nev-dc Naomi Daniel-browne Scholarship
The Scholarship
To keep Naomi's torch lit and to ensure no child is left behind, NEV-DC established the Naomi Daniel-Browne Scholarship. The scholarship financially rewards the most improved student at the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School in Nevis who is being promoted from grade six to high school. The fund also financially rewards the most improved student being promoted from grade five to grade six at all other public primary schools in Nevis. Both scholarships are rewarded annually.
About Naomi
Naomi Ruth Daniel–Browne was from Meade’s Pasture, Gingerland Nevis. Her lifelong dream was to inspire children through teaching. After receiving her secondary education, she embarked on her teaching career at the Gingerland Primary School, now Joycelyn Liburd Primary School, from 1980 until 1999—taking a short hiatus to attended the Fitzroy Bryant St. Kitts–Nevis Teachers’ Training College from 1984 to 1986.
During her tenure at the Gingerland Primary School, Naomi built a reputation for hard work, commitment, and dedication while establishing lasting relationships with her coworkers and students. Naomi’s kind-hearted and caring spirit was foundational for achieving the coveted title “Best Teacher” from many of the students whom she helped mold and shape over her career. Her students were at the core of her work as she worked diligently to emphasize the best in them. She fervently believed every child should have an equal opportunity to an education.
In addition to being a teacher par excellence, Naomi demonstrated her passion for the students by wearing many extracurricular caps such as School Apex Corp Officer; Student Chaperone for the Mr. and Miss Talented Youth Show; Cultural Dance Instructor; Blue House Mistress; and School Troupe Manager. So seriously did Naomi take her role as Mr. and Miss Talented Youth Chaperone, days before the show, participants moved in with her so that she could continue to prepare them for the big night.
One of Naomi’s greatest accomplishments, as a teacher at the Gingerland Primary School, was the opportunity to track a group of students from grades four to six due to her deep concern that the students needed continuity to preserve the solid foundation she had laid. Those were the last students she taught before migrating to the United States to further her education.
Naomi migrated to Texas in 2000 to complete her Bachelor of Science in Education at Midwestern University. After graduating she continued her exceptional teaching career at the Pointer Ridge Elementary School in Bowie, Maryland where she continued her legacy of positively impacting young minds. The long hours she spent preparing to execute her duties in the classroom were testament to the fact she was personally invested to fulfil her personal “no child left behind” mandate. Her work was so impressive, she received the 2015 Excellence in Education Award from the White House and Congress for the City of Bowie. She was truly an inspiration to many.
Although she resided in the United States, Naomi maintained her love for the people and island of Nevis. She was a founding member of the Nevisian Association of Washington, DC (NEV-DC) and remained an active, contributing member until her untimely passing in June 2019. Her life was wholly dedicated to inspiring and educating young people. In fact, her last act on behalf of youth was to spearhead NEV-DC’s effort to provide school supplies for students who were displaced by hurricanes Irma and Maria, from neighboring islands, and were finishing their education in Nevis.
Naomi’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched during her lifetime. She ignited the flame for knowledge in many and inspired her coworkers to go the extra mile for the children’s sake by the remarkable example she set. Long live her memory. The candle she lit burns on.
Mrs. Naomi Daniel-Browne
