For the fourth year, members of the St. Croix Board of Realtors have donated funds for a scholarship program with AmeriCorp and the Boys and Girls Clubs on the island.
The program, said Diana Robinson, the public relations chairperson for the Board of Realtors, will help with continuing educational needs.
"Realtors agree that it is imperative for today’s business leaders to contribute to the future leaders of our community, and are committed to doing just that," Robinson said.
This year marks the fourth year in which The Boys and Girls Club has received scholarship funds donated by the St. Croix Board of Realtors. The scholarship is set up for the members of AmeriCorps under a federal grant from the Corporation for National Service. It provides members the opportunity to work with The Boys and Girls Clubs at their three Virgin Islands sites.
The program promotes a "Positive Place for Kids" and is always appreciated, said the Club’s unit director, Amoy Douglas.
"We are always pleased that the realtors remember us over the years and continue their support," Douglas said.
Upon learning of Sen. Emmett Hansen’s plea to the community for assistance in obtaining contributions for desperately needed school supplies for Central High School, the St. Croix Board of Realtors did not hesitate to contribute funds.
It had also come to the attention of the realtors that a new non-profit organization called St. Croix Boat had recently been established for those children experiencing disciplinary problems resulting in difficulties remaining in school. Headed up by Frank Cousins, master boat-wright, along with David and Betty McDonald, a "tough love" program has been put into place at the Vocational School.
Not only do students learn discipline, safety, class instruction, and life-coping skills, they have the opportunity to be part of the island tradition of boat building. Two students have received scholarships donated by the St. Croix Board of Realtors, affording them the opportunity to be involved in the building of a 28-foot wooden fishing boat.
It is the hope of St. Croix Boat to sell the vessel upon completion in an effort to continue funding the organization and keep it going.
For more information, contact Diana Robinson at 773-8444.
