V.I. National Guard Association’s 2021 Scholarship Recipient Is McKayla Collins

McKayla Collins (left center) is this year’s Virgin Islands National Guard Association recipient (Photo: Capt. Marcia Bruno)

The Virgin Islands National Guard Association presented a $1,000 scholarship award to McKayla Collins on July 15, at a ceremony held in a conference room named after the late David C. Canegata III. Joined by her family, Collins received the award from VINGA president Beresford Edwards and Shenneth Canegata.

McKayla, daughter of Col. Jean Moving-Collins, is the second daughter to receive the LTC David C. Canegata III Scholarship. The 2021 scholarship recipient will attend Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland in the fall. Collins also received a coin from the Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands National Guard Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker.

The late LTC David C. Canegata III spent more than 21 years as a member of the Virgin Islands Army National Guard. His desire to serve his community and country led to his deployment to the Middle East in 2006, culminating in his death on Jan. 20, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This academic scholarship, given in his honor, is an amazing way to keep his memory alive.

For more information about the scholarships, contact Beresford F. Edwards, president of VINGA. The association encourages more V.I. high school seniors to apply each year for these scholarship awards.

VINGA Inc. is a non-profit corporation. The association’s purpose is to promote growth and development, foster friendship and corporation amongst officers of VING, and provide services for its members and dependents.