Grand Bay native residing in the Virgin Islands honored by President Obama

Henry Letang, recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Henry-Letang, recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Math and Science Teacher, Thora Henry-Letang, of Grand Bay, Dominica, who now resides on St. Thomas, has received the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The award is the highest honor bestowed on Math and Science teachers in the United States (US). The White House, on Monday, August 22, 2016, announced Henry-Letang as this year’s recipient .

Henry-Letang, who teaches at St. Thomas’ Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, stated in a recent interview with Virgin Islands Daily News, that the honour was earned through the collective effort of every individual at her school.

“It’s really significant,” she said. “It’s the work of my students, fellow colleagues, the officials at education. It’s a collaborative community effort, not just my sole work.

The awardee, who has taught at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School for nearly a decade, described the recognition as “rewarding, because of the sacrifices we put in every day.” She  said that she strives to be the teacher she has always wanted her teachers to be.

She teaches General Science to seventh and eighth grade students, English as a second language, and sometimes Mathematics.

Winners of the presidential award receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, to be used at their discretion, and are invited to Washington D.C. for an awards ceremony, as well as celebratory events and visits with members of the Obama administration.

The educator has remained true to her beloved Dominica, and frequently participates in activities promoting Dominican culture, such as a Bèlè and Quadrille dances.  She is also a former Secretary of Waseen Dominique in St. Thomas, a group which is dedicated to promoting Dominica’s culture.

Henry-Letang is the daughter of Robert Harold Henry and Maudleen Baron, and is the great-grand daughter of the famous “Ma Tutu”, after whom the Ma Tutu’s Park, in Grand Bay, is named.

She is currently married to Steve Letang, of Pichelin, and the couple has two children.

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30 Comments

  1. aunty
    August 29, 2016

    The Roach family are models of excellence. From John, Debra, Khan, Nadege, Lezean, Letitia, Victoria,Marie and more. Most recently Debra And Thora on DNO the same week.
    We believe in excellence.

  2. forreal
    August 29, 2016

    hahahahaha I saw this news on virgin island news website and she’s not mentioned as a Dominican,now I am reading this news here on DNO.. I am surprised…hahaha is like these people trying to steal our man hahahaha aye aye

    • forreal
      August 29, 2016

      typo…I meant..steal our people…my bad hahaha

  3. my own
    August 29, 2016

    all the good ones are going going gone…..what are we going to do to keep those people here where we desperately need them?…….

  4. UDOHREADYET
    August 29, 2016

    Congrats on the recognition of your accomplishments!! All the best to you!

  5. nonamegal
    August 29, 2016

    Wow! This is awesome. God’s blessings continue to shine upon you.

  6. laudm
    August 29, 2016

    Congrats to my fellow citizen, may you continue to strive for excellent. Blessings

  7. Sout' Rebel
    August 29, 2016

    Congratulations! My sister.You are an inspiration to us in Grand Bay and Dominica by extension.

  8. PD
    August 29, 2016

    Childhood friend, I am ever so proud of you. Continue to inspire others and be a light to the world. Maudleen bask in the fruit of your labour of love.

  9. cameron
    August 29, 2016

    Proud of you THORA.

  10. TS Erika
    August 29, 2016

    so nice when our own can go out there and excell

  11. Outstanding!
    August 29, 2016

    Well done Mrs. Letang. Keep up the good work. May we similarly honor our teachers. It would be good where we assembled our teachers at home and abroad to exchange ideas on best practices in math and science education. Such organized networking can only benefit our country.

  12. J.John-Charles
    August 29, 2016

    Congratulations to you Madam.Atlas Obama has done something for DA.maybe for the English speaking Caribbean Islands in 7 yrs. 7 months and 8 days.

  13. Zor Bon La
    August 29, 2016

    Positive vibes. Congratulations young lady. Hard work does pay off. This is a very good example for our youth. Strive for excellence.

  14. Me too
    August 28, 2016

    The best comes from the south.

  15. observer
    August 28, 2016

    Congratulations, very well deserved,just do not sit on it keep on working more doors will most certainly open up again.

  16. August 28, 2016

    Congrats Ms Letang. This lovely lady thought my child at school and i never knew she was from the beautiful country of Dominica i just love her spirit

  17. August 28, 2016

    congrat my girl good for you god bless you.

  18. Looking in
    August 28, 2016

    Congratulations on a job well done. Keep striving for excellence.

  19. SoRight
    August 28, 2016

    Congratulations to you Tora and your family!! As a Dominican residing in St. Thomas I celebrate your success and the hard work that other Dominican teachers are doing in St. Thomas!!!

  20. Grandbarian Young lady
    August 28, 2016

    Go girl! People from Grand bay, we are always shaking the confines they put us into. Made us, the country and your family so proud! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

  21. positive
    August 28, 2016

    Wonderful.. my grade 4 friend

  22. Odin
    August 28, 2016

    Congratulations!

  23. S Elizee
    August 28, 2016

    Congratulations to you on your accomplishment and your recognition.

  24. Straight talk
    August 28, 2016

    Good work young lady, you’ve made your family and country of birth proud. Keep on doing what you love to do, good work pays off. God bless you.

  25. Tony
    August 28, 2016

    Hello and good afternoon my people. I want to congratulate Mrs Letang on her achievement and recognition. Our number one export is our educated citizens who are recognized by other countries. When you go to Washington , DC for your award please tell them your from the nature Island.

  26. Me
    August 28, 2016

    Good for you lady. That is more than our Hon. Punjabi Dr. Skerrit ever got and what is more, you worked for it. You do us proud.

  27. The UK Contingent
    August 28, 2016

    Yes Thor! Your family in England VERY proud of you! Well done!

  28. August 28, 2016

    Well done girl keep upbthe hood work.
    Not only have you made Grandbay proud you’ve made Dominica and your family proud Amen.

  29. oh Yes
    August 28, 2016

    Proud moment for you, your family and Dominica.

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