Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is happy to announce that it has awarded nine scholarships to Virgin Islands youth studying at the undergraduate level. The awards, totaling $42,500, fall under the auspices of the Friends’ two scholarship programs: the Jeffery Matheny Scholarship and the Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship.
“It is exciting and rewarding to be able to support these talented young Virgin Islanders as they pursue their dreams,” said Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “The future of conservation lies with our youth and our organization is committed to building a pipeline of education opportunities from the School Kids In The Park and Learn To Swim programs to the Summer Trail Crew opportunity, and internships and scholarships like these.”
In their application essays, first-time scholarship recipients, Maxim McMahon and Dennis Bigrigg, both attribute their passion for conservation to vibrant childhoods in the Virgin Islands.
“As I reflect on my upbringing, with memories of herons, iguanas and green sea turtles, I realize the importance of pursuing a field related to resource management, not only for personal fulfillment but also for the future of the Virgin Islands. The delicate balance of our ecosystem and the rich cultural heritage of our islands must be protected for generations to come,” writes Dennis Bigrigg. Influenced by watching the dedication of his mother, retired park ranger Laurel Brannick who served the community for three decades, Dennis will be studying biology at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).
Maxim McMahon is also headed to UVI and will be studying marine biology. An avid scuba diver and longtime lifeguard in the Friends Learn To Swim program as well as a member of the Summer Trail Crew, he said, “Through research and advocacy, I hope to develop and implement strategies to protect our marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. My vision for the future includes thriving reefs, abundant fish populations, and a flourishing tourism industry that respects and benefits our natural resources.”
The Jeffery Matheny Scholarship was established in 2010 by his family in recognition of Jeffery’s love of St. John and supports Virgin Islands students at the university level studying fields related to natural resource management and protection.
Recipients of this scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year are Una Alexander (Howard University), Lindsay Barr (Colorado State University), Caliyah Helliger (Howard University), Lyric Vacharat (University of North Carolina Wilmington) and Dennis Bigrigg (University of Virgin Islands).
The Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship launched in 2021 is endowed by anonymous donors inspired by the life of Noble Samuel, who was a beloved ranger in the Virgin Islands National Park known for generously sharing his love for our park with passion and humility. Recipients of this scholarship, which is inclusive of a paid internship, are Sanaa Burke (University of Delaware), Kaj Gerard (University of Virgin Islands), Maxim McMahon (University of Virgin Islands) and Ameir Sprauve (University of Virgin Islands).
Learn more about Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s scholarships and youth programs on their website at www.friendsvinp.org
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is the official philanthropic partner of Virgin Islands National Park. Since 1988, Friends has been helping ensure that the park’s unique terrestrial and marine resources are protected, that Virgin Islands’ heritage and cultural treasures are preserved, and that visitors and community are given the opportunity to connect with the park through volunteerism, education, and advocacy. For more information: www.friendsvinp.org.
