Cane Bay Cares Supports 2026 St. Croix District Spelling Bee 

Since 2020, Cane Bay Partners, through our philanthropic arm Cane Bay Cares, has proudly supported the St. Croix District Spelling Bee. Each year, the event brings together students, families, coaches, and educators in celebration of academic achievement. 

On Feb. 19, we continued that commitment as a sponsor of the 2026 competition, held at the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium. 

Our support helped fund trophies and medals, participant gifts, event materials, as well as commemorative T-shirts for competitors. 

We congratulate this year’s champion, Rayan Felix, a 7th grader from Free Will Baptist Christian School. Rayan also earned the district title in 2024. 

We also recognize: 

• 2nd Place — Patricia Daytic, 8th grade 

• 3rd Place — Guillian Canceko, 4th grade 

Members of our team were honored to attend, including Kirk Chewning and Jimmy Whatley, and witness firsthand the preparation and courage of these young scholars. We were also privileged to witness the pride of the bee coordinators, the encouragement from parents and coaches in the audience, and the focus of each student as they stepped to the microphone. 

Every participant demonstrated skill and courage. 

We thank the Virgin Islands Department of Education for the continued partnership and the opportunity to support academic excellence across the territory. 

Cane Bay Cares remains committed to investing in educational initiatives that strengthen our youth and our community.