The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) awarded the first two $5,000 scholarships from The Lawyers’ Scholarship Fund at the foundation, which was established last year by former St. Croix attorneys Lisa Harris Moorhead and Susan Bastress.
Diamond Ash and Denisha Emmanuel are the recipients of this year’s awards, which are part of CFVI’s overall 2023-24 academic scholarship cycle. A comprehensive list of all CFVI scholarship award winners will be announced soon.
Ash, a first-generation college student who moved to St. Thomas at the age of 3, is attending William and Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Va.
“My goals include returning home to provide legal services to the citizens of the Virgin Islands, developing a mentorship program to introduce students to the legal profession, and operating my own legal practice,” she said.
Emmanuel, who was born on St. Croix, is attending American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. She has plans to further her interest in international business and the law through campus and community involvement.
“I am beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity and investment in my legal career and future as an attorney,” she said. “This investment is one that I plan to return to my community of the Virgin Islands through enterprise and leadership commitments.”
The Lawyers’ Scholarship Fund was set up to provide scholarship assistance to eligible college students who are planning to attend law school.
“We are delighted that the first scholarship awards are going to these two talented young women,” said Moorhead. “And we look forward to watching them join the successful rising generation of Virgin Island lawyers.”
Donations to The Lawyers’ Scholarship Fund can be made online at https://cfvi.co/LawyerScholarshipFund. Checks can be made out to “CFVI” with the memo “Lawyers’ Scholarship Fund” and mailed to CFVI at PO Box 380, St. Thomas, VI 00804. Credit card donations can be taken over the phone by calling CFVI at 340-774-6031.
