      |
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 2011 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.
Sarah Swift has held a fascination with the ocean since the sixth Grade when her class completed a project on marine life. Last summer she volunteered at the “Waters of the World Aquarium” on the Vineyard. Sarah’s quest is to become a marine science related major in college with current career thoughts of working in an aquarium as a rehabilitator or caretaker of marine animals. One dream job would be to work with and train dolphins, but she is also open minded, knowing she has yet to see and learn much of what marine science is all about. Sarah has been accepted into the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s (WHOI) Semester at Sea program for the summer of 2011. Outside of school Sarah has been involved in some aspect of theater most of her life. She has been apart of all of the musicals in her high school career, with the highlight being the invitation to perform in the Edinborough Fringe Festival in Edinborough, Scotland this past summer. Sarah’s academic transcript speaks for itself, but of note are the 5 ½ years of science, including a semester marine biology class and 2 semesters of working as a teaching assistant in the science department. Sarah will attend the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.
Danielle “Dani” Cleary spent her sophomore year in Italy as an exchange student, something fewstudents aremature enough or independent enough to attempt, no less succeed at as high school sophomores. Dani lived with an Italian family and attended an Italian speaking school. This mature young woman challenged herself academically throughout high school, culminating in success her senior year in three Advanced Placement classes and two Honors classes. A National Honor Society member, Dani earned awards for outstanding achievement in geometry, earth science, and physical education. She enjoys helping others, whether it is people or animals. Dani is exploring careers in marine science, looking for ways to help animals, discovering ways to improve our water pollution problems, or studying the effects of climate warming. Growing up on an island, surrounded by water, has fostered this interest. She first became interested in working with people when she was in the eighth grade. Dani traveled with a youth group to New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina. The group helped rebuild a home and comfort the people they met. Dani hasn’t forgotten her experience and is also examining medical careers, working with patients, perhaps in nursing. She volunteered as a junior counselor at the Boys and Girls Club for three summers, giving about forty hours a week and she was an assistant junior high school softball coach. Dani will attend Eckerd College in Florida.
Vincent DeGregorio has taken a solid college prep course load and his strengths are in math and the sciences. He hopes to continue his studies in Marine Biology. Vincent’s grades have been consistent throughout his high school career and his teachers appreciated his conscientious efforts and strong work ethic. One of his real strengths is his computer knowledge. Vincent is a bright young man who is willing to try new electives and he usually does well in them. He was consistently named to the Honor Roll. Vincent was a member of the high school’s very successful Chess Team for the past three years. He won the coveted prize of having the best record in the chess club last year. Vincent is diligent, consistent and focused to succeed. He carries those same attributes into the classroom aswell.He has also been a member of our Art Club and the Anime Club. Vincent is a quiet and unassuming young man who is respectful, kind and resourceful. He is looking forward to the opportunities that await him at the next level. He has the problem solving skills, the knowledge and the right attitude to succeed in college. Vincent will attend Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts.
Angela DeBettencourt is a hardworking student whose success in a challenging college preparatory curriculum did not come easy. She showed growth across the board in all her academic classes and flourished into a strong student her junior and senior years in all Honors level classes. Along the way Angela explored her many diverse areas of interests by taking a plethora of electives. Not many students can say that they took advanced art classes, culinary arts, psychology, Irish History and guitar their junior and senior years. Angela graduated in the top 30% of her class andwas accepted to all the colleges she applied. Angela, out of the classroom, is the example of someone that is involved. She is a three sport varsity athlete who was an integral member on her teams for her athletic ability and her leadership. In both field hockey and ice hockey Angela showed her drive and determination by beginning each sport as a freshmen and not just making the varsity, but becoming one of the more successful players by her senior year. Angela, along the way, has showed an unrivaled level of kindness, humanity and politeness. She will attend the University of Vermont in the fall.