On what should have been a day of celebration and new beginnings for graduating students at St. Vincent Girls’ High School, the entire community was plunged into mourning Thursday with news that one of their own, 17-year-old Form 5 Technical student Morica DaSilva, had lost her years-long battle with stage 4 cancer just hours after being honored for her extraordinary courage.
As family and fellow students gathered inside the school’s graduation ceremony, a plea for prayers and support for DaSilva, who had been hospitalized amid a worsening of her condition, began spreading rapidly across local social media platforms. Within hours of that post going viral, school administration officially confirmed the devastating passing of the young student.
In a heartfelt public tribute shared to the school’s social media channels, administrators remembered DaSilva as a bright, kind young woman whose warm presence and creative spirit left an indelible mark on the entire school community. Beyond her academic accomplishments, DaSilva was an active and valued member of the school’s Loyal Hearts Ad Alta Choir, where she shared her passion for singing and performance. When she was not rehearsing or studying, she could often be found crocheting, a hobby that let her creativity shine and brought joy to everyone who knew her.
Earlier the same day, before her passing was announced, DaSilva was posthumously awarded the Celina Cordice-Primus Award for Perseverance — a distinction created to recognize students who demonstrate extraordinary resolve in the face of overwhelming hardship. School officials called the award a fitting reflection of the grit, courage, and strength of character DaSilva displayed through every step of her cancer journey.
“ We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Morica’s parents, family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved her,” the statement read. “During this time of profound grief, we keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope they find comfort in the love and support of those around them. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will forever remain a cherished part of the Girls’ High School family.” School officials added that further details about DaSilva’s funeral arrangements will be released to the public once they are finalized by her family.
The grief over DaSilva’s passing extended beyond the school walls to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, where DaSilva’s mother Marva has long served as a member. Union president Fiona Charles-Williams personally reached out to share condolences with the DaSilva family, the school’s headmistress and staff, and the entire 2026 graduating class in a voicenote addressed to all union members.
“… we are in sympathy and we offer condolences to Morica’s extended family and Marva’s extended family,” Charles-Williams said. “We are saddened by this loss, and we ask the Lord to give them comfort in their time of bereavement.”