The Derby Scholarship Program

Since its establishment as a nonprofit organization, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, Inc. has awarded annual scholarships to Martha’s Vineyard graduating seniors. The amount of money donated since 1988 totals $843,000. Qualified students are recommended by the school and selected by a Derby subcommittee. The Derby scholarship program has also enjoyed the support of the Ann E. Clark Foundation, the Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Trust, the Dougherty Family Trust, The Windmill Foundation, the Edgartown Board of Trade, and the Howes Family – in memory of Teddy and Sarah Howes. In 2022 the Derby awarded $80,000 in scholarships to the ten deserving graduates featured on this spread. One of the scholarships has been named in honor of longtime Derby President and island educator Ed Jerome, whose vision led to the creation of the Derby Scholarship Program. Another is named in honor of island artist Ray Ellis, whose contributions to the Derby made the scholarship program flourish. A third scholarship has been named the Teddy and Sarah Howes Memorial Scholarship supporting those interested in ocean engineering, and/or, as the Howes would say, "anything salty." The Derby Committee wishes these graduates success in their educational endeavors.

Recipients

Ingrid Moore

Ingrid is the 2022 recipient of the Edward J. Jerome Memorial Scholarship. A top student in her graduating class, Ingrid was a member of the National Honor Society, the Assistant Director of Theater and Musical Theater and undertook numerous meaningful opportunities for community service. In addition, she earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement of the Boy Scouts of America. She served as President of the Environment Club and was Varsity Crew on the Sailing Team.

Ingrid will attend Yale University, concentrating in Evolutionary Biology.

Nicholas Cranston

Nick excelled academically at MVRHS, achieving National Honor Society membership and conducting Honors Science research, promoting aquaculture of edible algae in coordination with the MV Shellfish Group. His interest in developing sustainable food in our marine waters was reinforced by his volunteer work with local organizations that combat food insecurity. Nick also served as Assistant Harbormaster in Vineyard Haven for four years and is undertaking an internship at a local aquafarm, growing oysters and kelp.

Nick will attend Tulane University, focusing on Marine Biology.

Colin McNamee

Colin is the 2022 recipient of the Teddy and Sarah Howes Memorial Scholarship. At MVRHS, Colin was recognized for his outstanding character and he took on leadership positions volunteering for community service at his church. He also gained valuable experience as a summer apprentice maintaining excavation equipment for a Vineyard contracting company.

Colin will attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy, majoring in Marine Engineering.

Benjamin Yancey

Ben is the 2022 co-recipient of the Ray Ellis Memorial Scholarship. At MVRHS, he excelled academically and earned membership in the National Honor Society. Ben was also a stand-out talent in vocal performance and musical theater as a section leader in the Minnesingers and a lead performer in numerous musical productions.

Ben will attend Ithaca College, concentrating in Theater and Performance.

Kayleigh Bolin

Kayleigh is the 2022 co-recipient of the Ray Ellis Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing education in the fine or performing arts. She achieved honor roll recognition in each of her four years at MVRHS and excelled at photography and graphics, earning numerous prestigious awards. She was also co-President of the Photography Club and Editor in Chief of the school Yearbook.

Kayleigh will pursue art studies at Curry College.

Owen DiBiaso

Owen was an Honor Roll student during high school, achieving membership in the National Honor Society in his senior year. Gaining an acute awareness of the environmental impacts from climate change, he has worked for the past two years as a volunteer for the Island Grown Initiative and with the Island Food Pantry

Owen’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and addressing food insecurity have reinforced his plan to pursue college studies in Earth and Environmental Science at California Polytechnic State University.

Delilah Hammarlund

Delilah was in the top 10% of her MVRHS class, receiving several Honor Awards in recognition of her excellence. She interned with Biodiversity Works, which reinforced her goal of pursuing advanced education in conservation and Wildlife/Marine Biology. She was a four-year member of the Environment Club, serving as Vice President and Climate Café Organizer. In addition, she was a Minnesinger performer and was Captain of the Varsity Swim Team.

Delilah will attend Wellesley College, concentrating in Environmental Science and Biology, minoring in Music.

JJ Polleys

JJ is the 2022 recipient of the Gregg Dougherty Memorial Scholarship. He attended the MV Charter School, excelling in technology. His interest in programming and digital printing, combined with his creative skills, have led to his crafting working components of a virtual reality glove, among other advanced projects. An avid chess player, he plans to work professionally in networked computer systems.

JJ will attend Brigham Young University, concentrating on Computer Science.

Benjamin Mulvey

A student-athlete, Ben combined strong academic achievement, graduating in the top 20% of his class, with participation in multiple sports. He earned membership in the National Honor Society and was a member of the Varsity Baseball team. In addition, he was elected to leadership offices in each of his four years at MVRHS, including serving as Senior Class President. He is recognized and respected for improving the school campus, initiating the successful Outdoor Courtyard Project.

Ben will attend Colorado State University, studying Human Centered Technology Education.

Emmalee Toomey

Emma achieved a solid academic record at both Falmouth Academy and MVRHS, earning the respect of her peers and teachers. She has a commitment to helping people and she led the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness as the President for the past two years. A Varsity Basketball player, Emma also volunteered with a local dog rescue organization to place shelter dogs in permanent homes. She is equally interested in advanced studies in both Exercise Science and Law.

Emma will attend the College of Charleston.