From left, Tashani Williams, Jasmine Cox, Shaudae Richardson (top), and Karim Terence Henry (below). By. THE EDWARD P. MCKENZIE FAMILY TRUST SCHOLARSHIP.
The Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust on Thursday announced that four outstanding applicants from the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive the 2022 scholarship award.
The Trust, established by St. Thomas businessman Edward P. McKenzie, provides assistance to accomplished graduating high school seniors throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and can range from $500 to $2,500, according to the release. It can be used to fund any academic or school-related expenses, which could include travel, housing, tuition, and support while away at school. The scholarship is offered on an annual basis for high school graduates.
“It was wonderful to receive applications from so many superb, bright, ambitious graduating high school seniors. Their enthusiasm and excitement about pursuing their college dreams was apparent from their applications. The hardest part was deciding among so many qualified individuals,” said Edward P. McKenzie, chairman of the Scholarship Committee.
“I am really proud we can lend a helping hand to some superb graduates who plan to pursue college in the mainland. We know the costs are high, and students will confront expenses they didn’t anticipate,” said Scott McKenzie, a 2017 IEKHS graduate and recent graduate of Fordham University in New York.
Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each were awarded to four accomplished graduating high school seniors in the territory.
Shaudae Richardson graduated first in her class from Charlotte Amalie High School on St. Thomas. She is a member of the JROTC, SHE-E-O, SPARKS, Chickenhawks Cheerleading Squad, National Honor Society, along with many other extracurriculars and volunteer activities. She plans to attend Florida International University in Miami, FL, and study Computer Engineering.
Tashani Williams graduated number 1 in her class at Gifft High School on St. John with a 4.2 GPA. While there, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Hairology Club and Volleyball Club, and has volunteered locally in the arts, sciences, and social services. She plans to attend St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, to pursue her interest in medicine and nursing.
Jasmine Cox graduated from St. Croix Central High School number 1 in her class. While graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Jasmine also contributed free time to feeding the homeless and volunteering at the Animal Welfare Center. She plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University with ambitions to study her passion, creative writing. Jasmine intends to attend Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Karim Terence Henry, valedictorian of the class of 2022 of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, is a member of Complex Art Club and member of Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society. When not supporting his local church with weekly Mass, he tutors multiple young students. He plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, to study Interactive Design and Game Development.
“We are extremely proud of all of our award recipients,“ said Mr. McKenzie. “These scholars will surely go on to do great things for themselves, their families, and their community. And that should make us all proud.”
To learn more about the Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship, visit their website here.
