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 ($2,500 per semester) to a local 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 be a local who has completed high school in the Virgin Islands (or be a senior). The student should have a minimum of a B average in high school to be eligible for the scholarship, and maintain, or show effort and improvement towards maintaining, good grades at university to be eligible for renewal. The application requires an essay and two letters of recommendation, one of which is from a teacher.
Please note that while priority will be given to students at the University of the Virgin Islands, local students studying at any accredited university are eligible to apply.
"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 closed.
If you have any questions please contact Taylor White at twhite@friendsvinp.org or call (340) 779-4940
2024-2025 Scholars
Una Alexander, Howard University
Lindsay Barr, Colorado State University
Dennis Bigrigg, University of Virgin Islands
Caliyah Helliger, Howard University
Lyric Vacharat, University of North Carolina Wilmington
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
Scholarship recipient Shareena A. Cannonier graduates Summa Cum Laude!