Hazel Named St. Thomas UVI Student Worker of the Year



UVI Teaching Assistant Elesha Hazel rises to accept award.

University of the Virgin Islands Teaching Assistant Elesha Hazel was named the 2013 St. Thomas Campus Student Worker of the Year at a ceremony held April 12, at UVI’s Sports and Fitness on the St. Thomas campus.

Hazel, a senior English and communication major, was struck with awe when she was nominated, but was giddy with joy after winning the award.

“My parents instilled the mentality in me to do things and I didn’t realize I was doing so much just by doing what I normally would do,” she said.

Shown from left are UVI Counseling Supervisor Verna Rogers, Dean of Students Dr. Doris Battiste,

 UVI student Elesha Hazel, Interim Provost Dr. Camille McKayle, and Program Specialist Mary Myers.

UVI Dean of Students Dr. Doris Battiste and UVI Interim Provost Dr. Camille McKayle presented Hazel with flowers, a certificate and a personalized commemorative gift. UVI Assistant Professor of English Dr. Emily Carter, Hazel’s supervisor, presented her with a special gift.

UVI Interim Provost Dr. Camille McKayle
 presents Elesha Hazel, St. Thomas Student 
Worker of the Year, with a certificate.

Hazel was described as wise beyond her years and said to possess a youthful exuberance that brings a student’s perspective to the equation. Dr. Carter, who nominated Hazel for the award, said she has a very balanced disposition, personality and that her adaptability allows her to flourish.

“I have gotten so much from Elesha,” said Dr. Carter. “I depend on her so much.”

Hazel took it upon herself to do online training, liaison with technical advisors and to use new software to make sure she could help both her supervisor and students operate an online lab.

“The tremendous work ethic that she has is just something that you cannot put into words,” Dr. Carter said. “I love her. I respect her.”

As is custom, the winner of the student employee of the year is kept secret until the ceremony. Hazel said she did not think she would win after she realized she shared the nomination with two of her friends, Wendy Aurelien and Twanna Hodge. Hazel, Aurelien and Hodge also won the student employee “Go Getter Award.” 

UVI Associate Professor Dr. Emily Carter presents UVI student Elesha Hazel with a gift.

Several other student workers received awards including the “Go Getter Award,” “Organized Award,” “Attentive Award,” “Loyalty Award” and the “Skilled Award.” The students were treated to certificates, gifts, a poem read in their honor, a dance and a musical selection.