Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith, a high school senior at Montverde Academy and University of Georgia commit, received 4 awards at the Academy’s Athletics Awards night. The ceremony recognizes athletes for their athletic abilities, excellence, accountability, growth, leadership, education and sportsmanship.
Smith is the winner of the Female Scholar-Athlete of Year award, which exemplifies success on the field and in the classroom while participating on a Montverde Academy athletics team. The award looks at academic achievement, athletic achievement, community service and general citizenship.
She will be graduating from high school on May 18 with a 4.32 GPA. Smith has several school records, for Indoor Track and Field/Short Track – 55m Hurdles 8.41, 60m Hurdles 8.65, 600m 1:29.52 and Long Jump 18’ 7.” For Outdoor Track and Field: 300m 40.28, 800m 2:07.95, 100m Hurdles 13.90 (-0.6 m/s), 300m Hurdles 41.56, 400m Hurdles 56.66, and Long Jump 18’ 10.75”
Smith was also voted by her peers and the community as the Female Eagle’s Choice Award winner for the 2023-2024 year. Each varsity team nominated one team member to be put on the ballot to be voted on as the fan-designated student athlete of the year. Between April 1 and April 10, the community was allowed to vote, and the top vote-getter was crowned Eagle’s Choice Award winner. She was nominated by her cross-country team members, and out of the 15 sports, Smith was the top vote-getter with 976 votes.
For Cross Country Smith received the “Unsung Hero” award, and for track and field, she received the “Most Valuable Athlete” award.
Smith expresses her gratitude and appreciation for her fellow athletes, student body, the Virgin Islands community, and friends and family all over the world who took the time out to vote for her. “All this support and encouragement means a lot to me.”
Montverde Academy Athletic Director Khrystal Phiri congratulated Smith on her remarkable achievements and expressed pride in announcing that she was the recipient of not only the Scholar-Athlete Award but also the Female Eagle’s Choice Award for the 2023-2024 School Year.
Phiri noted that Michellle’s achievement was a testament to her dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence — all the qualities that align with the Montverde Academy’s Athletic Department.
