HLSCC Receives $35,900 Bequest From Veteran
The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has received a $35,916 bequest from the estate of the late Alfrieda Mae “Gale” Johnston, a US Navy veteran and former Hodges Creek resident. Entrusted to the HLSCC Foundation, the gift will help expand academic opportunities for Virgin Islands students.
The spirit of philanthropy and service continues to enrich the Virgin Islands community, as H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has received a generous bequest of $35,916.39 from the estate of former Hodges Creek resident and United States Navy veteran Alfrieda Mae “Gale” Johnston.
Johnston, who passed away on November 17, 2018, at the age of 96, lived a life distinguished by dedication and public service. Born on June 21, 1922, she served in the United States Navy during the Second World War as both a recruiter and a photographer before receiving an Honourable Discharge in November 1945.
Her wartime contributions were formally recognised with the World War II Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal. In her later years, Johnston became a valued part of the British Virgin Islands community while living in Hodges Creek, Tortola. Prior to her passing, Johnston made the deliberate decision to designate HLSCC as a beneficiary of an investment portfolio managed through LPL Financial.
Following the full completion of the estate settlement process and associated legal procedures, five asset holdings were liquidated. The resulting funds were transferred to the institution and entrusted to the HLSCC Foundation, where they will directly support initiatives aimed at broadening educational access and academic opportunities for local students.
Richard Georges praised Johnston’s enduring generosity, highlighting the significance of her contribution to an institution with which she had no direct family ties. “This gift is a powerful reminder that a legacy of service can continue long after a person’s lifetime,” Dr. Georges said. “We are deeply grateful to Ms.
Lavity Stoutt Community College in her will. Hers is a remarkable act of generosity from someone who had no direct family connection to our institution, yet chose to invest in the future of our students and our Territory.” Dr. Georges emphasised that the institution will honour Johnston’s spirit of service by using the funds to foster educational growth, ensuring that her contribution will positively impact generations of Virgin Islands learners.
Primary source: Guavaberry