Innovative, the leading telecommunications provider in the U.S. Virgin Islands and one of the largest contributors for schools and non-profit organizations in the territory, today announced that 14 students were selected as recipients for the Albert A. Sheen and Innovative-UVI Scholarships.
Virgin Islands scholars, Michael Vante and Khalijah Sweeney of St. Thomas and St. Croix respectively, were selected as the 2011 Albert A. Sheen Scholars. These outstanding individuals were chosen from a total universe of 107 applicants. Each of the scholars will receive a four-year tuition specific scholarship of $20,000.
Vante is a 17-year-old honors student who has already received numerous accolades and awards during his scholastic tenure at Charlotte Amalie High School including serving as the 2011 valedictorian. He also served as president of the CAHS Amalian Chapter of the National Honor Society, captain of the Academic Quiz Bowl Team as well as battalion commander of the JROTC Chickenhawk Batallion. Vante will be attending the University of Miami this fall to pursue a degree in international relations and law.
Sweeney is a 17-year-old honors graduate from the St. Croix Educational Complex who ranked fourth in the graduating class of 290 students. In addition to excelling in the classroom, she has demonstrated her commitment to St. Croix by participating in various community service activities and amassing 500 hours of community service credits. She was a member of the following organizations: National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. Sweeney will be attending Baker University in Kansas this fall to pursue a degree in accounting.
Innovative is proud of its significant relationship with the University of the Virgin Islands and pleased to award 12 one-time scholarships of $2,000 to accomplished students who will attend UVI in the fall of 2011. The Innovative-UVI Scholarships are awarded to six scholars in each district. On St. Croix, the recipients are Murchtricia Charles, Ivoree Friday, Chantel Ible, Claudine Lacdao, Ariane Ramsundar and Suresh Sookraj. Award recipients representing the St. Thomas-St. John District are Olani Beltou, ToQuoya George, Adeiah James, Larissa Joseph, Lacoya Ramsey and Jamisha Stuard.
Dr. Karl Wright, provost of UVI, said, “Innovative continues to be committed to providing educational access and opportunities to the best and brightest. This is a commitment shared by the university. Through scholarships such as these, education becomes a reality for talented and deserving students in the territory.”
