ZBVI celebrates quiz winners, Merritt Herbert honoured

PRESS RELEASE: As done annually, ZBVI recently highlighted the accomplishments of the General Knowledge Quiz participants.

The top students and their parents, along with sponsors and supporters, were recognized at an early evening gathering at The Virgin Queen restaurant.

Although the start of the quiz was pushed back due to the devastation from the hurricanes, students rallied and participated fully, as always. Anjanique Cheltenham’s 83 points earned her the top spot for the school year.

Cheltenham graduated from the Joyce Samuel Primary School as the top student for the class of 2018. Students who rounded out the top five placements included: Anniah Williams with 82 points; Kaosha Thomas and Kaleb Dawson tied at third place with 80 points; Neiman Romney and Jianni Hazel tied at fourth place with 78 points; Dejoie Sebastian with 76 points.

During the event, the late Merritt Herbert, who originated the General Knowledge Quiz many years ago, was honored and remembered.

He passed away on September 23, 2017. His daughter, Delker Herbert Vardilos, led the charge to remember her father and vowed to continue efforts to help the territory’s young people through this platform.

“It’s still hard to believe that my father isn’t here with us. He loved this event! In addition to the devastation from the hurricanes, we were further distressed by his passing shortly thereafter. We want to ensure that we continue to remember him as we celebrate the children because this was so close and dear to his heart.”

Herbert Vardilos also thanked the parents, the quiz’s sponsors and supporters, ZBVI’s staff and the community as a whole for the continued support.

“The community has always been extremely supportive, and we are thankful for the continued prayers and unrelenting support for our family and the radio station in the efforts to provide information to the general public while supporting our young people.”

Again, she urged students to read books and not allow electronic tools to always be the ‘go to’ option. Several other members of the Herbert family were in attendance to support the event and remember the late Herbert.

Carlton O’Neal spoke in his dual role as one of Morning Devotions’ hosts and on behalf of Colonial Insurance BVI, one of the quiz’s sponsors.

“It’s great to see students reap the rewards and celebrate their hard work from the past school year,” O’Neal commented.

“It’s not easy waking up so early to participate in the quiz, but I’m pleased that, with your parents’ support, you continue to persevere. Colonial Insurance BVI also applauds your achievements and is pleased to offer continued support.”

As it relates to the early morning start, O’Neal reminisced on the first time he was on the program after being invited by the late Herbert. He chuckled when he recalled asking what time he should be at the station.

“I asked if 5:25 was appropriate since the program starts at 5:30 a.m. and Mr Herbert quickly advised that around 4:45 a.m. was more like it. He is sorely missed.”

The General Knowledge Quiz is sponsored by J&C Trading, Colonial Insurance BVI, James Todman Construction, Honourable Marlon Penn, D&B Trucking, Virgin Queen Restaurant, Newton Construction and BVI Pest Control. Honourable Archie Christian, Nurse Sylvia Wisdom and LJD VI Block are also faithful supporters.

Mrs Gracia Stevens serves as the judge for the quiz.