Friends of Forrest Scholarship Fund
St. Croix Environmental Association is teaming with the Friends of Forrest to offer a scholarship of $1000 to a St. Croix graduating high school Senior with an interest in studying marine science. Application period is Jan 15 - March 15. Winner will be announced in early April and the scholarship will be awarded during Earth Week (third week in April).
History of the Friends of Forrest Scholarship
The Friends of Forrest Scholarship Fund was established in 2023. Forrest Williams Thomas moved with his family to the Virgin Islands at the age of 10 and his love of the ocean became unquenchable. Forrest used every opportunity to teach children to swim and appreciate the ocean rather than fear it. Forrest was always willing to help someone in need and became one of St. Croix's first EMS technicians. With his passion and sense of adventure Forrest became a Local Legend. The Fund was instituted by Family and Friends to provide opportunities to St. Croix youth who share Forrest's love for the ocean, reefs, marine life and their preservation.
AWARD:
The Friends of Forrest Scholarship Fund is a memorial scholarship of $1,000.00.
Applications may be submitted between January 15, 2025 to March 15, 2025. Applicants will
receive notice by April 15 as to the status of their application. The Scholarship will be awarded during Earth Week 2025 (third week in April).
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QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify for The Friends of Forrest Scholarship Fund, applicants must:
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Reside on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Be a graduating senior from a St. Croix School and matriculating into college/university
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Provide proof of acceptance & enrollment to an accredited college/university
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Demonstrate specific, long-term goals and financial need
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Indicate and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
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Describe meaningful community service/volunteering or work experience
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Describe participation in extra-curricular activities (e.g., clubs, after school programs, etc.) or description of socioeconomic circumstances that prevented the ability to join
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All applicants that satisfy the above requirements will be considered and reviewed carefully by SEA's Scholarship Review Committee.
This completed application MUST INCLUDE (copies acceptable):
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Most recent high school transcript/report card
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Two (2) letters of reference (one must be an academic reference; character reference
also accepted)
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One (1) essay describing the applicant’s love for the ocean, reefs and sea life, efforts to
protect it and how they have shared it with others, children, and adults alike. No more than
500 words
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If there are challenges with online submissions due to access or connection issues, please email Jennifer Valiulis, jvaliulis@stxenvironmental.org for assistance and/or to make alternative arrangements to submit your application.
Friends of Forrester Scholarship Recipients
2024 - Meckayra Bruce, St. Croix Educational Complex
