About
Alfredo R. Andrews
1912-1971
On American Independence Day at the eve of the First World War – July 4, 1912- - in what was still the Danish West Indian Island of St. Croix was born a most distinguished and talented Virgin Islands Educator, Alfredo Ricardo Andrews.
Young Alfredo got his early schooling at Friedensfeld Rural Elementary School (1922-1929), and then went to Frederiksted Junior High School (1929-1932).
His remarkable educational career began in September 1933, when he began teaching as an assistant graded teacher at the Friedensfeld Rural School. He worked in this capacity until 1942, when he was appointed principal-teacher at Friedensfeld. In 1944 he became principal of Slob Rural School. He remained there until 1958, when he was appointed principal of Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School. Then in 1962 he was assigned as principal at Juanita F. Gardine Elementary School. He served there until his retirement in 1967 due to illness.
Wherever he was called to serve and in whatever capacity- teacher, principal-teacher, assistant principal, principal – Alfredo Andrews brought unquestioning devotion, caring and zeal. His classrooms and schools were workshops where the lives of countless young men and women were molded for service to others above self. He was cited many times by his supervisors as an honest, loyal, conscientious, exceedingly hard worker who got along well with his pupils and teachers.
A scholar throughout his life, Andrews continued his own education even as he educated others in an age when receiving advance training did not come fast or easy. In 1942, he received his Senior High School Equivalent Certificate. During the mid1950’s he participated in the inservice education program conducted in the Virgin Islands by Hampton Institute, and attended summer sessions at Inter-American University and New York University. In 1958, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Inter-American University, Puerto Rico. He subsequently pursued graduate studies at Hampton Institute, Virginia.
Alfredo Andrews was preeminently a man of the church. At Friedensthal, or “Midland” Moravian Church, he served for many years as a lay preacher, conducted Sunday School, played the organ and piano, and sang in the choir.
In the multifaceted tradition of teaching in those days, he shared his musical knowledge with his pupils and teachers. He also loved drama and participated in several plays and skits. Those who knew him well enjoyed his dry wit and pixieish sense of humor.
In addition to the many hours spent on church, school, and community affairs, Andrews found time to be a devoted family man. In 1937, he married Florence Abraham and together they successfully raised six children.
On July 12, 1971, Virgin Islanders were saddened to learn that on that day Alfredo Andrews had passed away.
The life and work of Alfredo Andrews did not go unnoticed. In 1973 on behalf of a grateful people, the Tenth Legislature of the Virgin Islands passed Bill No. 5893 officially naming the newly completed elementary school at Estate Fredensborg, St. Croix, the Alfredo Andrews School “in honor of [his] memory … and of his dedication and contributions to the Virgin Islands Education System.”
We are proud to induct Alfredo R. Andrews into the Virgin Islands Education Review Hall of Fame as its tenth member.