Friends of Virgin Islands National Park awards seven university scholarships

Friends of Virgin Islands National Park has awarded seven university-level scholarships to Virgin Islands youth. The $5,000 awards fall under the auspices of the Friends’ two scholarship programs: the Noble Samuel Scholarship and the Jeffery Matheny Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients for the 2022-23 academic year are Ki’Janne’ Alfred (Stetson University, Florida); Sanaa Burke (University of Delaware); Kaj Gerard (University of Virgin Islands); Caliyah Helliger (Howard University); Lila Uzzell (University of Virgin Islands); and Lyric Vacharat (University of North Carolina-Wilmington).

“It is exciting and rewarding to be able to support these talented young Virgin Islanders as they pursue their dreams,” said Friends Executive Director Tonia Lovejoy. “Our youth are our future and Friends is committed to building a pipeline of conservation education opportunities for island youth starting with our School Kids In The Park and Learn To Swim programs, to our Summer Trail Crew opportunity, and internships and scholarships like these.”