truly deserve the best in life…Your a wonderful person

  15. Aunty S
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats my Esselle!! you’ve made me proud!! YOU GO Girl!! Love you.

  16. Anonymous
    May 18, 2011

    congrats to my big bro derron ambrose

  17. Aunty Rosie
    May 18, 2011

    I have been shedding tears of joy…Dewo u have really made the Moses family proud, especially ur uncle Titus proud. Keep up to up, looking for greater achievements in the future. Junelle and Sahani are also extremely proud of you. Keep it up!

    • keken
      May 31, 2011

      yes aunty rosie tears of joy from me as well. im soo proud and happy of Derron!!!!

  18. Chrissy
    May 18, 2011

    Hey Mr Ambrose….COngratulations my friend…I remember you from Newtown Church and from the wyd trinidad trip in 03′ under the leadership of my aunt….You were very outgoing, jovial and an astute follower of Christ…It is very nice to read of your success in the paper….Wayyyyy to Go Bro! may God continue to lead guide, bless and lead you…Yayyeee Derron!

  19. Nature Isle
    May 18, 2011

    CONGRATULATIONS all graduates especailly Jancita “Jaso” Sablon. Colihaut is proud of yet another daughter from the soil.

  20. your aunties and brother
    May 18, 2011

    congrats to estelle from aunty decima and khearn we proud of you

  21. take heed!!
    May 18, 2011

    Estelle johnette Andrew congrats from all of us at home portia sandra decima we so proud of you

  22. amanda cher cher and your friend
    May 18, 2011

    cheers to that i am so proud of you!you make proud to be a dominican.i know your family especially your mom head in the clouds!cheers to you man you represent d/a and made us proud!

  23. elloy
    May 18, 2011

    boy you remind me of old days bro. i am so proud of you boy. hope you continue to strive for success as i know you can . love and blessings

  24. Anonymous
    May 18, 2011

    congrats my boy.powered by prescription.

  25. DGS teacher
    May 18, 2011

    I am not at all surprised. you are a hard worker and devoted. congrats ambrose well sheyyyyyy as we use to call you. we are all proud of your great achievement. may God continue to bless you and your wife.

  26. D
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats Deron!! Job well done!! Continue reaching for the stars and put God first in everything. Your mum must be so proud.

  27. West Coast
    May 18, 2011

    Congratulations Derron you make me proud. Keep it up and remember prayer is the answer!

  28. Monique Hector- Roberts
    May 18, 2011

    Wow! Congratulations to you Mr Ambrose… I wish you many many more success!

  29. Nature Boy
    May 18, 2011

    C-O-N-G-R-A-T-U-L-A-T-I-O-N-S!!! Shows the positive that can be achieved by Dominicans with the right focus and determination.

  30. Rosma
    May 18, 2011

    Congratulations to my cousin Melissa Baron. We are proud of you.

  31. Aliee
    May 18, 2011

    Yes Paula she really did that.

  32. COR 31
    May 18, 2011

    congrats big brother……making newton…Roseau south and more so COR and SMA proud……

  33. Xy
    May 18, 2011

    Congratulations and Best wishes to all the graduates esp my girl Nyka..Proud of u!

  34. sammy
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats sammy! Proud of u guys

  35. Lib
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats Derron!

  36. A.F
    May 18, 2011

    OMG!!! I am so Proud of you Derron…You are an inspiration to me!! Keep on doing what you do… :) Your Godson is also proud of you…

  37. Dominica
    May 18, 2011

    congrats to you all…GO Derron…you really earned it

  38. sammy
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats sammy! Keep reaching for the top. Proud of u guys. I will take care of u sammy. Hehehe

  39. prescription doctor brent
    May 18, 2011

    hey my bro heard of the great news form yo mom yesterday seeing it on dno today…..sky’s the limit for this guyyy ……

  40. GRANDBAY AGAIN!!!!!!
    May 18, 2011

    L’alley rejoice, kadeem represented you well, Geneva House- Johnasha shone for you, Tetemorne ,Montine -Chelcy was there for you, Pichelin- Ezra served you well. ALL of GrandBay be glad. They represented well ! AND to bring home de prize, the top Graduate, Derron is married into the Merrifield family in Highland GrandBay ! Rosemary, Doll , Jojo and dem must be beaming!Keli big sister and her husband(Mahogany and Derron Ambrose) bring home top honours two years in a row!
    CONGRATS !

    BIG UP GWANBAY MASSIVE !WE ARE REPRESENTED!

    AND TO ALL D/CA COLLEGE GRADS,2011….. KEEP MOVING UP! HATS OFF TO U!

    • CLAIRVOYANCE
      May 18, 2011

      tell shatta to bring down grand bay nowwwww!!!!! we always a bright people…..last of the brave neg maroons….shatta kiss our intelligent rears….lol congrats to all you guys you made dominica proud as expected!!!!

    • Proud
      May 20, 2011

      Congrats,congrats to the last of the brave neg maron…..
      Grand Bay should be proud! But all of D/A should be proud of the foundation that was laid( with our limited resources) for our students in the homeland!
      Our graduates represent North, South, East and West…..

      So our intelligence most be part of our experiences with all dat nature or we just biologically programmed to represent.Either way, dem grads making all a we proud.. Lovely , Bloody lovely!!

      @ clairvoyance —we understand how proud u are but stop de strife, Everybody knows, the Cultural Capital leading by example!Me son, de man top Grad from Newtown.And de Moses family have to be given credit for a job well done! Congrats Ambrose! Vous etre vraiment special!Te quiero mi amigo!

  41. roots
    May 18, 2011

    congrats sir ambrose

  42. Mel
    May 18, 2011

    Proud of you Nyka!! You made mommy, daddy and I so proud! Congrats!
    Derron, your speech woke us all up! CHECK! Congratulations!
    Congratulations to all the other Dominicans as well! You all deserve an award!

  43. HARLEM HE COME FROM
    May 18, 2011

    Am quite excited about what this young man has done not only for DOMINICA but also for his hometownHARLEM. he was an SMA graduate abd comes from the very respected MOSES FAMILY of newtown. HIS MUM TESA MOSES AND AUNTI SYLMA MOSES AND PASTOR PAUL MOSES ETC must be very proud of that youngman.

    He continues to follow in the proud academic tradition of the harlemcommunity!

    GREAT THINGS CAN COME FROM THE GHETTO

    YOUR GRAND PARENTS MA MOSES AND MR MOSES MUST BE REALLY HAPPY FOR YOU.

    LETS CELEBRATE AGAIN FOR ONE OF OUR SONS HAVE MADE US PROUD!

  44. The Truth
    May 18, 2011

    Derron congrats I always knew you could do it. Your wife is a great supporter of you and loves you very much. May you all put God first in all you do.

    All the best

  45. td
    May 18, 2011

    I absolutley love it wn young people can go out and distinguish themselves academically and to do so while married says much for marriage. COngratulations, I remember our many interactions Derron and Mohogany, I am proud that you are an alumni of my school and Derron, a teacher at my alma mater – DGS – mens sana in copore sano

  46. Singer
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats to all especially Derron my bro. You making us proud.

  47. Valda Bruno Durand
    May 18, 2011

    Yes Derron i expected nothing less from you, the Moses family of Newtown should be proud, Hats of to your mom, i know she gleaming with pride. Its a pleasure to read this especially know that you were once a very active part of the Planned Parenthood’s youth group YAM, i will see you around to give you my personal congrats hug, and my girl Nyka much love to you. All the best you guys….

    • Mom de in VI
      May 20, 2011

      Yes I! The Moses Family derserve credit indeed!

  48. Stealth Critique
    May 18, 2011

    Cheutt

  49. Rochelle
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats cousin Melissa Baron

  50. m
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose…

  51. Dread!
    May 18, 2011

    Yayyyyyyyyyyyy! See my people! We are beaming with pride! Dominicans on a mission! Can’t get us down! Checkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!

  52. NO SENSE
    May 18, 2011

    congrats mr ambrose. continue makin us proud. :)

  53. baby girl
    May 18, 2011

    congrats Derronm god is so wonderful we love u from the past (voices of fatima)

  54. dprincess
    May 18, 2011

    yea!!!! go Derron…you should’ve told me when you texted me last week…i’m happy for you..way to go!!

  55. charmed
    May 18, 2011

    yes Derron you were always ambitious.. congratulations to you my boy. keep up the good work. congrats to you again and all the others .

  56. Anonymous
    May 18, 2011

    My name not on the list :cry:…

    But his speech gave life to a boring 4 hour ceremony.

  57. Happy Bee
    May 18, 2011

    Congrats to my Cuz Nyka Etienne and to Derron Ambrose, and to all the other students from Dominica, continuing making us proud

  58. paula
    May 18, 2011

    Yes nykie u have made me proud

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