02/06/2026
We are proud to announce Adaina Smith, a recent graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, as the inaugural recipient of the Rashida A. Hodge Scholarship. This is a transformative educational opportunity that will cover the full cost of attendance at North Carolina State University for up to four years. Adaina will be pursuing her degree in Business Administration.
Established through a $1 million endowment from Microsoft executive, philanthropist and CFVI Board Member Rashida Hodge, the scholarship is designed to expand access to higher education for students from the Virgin Islands while creating lasting pathways to success through both financial support and mentorship.
As the first recipient, Adaina will begin her journey at NC State this summer, where she plans to study Business Administration on the pre-law track with aspirations of becoming an attorney.
On Saturday, Adaina and Rashida celebrated together, surrounded by family, CFVI board members, and staff to honor Adaina’s achievement.
Congratulations, Adaina! We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish and are grateful to Rashida for investing in the next generation of Virgin Islands leaders.
Group Photo L-R: Sen. Dwayne DeGraff, Karen Hodge, Rashida Hodge, Adaina Smith, Deshaune Webbe, Brian Turnbull.
