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A Lifetime of Service: Corinne Halyard Plaskett Named 2026 AARP Virgin Islands Andrus Award Recipient

Prestigious honor recognizes decades of volunteer leadership, civic engagement, faith-based service, and unwavering commitment to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rebecca Hughson,

AARP Virgin Islands

Published September 22, 2026

AARP

AARP Virgin Islands is proud to announce Corinne Halyard Plaskett as the recipient of the 2026 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization's highest and most prestigious volunteer honor.

The Andrus Award recognizes individuals whose volunteer service has made a significant and lasting difference in the lives of others. For Corinne Halyard Plaskett, that impact has been felt across the U.S. Virgin Islands for decades through her leadership, public service, volunteerism, and steadfast dedication to strengthening her community.

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A respected daughter of St. Croix, Plaskett has dedicated much of her life to advancing civic participation, supporting older adults, preserving community institutions, and bringing people together in service to a greater purpose. Her guiding principle has always been simple: service over self.

"Corinne Plaskett represents the very best of volunteer leadership," said Troy de Chabert-Schuster, AARP Virgin Islands State Director. "Whether serving her community, advocating for older adults, supporting civic engagement, or mentoring future generations, she has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of others. We are honored to recognize her with the 2026 Andrus Award."

Plaskett's distinguished career included more than 35 years of public service with the Government of the Virgin Islands. During that time, she held leadership positions within the Virgin Islands Department of Health and the Elections System of the Virgin Islands, where she played an important role in protecting and strengthening the democratic process. Her expertise in election administration led to her appointment to the Standards Board of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, where she represented the Virgin Islands on the national stage.

Even while serving in government, Plaskett remained deeply committed to civic engagement and community service. She consistently encouraged voter registration and participation, helping countless Virgin Islanders become active participants in their communities and government.

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Following her retirement from public service, Plaskett expanded her community involvement even further. After volunteering with AARP for several years, she was appointed Volunteer State President of AARP Virgin Islands in 2017. During her six-year tenure, she became one of the organization's most respected volunteer leaders, helping advance advocacy efforts and community programs that promote health, financial security, independence, and dignity for older adults.

Her leadership helped elevate issues critical to aging Virgin Islanders, including protections against elder abuse and financial exploitation, support for family caregivers, access to health care, and initiatives that make communities more livable for people of all ages.

Beyond her work with AARP, Plaskett has generously shared her time and talents with numerous community organizations throughout the Virgin Islands. She is a founding member of the Zeta Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority on St. Croix and served on the Board of Directors for the local Girl Scouts Council, helping guide programs that empower and develop young women. Her commitment to service has also extended to organizations dedicated to preserving the Territory's cultural, historical, and environmental heritage, reflecting her deep and enduring investment in the well-being of the Virgin Islands.

Her faith community has likewise been an important part of her service journey. At St. John's Episcopal Church, Plaskett served as a member of the Vestry, contributed to the church's Restoration Committee, served as a lector, and represented the congregation as a delegate to convention. Through these roles, she helped support both the spiritual life of the church and its mission within the broader community.

Friends, colleagues, and fellow volunteers often describe Plaskett as a bridge builder, connector, and consensus builder. Her integrity, warmth, patience, and collaborative spirit have earned the admiration and respect of people across the Territory.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service honors volunteers who embody the vision of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus by using their experience, talents, and passion to enrich the lives of others. Plaskett's lifelong commitment to service exemplifies those values and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community.

While her accomplishments are many, those who know her best understand that recognition has never been her goal. Instead, she has spent a lifetime focused on helping others, strengthening institutions, and building a better future for the Virgin Islands.

Beyond her distinguished public service career, Plaskett's legacy includes leadership within AARP Virgin Islands, service on the Board of Directors for the local Girl Scouts Council, founding membership in the Zeta Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and faithful service through St. John's Episcopal Church. Together, these contributions reflect a lifetime devoted to strengthening the Virgin Islands through service, mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.

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