       |
Since its establishment as a nonprofit organization, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, Inc. has awarded an annual four-year scholarship to two Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School seniors. The total amount of money donated since 1986 now exceeds $300,000. Qualified students are recommended by the high school and selected by a Derby subcommittee. Because of the continued support of the Anne E. Clark Foundation, as well as the support of Vineyard Vines, in 2010 the Derby again was able to award two $10,000 scholarships in addition to two $5000 scholarships to the deserving students featured on this page. The Derby Committee congratulates these MVRHS graduates and wishes them success in their education endeavors.
Michael Williams - Michael transferred to the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School to complete a work study program at the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Hatchery. Michael started his high school career in the automotive classroom at Upper Cape Regional High School. He spent two years in that program and then decided to enter into the Dual Enrollment Program through Cape Cod Community College his junior and senior years. While attending Cape Cod Community College, Michael took a Biology class which sparked his interest in furthering his studies in the area of Marine Biology/ Aquaculture/ Environmental Science. He has always been a fisherman and last year he held a commercial lobstering license after serving as a stern man on a lobster boat for five years. Michael is passionate, conscientious, and excited about attending Salem State in the fall to study aquaculture.
Alexandra Fernald - Ally truly cares about receiving a quality education and has backed this up with hard work and determination. This has lead to her being elected to the National Honor Society. She has been enrolled in a solid college prep program, which has included a mixture of Honor courses and Advanced Placement US History. She is a self-starter who has the academic maturity necessary to be successful in a college setting. Socially, Ally is a caring, sensitive person who was chosen by her peers to be a member of the Peer Outreach program. She has been receiving on-going training to assist her to be a helper for her friends. Ally has fully embraced this program and this year is one of the student facilitators trusted with running the two-day training retreat for the new students. Ally has also done volunteer work at the Vineyard House, which promotes sober living on the island. Ally was a youth lacrosse coach during her junior year. It is clear she tries to make a positive difference in our community. Ally has a positive attitude and a zest for life. She is excited about the possibilities available to her after high school.
Abigail Larsen - Last winter, people in two homeless shelters were a little warmer due the efforts of Abby Larsen. She coordinated a "Warm the Soul Coat Drive" on Martha’s Vineyard. This is a prime example of the maturity and caring Abby exhibited in high school. She is a quiet, unassuming student who truly wants to make a positive difference in the life of others. Being a caring, sensitive person, Abby has developed solid, healthy relationships with her peers and the adults in her life. She accepted the leadership role as editor of the highly acclaimed literacy magazine, "Seabreezes." With her strong academic background, her involvement in activities and leadership, Abby was elected to the National Honor Society. She is looking forward to attending Roger Williams College as an opportunity to continue her development and to engage an enriched learning environment. She has the necessary academic skills, ability and motivation to be a successful college student.
Emmie Schreck - Ranked in the top twenty percent of her class, Emily has consistently followed a college preparatory and honors course of study throughout high school. Her high English grades indicate her significant communication skills. She has the capacity to read and think critically, analyze and evaluate information, conduct research, and could do high level work in any number of disciplines. Emily is a born scientist, skeptical and highly observant, and has her strongest grades in her science classes. She asks poignant questions and is drawn to creative problem-solving. She is also a creative artist, and enjoys the balance art classes offer to academics Emily has successfully worked as a student assistant for several teachers, where her organizational talents and expressive personality are practical assets. She has the capacity for significant future growth. Emily’s independence as a learner is mirrored in her choice of extracurriculars. She has long been involved in gymnastics, long distance running, and figure skating, as well as work, so her after school activities have been community-based. Recently she was involved as an employee in the setting up of an innovative small saltwater aquarium. She obtained a mentorship position at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in the second half of her senior year, where she has been involved in marine research. Growing up on an island provided Emily with the opportunity and first hand experience to become a student of the ocean. Emily has also spent considerable time in the Caribbean, where her passion for marine biology and the sea has been strengthened.