The Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship has announced recipients of its scholarship on St. Croix. The scholarship, established by St. Thomas businessman Edward P. McKenzie, is dedicated to providing assistance to accomplished high school seniors throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Applicants can apply for scholarships worth between $500 and $2,500 and can be used towards any academic or school-related expenses. These expenses could include traveling, housing, tuition, and support while at school. The scholarship plans to run on a semi-annual basis for upcoming high school graduates.
“It was impressive to see the great things some of these high school students are doing to pave the way for a successful future,” said Scholarship Committee member Drew McKenzie. “So many of these accomplished applicants will be doing wonderful things that the community will be proud of.”
“The selections were truly difficult given the great talent we saw in the applications,” said Scholarship Committee Chairman Edward P. McKenzie. “All are deserving in their own ways.”
Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were awarded to five St. Croix graduating seniors:
Abigail Valery is a graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex and was a member of the St. Croix Educational Complex High School Concert Band, Might Marching Barracudas, S.C.E.C. Jazz Ensemble, Voices of Praise Choir, and VI Youth Ensemble. She plans to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., and wants to study music education.
Caliyah Heliger graduated from St. Croix Educational Complex with a 4.0 GPA. She was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including student government, National Honor Society, Rotary Interact Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Varsity Softball, and Varsity Volleyball, to name a few. She plans to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. and plans on studying chemistry.
Christian St. Rose is a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was elected as its vice-president. He has also been heavily involved with the Rotary Club of the Virgin Islands and was selected to represent the U.S.V.I. in the virtually-hosted 2021 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. He will be attending the City University of New York and studying mechanical engineering technology.
Jessymar Torres graduated from St. Croix Educational Complex High School with a 4.0 GPA. She participated in her school’s student government and assisted the art department in helping release a school calendar showcasing Virgin Islanders. She intends to attend Jacksonville University, where she will be studying chemistry.
Zoe Henry is a graduate of St. Croix Central High School. Zoe participated in a variety of extracurricular activities that included playing as a member of the junior varsity and varsity volleyball and softball teams.
She was also a member of the National Honor Society, student council, poetry club, and J.R.O.T.C. She plans to attend Nova Southeastern University, where she will be studying biology.
“We are incredibly proud of all of our award recipients,” said Edward P. McKenzie.
To learn more about the Edward P. McKenzie Family Trust Scholarship, visit the website at www.EdwardPMcKenzieFamilyTrust.com.
