Guy Benjamin helps pump up kids
Lifelong St. John resident Guy Benjamin helped the St. John Montessori School get its kids excited about reading last week, as the school did its part for Read Across America.
The 95 year old Benjamin, a former teacher himself, read stories to the preschool class, and had a few read to him.
“Each child greeted Mr. Benjamin with a proper handshake and introduction, and a few offered great big hugs,” says St. John Montessori School Director Debra Polucci.
And she points out it was a familiar setting for Mr. Benjamin. The Montessori School occupies the old, one room Coral Bay public elementary school building, where he began his teaching career and eventually served as principal.
Here’s a cute Guy Benjamin story.
March 12th, 2009 01:29
What a treat for the kiddos! and what an amazing man, what a special day for the students to not only meet a 95 year old, but to hear his story-telling.
Hopefully, when I am down next week I can ‘run into’ this truly dedicated educator. Where can I pick up his stories?
March 12th, 2009 07:13
How fantastic that he not only had the inspiration and wisdom to write his stories down, but how beneficial to the kids that he is so willing to share them. Now they can get a history of their island, times when it was much different than it is now….just think how much things have changed in the last 95 years …electricity…indoor plumbing… automobiles…radio…television… margarita blenders…..
One of my grandparents (who was born in the 1800′s and lived into her mid 90′s) used to say, “Ever hear of the ‘Good Old Days?’…They weren’t so good!”
Oh how I wish I could have gone to school barefoot and in shorts!!!!!
March 12th, 2009 11:41
Just recieved our april issue of CT&Life mag. yesterday & He was showcased with a wonderful , interesting article about all his accomplishments,& his long caring life on the island !Such an inspiration to St.John & all of us alike ! God Bless his 95 years !
March 12th, 2009 22:19
Guy Benjamin is one fascinating and wonderful man. Last March we drove out to east end and just past Skinny’s I noticed someone sitting at a table by the side of the road on the left, selling books. On the way back we parked for lunch and I walked up the road. It was Guy. He wrote a long dedication inside the book and we ended up talking for half an hour. A while later, back at Skinny’s, I realized I still had the $20 bill in my pocket I’d taken out to pay for the book, so I ran back. Luckily he was still there and thought it was funny that we’d both forgotten about paying for the book. It’s a really good book, and describes what it was like growing up on St John 90 years ago. Get the book if you can. Best wishes to Guy. And thanks for featuring him.
March 13th, 2009 08:14
What a wonderful experience for these kids to remember.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
March 13th, 2009 10:22
I totally agree Ruth, what a wonderful and enriching experience.
Mr. Benjamin is so poised and so kind and has so many stories about the island
March 14th, 2009 09:47
The new April edition of Caribbean Travel + Life features an article about Guy (pgs 46-49). It gives a nice summary of his life, has a picture of the book stall in his front yard where you can buy his book, and lists information for purchasing it by mail:
Send a check for $25 made out to Mr. Benjamin to
7903 Coral Bay
St. John, Virgin Islands, 00830
PS- the cover shot is Cinnamon Bay