Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship

The Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship Fund

Jeffrey Matheny loved St. John and the healing powers of Virgin Islands National Park. In his honor, the Friends sponsors a scholarship program established by his family with the aim of encouraging study at the university level in fields related to natural resource management and/or protection.

The scholarship program offers a $5,000 annual scholarship to a St. John student attending or entering into an accredited university with a planned major in a field related to natural resources like environmental science, biology, chemistry, marine science, or oceanography. 

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have:

  • St John residence and have completed high school in the Virgin Islands (or be a senior)
  • Attained a 3.0 ("B" Average) during their previous (and most recent) three-semesters of high school and/or university (whichever is applicable).
  • Studying in one of the degree fields listed above.

Please note that while priority will be given to students at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Johnians studying at any accredited university are eligible to apply.

danielle-olive

"What are the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Fisheries in the Virgin Islands?"

Meet Danielle Olive, one of our college scholarship recipients. Danielle was born and raised on St. Thomas. Her early interest in marine biology came from visits to Coral World with her father who sold merchandise to their store, affording them unlimited passes to the marine park.

From those early experiences getting a firsthand look at the wonders of our sea, Danielle took every opportunity to pursue her passion. She interned with NOAA in the United States, and applied for the Friends' Jeffery Matheny Scholarship in 2015 to assist with her undergraduate studies.

Following her graduation this spring (2020), Danielle had an important question she wanted to investigate, "What are the effects of marine protected areas on fisheries in the Virgin Islands?" Her passion for marine conservation led her to pursue a Masters Degree at the University of the Virgin Islands. Today, Danielle is investigating the life history, traits and population connectivity of the Mutton Snapper with Dr. Richard Nemeth. We are so proud to be a part of Danielle's academic journey, and thrilled to share her story with you! Stay tuned for more from this impressive young lady!

Applications for 2024/25 are open and close on Friday, May 24, 2024.

If you have any questions please contact Taylor White at twhite@friendsvinp.org or call (340) 779-4940

2023-2024 Scholars

Una Alexander, Howard University

Lindsay Barr, Colorado State University

Caliyah Helliger, Howard University

Lyric Vacharat, University of North Carolina Wilmington

2022-2023 Scholars

Caliyah Helliger, Howard University

Lila Uzzell, University of Virgin Islands (Graduate Program)

Lyric Vacharat, University of North Carolina Wilmington

2021-2022 Scholars

Caliyah Helliger, Howard University

Lila Uzzell, University of Virgin Islands (Graduate Program)

Lyric Vacharat, University of North Carolina Wilmington

2020-2021 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Evan Jones

2019-2020 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Evan Jones

Enzo Newhard

2018-2019 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Evan Jones

2017-2018 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Evan Jones

2017-2016 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Lilia Uzzell

Daniel Qualls

2015-2016 Scholars

Danielle Olive

Lilia Uzzell

Daniel Qualls

2014-2015 Scholars

Bridget Ousley

Krystal Lanclos

2013-2014 Scholars

Krystal Lanclos

Clemrick Bryan

Shareena A. Cannonier

Alliyah Maynard

2010-2013 Scholars

Makeda Okolo

Thad Lettsome

Jan-Alexis Barry

Arsenio Julien

ShareenaCannonier_2014

Scholarship recipient Shareena A. Cannonier graduates Summa Cum Laude!