May 27, 2007 — Eudora Kean High School senior Claudia Verdant will get help with her tuition at Virginia State University thanks to the $12,500 Javon Jade Alfred scholarship from the Rotary Club of St. John. The scholarship is paid out over four years.
"This is part of what Rotary does. We have a focus on clean water, hunger and education," said Joan Bermingham, who will take over the presidency of the organization in July.
The organization made the award Saturday at the Javon Jade Alfred Day held by his family at the V.I. National Park Ballfield. Javon died in 2004 at age 7 after he was run over by a truck.
Verdant, 17, plans to study psychology with the hopes of becoming a forensic psychologist.
"I know that I will use the money toward my goal," she said Sunday.
Verdant said that she plans to continue her participation in ROTC at Virginia State and intends to enlist in the U.S. Army after graduating from college. She said she'll join up with the Army's medical operations corps.
Her parents are Gertrude and Rufus Verdant.
Bermingham said this is the second year the Rotary Club awarded the scholarship. She said last year, Kershen Disette won and is attending the University of New Haven.
The scholarship goes to St. John residents no matter where they go to high school. It can be used at any college.
Bermingham said the organization was disappointed that only two students applied this year.
"Last year there were five," she said.
She said the scholarship winner is selected based on an essay, grades, SAT scores, financial need and a personal interview.
She said the money raised through the annual Flavors of St. John gala, the sale of orchids and members' help at the St. John Blues Festival goes to fund the scholarship.
"We're very much into community service," she said.
Bermingham said that Rotary gives every first- and second-grader a book. Additionally, every third-grader gets a dictionary.
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