NATHALIE TROW-MCDONALD |

Morgan Dixon and Tianna Johnson Paradise Jam

Photo Credits: Clemrick Bryan, Nathalie Trow-McDonald, & Morgan Dixon

ST. THOMAS – As sneakers squeak on the court, buzzers sound, and coaches yell, the 2015 Paradise Jam Tournament is in full swing in the UVI St. Thomas campus’s Sports and Fitness Center as the University of the Virgin Island Men’s Basketball Team plays against the British Virgin Island’s Allstars on Saturday, November 21, 2015.

The bleachers were full of local residents who wanted a nice evening out and guests who came to show their support for the various teams that played that evening, but there was a new addition to the crowd this year.

Behind the UVI cheerleaders and dance team was a large section of blue T-shirts echoing their cheers. For the first time at a UVI basketball game, there was a student section in the bleachers.

Led by the Student Government Association, any student who attended the game wearing a blue spirit shirt or was willing to have some of the SGA members create sparkly designs on their skin with blue and yellow face paint, was able to get in for free.

This idea turned out to be a success. There was large number of students who not only attended, but also cheered, clapped, and even held up homemade banners.

“It was the most impressive example of school spirit that I have witnessed for any of our basketball games,” UVI President Dr. David Hall said in an email sent to the entire UVI community. “I want to thank the SGA and the students for demonstrating their pride for UVI in such a positive and exciting manner. I have dreamed of this during various basketball games in the past, and to see it manifest itself was very touching and inspiring.” Continue reading GO BUCS! SCHOOL SPIRIT →