The Rotary Club of St. Thomas Sunrise has announced that the 2010 Ronald R. Magnuson Scholarship has been awarded to graduating senior Joseph Douglas of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. Annually, the Rotary Club awards the four-year, university scholarship to a graduating St. Thomas senior who has been accepted to the University of the Virgin Islands.
This year’s recipient wrote a compelling essay on “The Virgin Islands High School Drop-Out Rate, What Can We Do About It?” Rotary President Smith presented the four-year scholarship to a very appreciative student during the Honors Night ceremonies at his high school. “I am very proud to award such a deserving Virgin Islands student with a four-year scholarship to the University of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Douglas’ essay clearly outlines the hurdles and obstacles our island youth face today and why the Virgin Islands has such a high drop-out rate.”
The scholarship was established four years ago in honor of charter member Ronald M. Magnuson, who maintained a deep belief and commitment to the education of young people. The Magnuson Scholarship pays for tuition, books and fees for the four years as long as the recipient remains enrolled at UVI full time and maintains a satisfactory grade point average. “We are so pleased that the Rotary Club Sunrise’s Magnuson Scholarship has sponsored two students, Aniqua Donadelle and Angelica Claxton, to help them follow their dreams to a bright and productive future,” said President Smith.
Rotary Club of St. Thomas Sunrise was founded in 2003 and its programs include the adopting of the Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, advancing senior citizen’s programs through the Lucinda Millin Home, raising funds and community awareness for the Rotary International’s Polio Plus Program, and working with the homeless through The Salvation Army.
