From St. Paul’s to University Scholar: Kensley’s Journey

Kensley Delva grew up in Chevalier, raised by his grandmother alongside his siblings. He lost his father in 2011, and from an early age he found a supportive community at St. Paul’s School. Kensley attended St. Paul’s from kindergarten through high school, where teachers and staff quickly recognized his aptitude for computers. While his family initially encouraged him to pursue medicine, Kensley discovered a passion for technology, which grew with each new course and experience.

Kensley as a 1st grader at St. Paul’s.

Kensley at graduation from the two year program at BTI. He was valedictorian of his class and has now started towards his four year degree.

St. Paul’s became more than a school for Kensley. It was a second home, providing love, guidance, and stability. Reflecting on his journey, Kensley says, “Success only exists in the dictionary.” For him, success is a neverending process, and true achievement requires dedication, focus, and hard work. He advises incoming students to cultivate discipline, take responsibility for their actions, and stay committed to their goals, even when others do not understand their choices.

With support from Locally Haiti and Episcopal Relief & Development, Kensley recently graduated with an intermediate diploma (roughly equivalent to an associates’ degree) and will spend the next two years pursuing a bachelor’s degree in technology at the Business and Technology Institute (BTI) in Les Cayes, a branch of the Episcopal University of Haiti. His long-term goal is to return to St. Paul’s to teach, mentor, and support students, giving back to the community that played such a pivotal role in his own development.

Kensley is proud of his Episcopal faith and of the opportunities he’s had through St. Paul’s School.